The City of Good Neighbors

Yesterday we went to Niagara Falls with Amanda, Evelyn, and Mamadou. I really was impressed and we had perfect weather and tons of fun.  We took our boat ride out to the falls on the Maid of the Mist.  I am glad I did it but I think it is a bad idea.  It seams really dangerous to me to intentionally drive out really close to the falls.  Amanda and I both put eyes on the cupboard storing infant and child life vests.  I am really glad we didn't sink.

In the afternoon, we stayed close to home and the kids enjoyed swimming in the pool at the KOA on Grand Island, which has been our home for the last few days. This particular pool has two "water slides" that look very much like the ones you would find in a McDonald's play land complete with mesh climbing platforms that weave the path to the top of the slides.  I liked them because they eliminated the opportunity for the children to fall down slick, steep, slide steps.  Maggie ended the afternoon with a new milestone.  She would go down the slide and swim all the way to the edge of the pool all by herself.  It was only about 6-8 feet, but a really big deal for her and for me.  I plan to have her pool safe by the end of the summer. 

The 6 of us had a really simple dinner of steaks, grilled by Dave, and cantaloupe before Dave headed off to play poker at the Seneca Niagara Casino.  The kids and I participated in the KOA ice cream social and were in bed for the first reasonable bedtime in 2 weeks.  Too bad it stays light until 10pm here in the north and I still couldn't get my crew to fall asleep before dark. 

Today we had breakfast at Nate and Amanda's house then spent a leisurely few hours at the Canalside Park. The giant sand box was a hit for the first hour and we found plenty of time for Rook and lunch on the grass.  Mamadou and me against Jessica and Adelaide.  Rook is a card game and a Scates family tradition.  Scates rook skills have to be developed and my oldest two are already creating the foundation for a lot of years of family fun.

While Dagny and Magnolia claimed quality time with their cousin Evelyn, Dave, Adelaide, Alastair and I visited the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park where we toured the USS Little Rock, the USS The Sullivans, and the USS Croaker.  We all agree that living on a naval ship or submarine would be a very bad idea.  Those living quarters make our RV look like the Ritz Carlton.

After soaking up as much sun as we could, we headed back to Nate and Amanda's for dinner, a few moor games of Rook, and s'mores.  If fun is measured in dirty feet, we are having the most fun possible.  Each night at 10pm we gather up our pj's and shower caddies and head to the shower house.  I scrub nasty little kid feet until they sparkle and Dave and I quickly hustle the crew into their bunks to sleep before another abundant day of fun, time with family, and amazing memories.  Every night prayers are full of gratitude for this gift of time and adventure together.  We are so fortunate.

Looking forward to more fun tomorrow as we move on through NY onto even more fun with Dave's family next week.  Sleep tight.

Jll