Niagara Falls

While we were in the area Pat and I decided to spend a few days in Niagara Falls, the waterfall of all waterfalls!

Now, with my traditional Baumgarner luck, the morning we were leaving it decided to snow, and snow...

And when we reached Canada, clear blue skies.

I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too!

By the time we made it across the border, checked into our hotel and got settled in it was 5:30, so we suited up and headed out. Our motel (yes I said motel) was right in the middle of everything which made it not only affordable but also convenient and just a short walk to the falls. Our first stop was Fallsview Casino and Hotel we walked around a little and chose a restaurant for dinner. We waited about and hour to be seated with a view of the falls but our first seat wasn't up to par for our waterfall enthusiast, Pat. So we waited another 45 minutes for a proper seat. The meal was so good that I didn't even care about the view!

 After dinner we walked down to the falls. The temperature was around 19 degrees and with the wind I really wished I would have remembered my hat but the view and lights were worth the frost bite!

Skylon Tower in the background. 

During our stay we visited the falls a few times. The weather was rainy the first day  so we went back before going home to really take it all in.

American and Bridal Veil Falls



The trees were frosted from the mist of the falls.

I think Maggie and Pat have the same passion...waterfalls!

Pat and his favorite things...waterfalls and MILK!!

(my FAVORITE picture)

Canadian "Horseshoe" Falls

Canada on the left and America on the right.

The force of the rushing water is amazing! Even at our hotel there were warnings posted about the possibility of slippery conditions from the mist of the falls. It is definitely a sight to see. I have been a few times in my life but I never appreciated it like I do now...reason #1 I love Pat!!

On our way home Pat recognized a small restaurant that he believed he had seen on the show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. He called and asked, " Were ya'll on the show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives?"...really ya'll???Anyway, the answer was yes so we stopped. I order the fried chicken, it was ok. Pat ordered their signature dish, chicken a la king and the meatloaf and his were really good! I'm not saying I would make the trip to go back but it was an interesting experience. The most interesting thing was the table legs. After sitting down I thought I had stepped on Pats feet before I noticed...

The table leg was legs!! Scared me to death!

And that raps up our mini trip...umm that would be enough for a "normal" person but not for Pat. When he realized we were only 30 minutes away from the slopes we took a quick detour and he hit the slopes for some night skiing at Holiday Valley.

Maggie thinks, 'what he does, I do!'

And finally we made it home! We definitely made the best of our time!

Merry Christmas!

Pat and I made our annual trip to Pennsylvania to spend Christmas with my family.

This trip was not as exciting as the last because of the lack of snow but we made the best of it. Well Pat and I made the best of it, Maggie acts like its the worst thing ever but we all know she has it made...

On the trip up we stopped by a few vineyards in Virgina. Barren Ridge was a favorite, it had a great view with a nice fireplace.

Christmas day is usually low key until the kids show up. The big items this year were iPods for the boys and an American Girl doll for Emily!

Complete with matching aprons made by Grandma

And matching dresses!

*Note: The boys are at ages where they aren't really into pictures so that's why it's just Em...she loves pictures!!

And I couldn't forget about Maggies gift...

That is a treat Pat is swinging in front of her face

 Pat really enjoyed pointing out that his presents were forming a pile that was much larger than mine!

One of the best gifts was from Krista, she such a thoughtful sister-in-law

Just in case the snow never comes.

And in case you were wondering where we stay while we are in PA you can take a look at Mom and Dads gift.

Me and my girls!!!

Even after all of the Christmas excitement Pat was still disappointed that there was no snow. But on the few occasions that he pulled himself away from the weather radar he had no problem finding other things to do. We took Maggie for a few walks in the fields across the street and up over the top of the hill. Maggie must have forgotten that we weren't in South Carolina anymore because when we reached the creek she went right in and over to the other side.

It has been a few years since we have gone for a hike on the hill without it being covered in snow so it was neat to see how different everything looks. And all the streams were high and flowing fast from all of the rain.

I love the green moss. It is softer than carpet.

We did get a few snow showers but nothing that stuck around. That is the other good thing about hiking to the top of the hill, it usually still has snow.

Uncle Tom came along on one trip and he is more familiar with the area so he led us to the top and off of the trail a little and we could see all the way down to the valley.

Sorry, I know it's hard to see. It's so much better in person!

Oh, I almost forgot. Has anyone ever seen the movie Unstoppable with Denzel Washington??? No? Yeah I didn't think so but anyway... that was filmed in the tiny, little town of my origin (kinda)! They even offered what I would guess was a reasonable chunk of change to run a train through or blow up "Carlsons", an old general store just outside of town so we went down to check it out. It was really neat! Original creaky wood flooring, general merchandise and whatever meat you want, cut however you like it. And it also serves as the post office.

Oh, and one more thing...my city boy shooting a gun!! Well guns I should say. I walked upstairs to see Pat and Ryan with the gun cabinet open, examining guns and surveying bullets. Now I have seen Ryan shoot guns, these gun, but Pat???? Well the next thing I know...

Shooting cans off of a tire, traditional target practice!

Our "hunting dog" hiding under the kitchen table, trembling. Aww!

Merry, Merry Christmas to all. Stay tuned for more fun in the Northeast!

Stier Family Christmas

This past weekend we had our celebration with the Stiers. We had such a great time. Everyone was there (almost, Jenny we missed you guys) and on Saturday night we all dressed up in our best/tackiest Christmas attire!

Thank goodness the weather decided to cool off enough that it kind of seemed like Christmas time.

So here we are...Celebrating!!!

Sisters!!

 Santa and his Little Helper

Even Maggie got involved!!

I really think that I can get used to this Christmas x 2!!! 

P.S. Here is our beautiful Christmas tree, per Shelly's request...

This tree was the most uniform, perfect tree I have ever seen. There were no holes or spaces anywhere. I wish I could have gotten a picture with the lights on, it's so much prettier. I hope we can find another one like this next year! I love Christmas!!