Niagara Falls - who knew it could be so much fun.
well - if all starts out in Columbus where the exchanging of the package occurs ......OH and the annual "trip to chick-fil-a" for a peach milk shake.
1st an amazing visit to the Niagara Power Vista - we learned a lot about energy and Tesla. Then walking around the falls - Goat Island and Prospect Point. Gramma Gramma tuckered him out as you can see.
And vacation would not be complete unless we visited a zoo. The Buffalo - a 5 hour trek. The highlight.... maybe the birds. I know Tyler loved feeding them. The Kukoburra, who was housed with the parakeets, had it's own enclosure because.....they are meat eater and guess what time it was ---- lunch. We ended the day by visiting the Erie Museum in Port Byron.
Fun in Tupper Lake
Fourth of July fun with Friends
Today we had the best of holidays at a friends home in Syracuse. She had three kiddos, another friends also had three and then Tyler. 4 girls, 3 boys and all under 7. They had so much fun first in a bouncy house and then with the slip and slide, we had a flag parade, s'mores over the fire pit, sparklers, and food, lots and lots of delicious American food.
Having fun in Louisville
KY is fun time we are on count down time for Tyler's summer vacation in NY. It is Wednesday and we leave Friday - can't wait.
NICK'S LAKE FUN WITH UNC
LEGO LOVE
Today Tyler discovered his Uncles collection of legos. His favorite --- the little men with detachable helmets.
Summer Fun at gramma gramma's house
1. double barrel ghost buster machine
2. pictures for mom under the flowers
3. new haircut - and bribe
2. pictures for mom under the flowers
3. new haircut - and bribe
I wanted to caption all the photos but couldn't make it work. we had water balloon fights, id'd a water beetle, count the frogs every night, ate our first smores from the microwave and making friends with Ethan and Molly.
On our way to Kentucky.
Home in La Grange
Can you guess what we have been doing?? If you guess visiting playgrounds you are correct. 4 in La Grange, 1 in Goshen, 1 in Stamping Ground and we still have Friday and Saturday left. We have been letterboxing as well and Tyler has planted 3 here.
From NY to KY
At the Columbus Zoo -
We took our time getting back to La Grange. After a not so early Saturday start we got to the Rochester Zoo and back on the road about dinner time. Remember, we can't pass up a playground and here was no exception. But silly grandparents that we were forgot it was the middle of August and the weekend. We weren't about to spend $100.00 a night for a room so we found a rest stop somewhere in Ohio. It was ok. Tyler slept very well, even through a horrible thunder storm. Granbe can sleep anytime and I sat at a picnic table reading until the rain drops started to fall. On Sunday we revisited the Columbus Zoo and STILL haven't seen it all. We found a wonderful hotel, La Quinta, using a discount coupon. We always get a king bed so little guy can sleep between us. He didn't kick too much. Then on Monday we got to visit my favorite place - IKEA and got a lot a great "stuff". I quick trip to Jungle Jims - you've got to visit sometime - aisle after aisle of every brand and kind of ethnic food you can think of including fresh fruits and vegies. Made it to La Grange by 3 pm so Libby could finally go outside and we crashed. I don't even remember what we did but it probably included a playground.
At the zoo he unbelievably ran up to this manatee and shook his hand.
At the zoo he unbelievably ran up to this manatee and shook his hand.
Day 13 and beyond.
The rest of Tyler's vacation with us seemed to pass in a blur. Departure day came a bit too soon. We finally made it to the Syracuse Zoo on the Friday before we left. I had forgotten how when we would take Joshua to the zoo or a museum. We would joke about our whirlwind tour. Tyler isn't much different. I had fun telling him about the various animals but I had to talk fast because we were off to other places. The penguins really kept his attention. A brief moment to rest after walking up the hill to the elephants. And it was brief!!!
Day 12 - A sunny and hot Saturday.
Tyler spent the morning helping his GranBe weed the mums and watered them. Watering seems to take all day but it doesn't and besides, with Tyler to help it keeps you entertained. He is a great story teller.
Day 11 - Heavy Rains storms leads to Syracuse shopping but no Zoo
Today we planned to go to the Syracuse Zoo but woke to rain storm predictions and the were right. We did venture to Syracuse anyway and did some shopping, visited the Dewitt Play ground where Tyler got to show off for the "kids". Then we made a home visit to our friend Rene's house to see just where she was getting into poison ivy. we found it!!!!!!
Day 10 - Busy Day at Home
I guess we played too hard today because Tyler sacked out under the coffee table. We picked him up and carried him home and all was well.
We can usually tell when he is ready for bed by his cues:
1. glassy eyed stare
2. hides under a blanket
3. finds a sheltered place to lay down.
We can usually tell when he is ready for bed by his cues:
1. glassy eyed stare
2. hides under a blanket
3. finds a sheltered place to lay down.
Day 9 - Delta Lake, McConnellsville, Canastota....
I have taken Wednesday's and Friday's off at work so we can go explore. Today we visited the Delta Lake Fish Hatchery and saw some REALLY big fish.
Letterboxing
Then we went letterboxing in Mc Connellsville
Canastota Park
Guess where we went next??
After letting James and Gran off at church for practice, GramBe and Tyler found a cool park down the road.
After letting James and Gran off at church for practice, GramBe and Tyler found a cool park down the road.
Day 8 - Not just another day
Off on another adventure - This time we're going to Dunham Manor again but we are planting a letterbox. The Lacustrain and the Riparian are doing a series throughout Whitestown at the various playgrounds.
Day 7 - Another day with GramBe
Today Tyler got to help GramBe and Willie at the store. He helped Willie throw away the yukky plants. Willie is so attentive to Tyler and would make a great big brother.
After dinner - you guessed it, we went to another playground. Dunham Manor in Whitesboro.
After dinner - you guessed it, we went to another playground. Dunham Manor in Whitesboro.
Day 6 - Sunday
Sunday morning is always church. We travel to Canastota. This summer we are renting the United Churches Building. Really makes us appreciate the air conditioning in our other building. But it is nice to have a larger area for Sunday School and nursery time.
We have a routine ourselves that goes something like this:
Church
Aldi's
Tractor Supply Center - sometimes
Wendy's
Big Lots
and home.
Tyler fit right in - he bought a big bucket of sidewalk chalk for his chalk board at the store.
We have a routine ourselves that goes something like this:
Church
Aldi's
Tractor Supply Center - sometimes
Wendy's
Big Lots
and home.
Tyler fit right in - he bought a big bucket of sidewalk chalk for his chalk board at the store.
Day 5 - Nick's Lake
It was a very hot day in the city, but the mountains offered a welcomed change. I think we played in the water for two hours. Remembered to sunscreen up Tyler and James and forgot about my upper arms. Yikes but not to bad.
Tyler met a family at the playground - five young ladies (all under 6). They decided to dig a very big hole in the sandbox. Yes, he was the center of attention.
Tyler met a family at the playground - five young ladies (all under 6). They decided to dig a very big hole in the sandbox. Yes, he was the center of attention.
Day 4 - A day at home with GramBe
While I took Uncle James to Syracuse, Tyler and his GramBe had a fun time together that ended with, of course, a trip to the park - This time in Whitestown on Gibson Road. Doesn't this little boy ever get tired. I know we sure do.
Day 3 - Gran's House and Bob the Builder
We have settled into a very nice routine. After Ice cream, a bath, & stickers for brushing our teeth, we head over to Gran's house for a story, a video and then off to bed.
Today GramBe went to Chancellor Park in Utica before picking me up at work.
Evening found us at the New Hartford Shopping Center looking at all the fire engine's. Tyler played the captain and climbed aboard even ringing the bell on one of the engines. Even thought it was a VERY hot night we had a lot of fun with Aunt Deba, and Ge Ge along.
Today GramBe went to Chancellor Park in Utica before picking me up at work.
Evening found us at the New Hartford Shopping Center looking at all the fire engine's. Tyler played the captain and climbed aboard even ringing the bell on one of the engines. Even thought it was a VERY hot night we had a lot of fun with Aunt Deba, and Ge Ge along.
Day 2 - Akron to Utica, PA to Whitesboro, NY
Tyler loves to visit parks and we found this great one with a small climbing wall in Utica, PA where we went to plant a letter box. What fun we had. After we left for our NY home. What a great kid Tyler is when he is traveling. We watched Bob the Builder and Kipper while speeding along the Thruway.
Day 1 - Powell, Ohio to Akron.
After trying for an hour to locate our met up place with Tyler and his parents we finally found the school. Since it was so hot out we decided against letterboxing and made our way to GRAETERS - for the best ice cream in a waffle cone south of New York. They have such flavors as Buckeye Blitz.
Day 1
.
Then it was goodbyes to mom and dad Bond and we drove over to the Columbus Zoo. I know - why would we go to the zoo in this heat. Because, that was the plans and they had many AC'd buildings. We only saw half of the zoo and looked longingly at the water park. Tyler surprised us because he found the sculptures, the playground and the recycling center more fascinating than the animals.
Our first stop was at the North American exhibit area with a fantastic polar bear habitat. We were able to watch the polar bear fish for his dinner and then he ate it right on top of us. Oh the inventions of modern plastic so strong it can hold a bear.
Then it was goodbyes to mom and dad Bond and we drove over to the Columbus Zoo. I know - why would we go to the zoo in this heat. Because, that was the plans and they had many AC'd buildings. We only saw half of the zoo and looked longingly at the water park. Tyler surprised us because he found the sculptures, the playground and the recycling center more fascinating than the animals.
Our first stop was at the North American exhibit area with a fantastic polar bear habitat. We were able to watch the polar bear fish for his dinner and then he ate it right on top of us. Oh the inventions of modern plastic so strong it can hold a bear.
Just two more days.....
The car is clean, the clothes are washed, reservations made, now all we need to do is pack the car.
Then I came across an article entitled "traveling in a car with children" and the years of vacations with four kids came flooding back. Now that we are thirty years older - I think one will be all we can handle. So, in preparation of our third summer with the tyler man I read this article hoping for some "new" clues only to find a bit too much humor but I did glean some reminders.
1. Bottles of water - check - Doug never travels with out his supply of water so he can make tea with those little itty bitty packets.
2. Keep a good supply of snacks - double check - Doug just loves those Snyder pretzels that are little waffle shapes - says they keep him alert. huh???? For the T-man we have some nifty little packages of wonderful tidbits that I would NEVER buy for my kids.
3. Entertainment - now things are getting a bit more challenging - I have heard that Tyler is his own source of entertainment and does quite a bit of story telling. I wonder if he is old enough for the alphabet game. probably not but maybe i spy. If all else fails, I can always pop a DVD into the computer.
Then I came across an article entitled "traveling in a car with children" and the years of vacations with four kids came flooding back. Now that we are thirty years older - I think one will be all we can handle. So, in preparation of our third summer with the tyler man I read this article hoping for some "new" clues only to find a bit too much humor but I did glean some reminders.
1. Bottles of water - check - Doug never travels with out his supply of water so he can make tea with those little itty bitty packets.
2. Keep a good supply of snacks - double check - Doug just loves those Snyder pretzels that are little waffle shapes - says they keep him alert. huh???? For the T-man we have some nifty little packages of wonderful tidbits that I would NEVER buy for my kids.
3. Entertainment - now things are getting a bit more challenging - I have heard that Tyler is his own source of entertainment and does quite a bit of story telling. I wonder if he is old enough for the alphabet game. probably not but maybe i spy. If all else fails, I can always pop a DVD into the computer.
June 2011
The planning is just beginning for this years visit with Tyler. If all goes according to plans he will be arriving July 19th and we get him for a whole month and then we all drive back to KY. I can't wait. Now I have a good excuse to visit the zoo and Fort Ricky and of course the beach and a canoe trip. Today I looked at a beautiful book my friends daughter made of their grandchildren. It was just what I needed to get me thinking about making one of Tyler's Summer Vacation.
Shopping List - Back Pack Contents
Camera
Back Pack
Lunch Bag
Crayons, Pencils, Glue Stick, Scissors, Tape
Scrapbook
Letterbox Log Book
Stamp and Stamp Pad
Bug Spray, Sun Screen
First Aid Kit
Snacks
Back Pack
Lunch Bag
Crayons, Pencils, Glue Stick, Scissors, Tape
Scrapbook
Letterbox Log Book
Stamp and Stamp Pad
Bug Spray, Sun Screen
First Aid Kit
Snacks
Ideas
1. Town Parks and Scrapebook
2. Fort Rickey, Fort Stanwix
3. Letterboxing along the Erie Canal
4. Verona Beach, swimming and hiking
5. Delta Lake, Pixley Falls, Sand Plains
6. Old Forge, Moss Lake with canoeing and camping
7. Camden
8. Boonville Fair
2. Fort Rickey, Fort Stanwix
3. Letterboxing along the Erie Canal
4. Verona Beach, swimming and hiking
5. Delta Lake, Pixley Falls, Sand Plains
6. Old Forge, Moss Lake with canoeing and camping
7. Camden
8. Boonville Fair
When in Rome
FORT RICKEY DISCOVERY ZOO
Summer 2011
Monday June 13th through Labor Day
Hours: Daily 10AM to 5PM
Adults are 9.50, children are 6.50 but there is a coupon online that will let children in free with an adult.
DELTA LAKE STATE PARK
Swimming and Hiking Area - $7.00 per car
Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission
Rome Area Chamber of Commerce
Fort Stanwix National Monument
April 1 – October 30 free admission
Willett Center: Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fort: Open daily 9:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Summer 2011
Monday June 13th through Labor Day
Hours: Daily 10AM to 5PM
Adults are 9.50, children are 6.50 but there is a coupon online that will let children in free with an adult.
DELTA LAKE STATE PARK
Swimming and Hiking Area - $7.00 per car
Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission
Rome Area Chamber of Commerce
Fort Stanwix National Monument
April 1 – October 30 free admission
Willett Center: Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fort: Open daily 9:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Sylvan Beach
Sunset Celebration
July 11, 18, 25 August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: - 5pm - 9pm
Artists, Vendors and Entertainers are welcome to set up on the beachfront grassy area. There will also be a "Boot Fair" in the south end of the parking lot with people being able to sell garage sale type items out of the trunks of their cars. Sellers can set up one table behind their car. Showcase your talent, sell your goods, browse or simply enjoy our famed Sunset.
August 13 & 14th: CANAL FEST 2011
Verona Beach State Park $7.00 per car
July 11, 18, 25 August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: - 5pm - 9pm
Artists, Vendors and Entertainers are welcome to set up on the beachfront grassy area. There will also be a "Boot Fair" in the south end of the parking lot with people being able to sell garage sale type items out of the trunks of their cars. Sellers can set up one table behind their car. Showcase your talent, sell your goods, browse or simply enjoy our famed Sunset.
August 13 & 14th: CANAL FEST 2011
Verona Beach State Park $7.00 per car
Ohio Zoos
OHIO
African Safari Wildlife Park(419) 732-3606
Akron Zoological Park(330) 375-2550 $15.00 (50%admit, $2 park)
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery(937) 275-7431- dayton ohio
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens(513) 280-4700
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo(216) 661-6500 $15.00 (50%, free park)
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium(614) 645-3550 $23.00 (50%, $5 park)
Toledo Zoo(419) 385-4040 $15.00 plus park (50%)
The Wilds, Cumberland(614) 724-3689
African Safari Wildlife Park(419) 732-3606
Akron Zoological Park(330) 375-2550 $15.00 (50%admit, $2 park)
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery(937) 275-7431- dayton ohio
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens(513) 280-4700
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo(216) 661-6500 $15.00 (50%, free park)
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium(614) 645-3550 $23.00 (50%, $5 park)
Toledo Zoo(419) 385-4040 $15.00 plus park (50%)
The Wilds, Cumberland(614) 724-3689
Scrapbooking
One thing I hope to accomplish with Tyler is having him contribute to a scrapbook of what he did while vacationing in NY. I know it will mostly be pictures we take of him and stuff we pick up while out and about but I know he loves to color so I hope he will add some of his art work to the blank pages.
Here he is last year with his Aunt Deba.
Here he is last year with his Aunt Deba.
ROME, NY
CAMDEN, NY
Forest Park
Gifford Lake/West Branch Fish Creek
Gifford Lake/West Branch Fish Creek
WATERFALLS IN NEW YORK STATE
Northeast Waterfalls
http://www.northeastwaterfalls.com/database.php?browse=st&sort=NY
http://www.northeastwaterfalls.com/database.php?browse=st&sort=NY
ERIE CANAL
Old Erie Canal
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/17/details.aspx
New Erie Canal - Barge Canal
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XFA057-159
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/17/details.aspx
New Erie Canal - Barge Canal
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XFA057-159
TRAILS
Canalway Trail - Erie Section (Camillus to Port Byron)
Gorge Trail
Auburn-Fleming Trail
Jim Schug Trail
East Ithaca Recreation Way
South Hill Recreation Way
Keuka Outlet Trail
Ontario Pathways Rail Trail
Canalway Trail--Erie Canal Heritage Trail
Catharine Valley Trail
Black River Trail
Vestal Rail Trail
Auburn Trail
Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Trail
Lehigh Valley Trail
Gorge Trail
Auburn-Fleming Trail
Jim Schug Trail
East Ithaca Recreation Way
South Hill Recreation Way
Keuka Outlet Trail
Ontario Pathways Rail Trail
Canalway Trail--Erie Canal Heritage Trail
Catharine Valley Trail
Black River Trail
Vestal Rail Trail
Auburn Trail
Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Trail
Lehigh Valley Trail
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
July 19 Cleveland and Akron Zoo
July 20 Pennsylvania Zoo
July 22 Camden with AJ
July 23
July 24 Church, Sylvan Beach
July 27 Moss Lake camping
July 29 Rome with AJ
July 30
July 31 Church,
August 3 Canastota - Swimming, Boxing, Church
August 5
August 6
August 7 Church,
August 10 VBS - Syracuse Zoo
August 12 VBS - Leave NYS
August 13 Home to Kentucky
After work Doug is picking me up and we are going to a town park for a picnic and letterboxing. Tuesday I will be in Rome but Monday I will be in Utica and Thursday we will recover from Wednesday and get ready for Friday. I'm tired already.
TOWN PARKS
TOWN PARKS
Kentucky Beaches
Who would have thought Kentucky had beaches
CARR CREEK BEACH : Catch the sun’s rays on one of the longest and the largest sand beach in Kentucky, which is open during the summer season. 4 hours from Louisville south eastern KY - state park
KENTUCKY LAKE BEACH : Is said to be the heart of West Kentucky Tourism, and is one of the world's largest man-made lakes, having 160,000 surface acres and 2,300 miles of shoreline. south western kentucky
GREEN RIVER LAKE BEACH : A recreational paradise in south-central Kentucky, having an 8,200-acre lake provides excellent opportunities for any water sport. This feature is best for the nature lovers, who want to explore Kentucky. 2 hours south of Louisville
BARREN RIVER LAKE BEACH : A 10,000-acre lake situated in the south central Barren County Kentucky, is almost 35 miles south of the largest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave National Park. This artificial lake was completed by the Corps of Engineers in 1964. 2 hours south west of Louisville
LAUREL RIVER LAKE BEACH : One of the most scenic lake beach, and located within the Daniel Boone National Forest on a tributary just a few miles from Lake Cumberland, has 192 miles of cliff-lined shore. 3 hours southeast of Louisville
YATESVILLE LAKE BEACH : Spread in an area of 2,300-acres, located in Lawrence County on Blaine Creek, about 18 miles above the mouth, and is four miles south of Yatesville and about five miles west of Louisa. 3.5 hours east of Louisville
MARTINS FORK LAKE BEACH : Small but attractive 340-acre lake, offering excellent recreational opportunities in the scenic mountainous terrain of Harlan County. southern kentucky
I think we will visit Daniel Boone National Forest when we are in Ky, at least the north east part.
CARR CREEK BEACH : Catch the sun’s rays on one of the longest and the largest sand beach in Kentucky, which is open during the summer season. 4 hours from Louisville south eastern KY - state park
KENTUCKY LAKE BEACH : Is said to be the heart of West Kentucky Tourism, and is one of the world's largest man-made lakes, having 160,000 surface acres and 2,300 miles of shoreline. south western kentucky
GREEN RIVER LAKE BEACH : A recreational paradise in south-central Kentucky, having an 8,200-acre lake provides excellent opportunities for any water sport. This feature is best for the nature lovers, who want to explore Kentucky. 2 hours south of Louisville
BARREN RIVER LAKE BEACH : A 10,000-acre lake situated in the south central Barren County Kentucky, is almost 35 miles south of the largest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave National Park. This artificial lake was completed by the Corps of Engineers in 1964. 2 hours south west of Louisville
LAUREL RIVER LAKE BEACH : One of the most scenic lake beach, and located within the Daniel Boone National Forest on a tributary just a few miles from Lake Cumberland, has 192 miles of cliff-lined shore. 3 hours southeast of Louisville
YATESVILLE LAKE BEACH : Spread in an area of 2,300-acres, located in Lawrence County on Blaine Creek, about 18 miles above the mouth, and is four miles south of Yatesville and about five miles west of Louisa. 3.5 hours east of Louisville
MARTINS FORK LAKE BEACH : Small but attractive 340-acre lake, offering excellent recreational opportunities in the scenic mountainous terrain of Harlan County. southern kentucky
I think we will visit Daniel Boone National Forest when we are in Ky, at least the north east part.