NY Camping - Day 5

This summer as most of you in the northeast will attest to, has been quite cool and very rainy. Each day, we had at least some rain while we were camping. Our last full day showed more sun than not, so we decided to try going to one of the beaches on Lake Ontario. The Wilson-Tuscarora State Park was just up the road from the campground. We had done a drive through the park the day before and found it to be a very nice park.

It was only 72 degrees and the water temp was only 55 degrees, but this did not stop our intrepid crew from enjoying the water.

Hannah and Gabe were the last ones out. Poor Dan shivers so hard that his teeth clack together, but he seems to enjoy his water time anyway.

Bessie enjoyed some stitching time in the sunshine after her swim. I did some sketching. I think my drawings are getting a bit better. Maybe one of these days I'll even feel brave enough to share one. I am enjoying keeping the nature journal, so that is good enough for me. Brian enjoyed watching the boats go by. We saw some of the bigger tankers off on the horizon and several sail boats.

We took a break and had a snack and the children had a romp on the large playground structure. Gabe did not understand the need for all the rules on the playground equipment. He is our rebel. We went back down to the beach and enjoyed some more water time.

The whole time we were there, storms kept rolling across the horizon. They were wonderful to watch. There was quite a bit of lightening activity and you could see the rain. Finally one of these storms came too close to the shore and they closed the beach to swimming.

We packed up our stuff and headed back to the campground. It was a wonderful day.

NY Camping - Day 4

Monday we headed into Niagara to the Niagara Aquarium. This is a very nice small aquarium right near the river. We had packed our lunch and ate before we went into the aquarium.

There was a large display area with all things "shark", which the children enjoyed. Seeing how large a Great White Shark really can get was quite the eye opener.

There were many aquariums set up with smaller fish and sea creatures.

The center of the aquarium houses a large circular tank with Sea Lions. What fun to watch them swim by the glass so close.

They held a great demonstration show. The Sea Lion below is a retired Navy Sea Lion. The handler gave a great talk on how they train the Sea Lions. There was a lot of humor in the show and the Sea Lions seem almost human in their silliness. They really seem to enjoy preforming for the crowd.

Watch out the sharks might get you!

This was as close as we got to the actual Falls. Can you see the misty area right behind the bridge. This wasn't high on the children's list of things to do and we knew we would be taking another trip out here another year...next time with passports for everyone.

We stopped for ice cream on the way home. A very nice day.

NY Camping - Day 3

Brian took Dan and Gabe out fishing Sunday morning. Dan doesn't stick with the whole fishing thing for too long, so they were back within 30 minutes or so.

We finished packing up the camper and hit the road. We were driving further west toward Niagara. We stopped once for lunch and gas and mapquest got us right where we needed to go.

The Daisy Barn Campground is right on Lake Ontario. What a beautiful location. The campground was small...only 38 sites and 30 of them seasonal. It was very quiet and we had a gorgeous view of the lake. This is taken out the camper window toward the lake.

We relaxed for a while and let the children watch a DVD. We love the new bunkroom. There are four beds with one of the lower ones folding into a small table. This works out so well for the children to have their own space. There is room for their clothes and a few toys and books.

After dinner, we all went down to the dock for some fishing. Well, I didn't fish but got him some birdwatching. I'm the designated dog watcher, so Gracie and I sat on the stairs and watched the birds. Of course, I'm just trying to identify them and I think Gracie would like to chase them. It was a gorgeous evening and the lake was very calm. No fish were caught, but everyone had a fun time.

I could have sat their until dark just soaking in the beauty.

Everyone settled down eaiser and quicker as we all got used to life in our new camper.

This was Gabe's sleeping place of choice. He just loved having Gracie right with him and I think she enjoyed it too. At home, she is not allowed to sleep in the children's rooms.

Weedsport, New York - Day 2

Our main objective to stopping near Syracuse was to visit the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. We have been there a few times and but each time there is something new.

We started off our visit by having lunch at the Jungle Cafe...always a favorite. We ate outside. While we were eating, the peacocks began fanning their gorgeous tails. Our table was right next to their exhibit area. There were three males and one female. She seemed totally disinterested in all of them, but two of the males were doing a lot of strutting around trying to impress her. I love the colors of these birds...so rich and velvety in texture. I was shooting the pictures through glass, so they are a bit washed out, but you can see how beautiful they are.

We started out on the outdoor trail this time, meandering our way through the path and boardwalk. I love this part of the zoo as there are so many animals in very large open areas. There are many trees, bushes and flowers. It would be a very enjoyable walk even without the animals you get to see along the way.

The penguin exhibit is always so fun. These penguins seem so happy and active and today they were swimming around, diving and zooming back and forth in front of the different glass observation areas, seeming to "fly" through the water. I'm thinking that the warm day was making the cold water very inviting.

This woodchuck was not part of a zoo exhibit, but I had to take his picture. The wild woodchucks at the zoo are living large as they reap the benefits of the open spaces, protected grounds and I'm sure extra feed from the zoo animals. We saw a woodchuck in several of the exhibits and they were all as fat and happy as this guy, who was in the mountain goat exhibit.

After the animal trail, we moved to the inside exhibits.

This tortoise is in the aviary. What a struggle he had pushing the greens around to find the pieces of tomato that were in his salad. He finally was successful.

We continued through the different areas enjoying the marine animals.

The lions.

And the primate house.

Another successful and enjoyable trip to the zoo.

We stopped at a Target on the way back from the zoo. We needed a few things, namely swim suits for the little girls as they had both grown out theirs over the winter. There was a pool at the campground and the children wanted to take a swim when we got back.

The swim was a terrific end to a very nice day.

Weekly Daybook

Go to The Simple Woman to read more.

Peggy is taking a summer break from The Simple Woman's Daybook, but you can continue to read daybook entries at Grandmother Wren.

For Today...June 29, 2009

Outside My Window...a gorgeous view of Lake Ontario from the camper. It is cloudy, but the clouds are so interesting over the lake. The water is a bit choppy.

I am thinking....how blessed I am feeling this week that we are able to do some traveling, even if it is only within a days ride from home. That Brian enjoys going new places as much as I do and that the children are also learning to like the traveling life.
I am thankful for...God's faithfulness in showing us new ways to deal with some problems. I feel we have made a major leap in our thinking about one particular issue.
From the learning rooms...away from our formal learning rooms, but so much learning goes on when you visit the zoo, the aquarium and spend time at the lake.
From the kitchen...our "little kitchen" is serving hotdogs, hamburgers, beans and green salad.
I am wearing...shorts and a t-shirt, but it feels like it is getting cooler.
I am creating...new inroads with one particular child. We are seeing progress.
I am going...to take a walk down to the lake and over to the tree line and do a bit of birdwatching.
I am reading...an Elizabeth Peters "Amelia Peabody" mystery.
I am hoping...for two more wonderful days of holiday.
I am hearing...Bessie on the DS and the younger guys playing with bubbles.
Around the house...very quiet...no one is home.
One of my favorite things...a water front view. I just love the water.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...two more days of camping then back home. Probably 4th of July activities on Saturday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing

Weedsport, New York

This past week, we bought a new camping trailer. We bought our old camper 14 years ago, when we were a family of three. Fast forward and we are now a family of seven and busting out of the seams of our camper.

We picked the camper up on Thursday, frantically prepared and headed out on Friday. We decided to take a shorter trip for our maiden voyage and started out toward central New York. We camped just past Syracuse.

Gabe took this picture out the van window during the drive. These big thunder clouds followed us all day.

After setting up, we all found a spot to relax. Gabe dug out the chess game and he and Brian played a few games. Rachel has been learning the game and likes to watch. I think she is picking up some helpful tips.

Bess always has a few books along and soon found a cozy spot to read.

Later on the Littles found the art supplies. Gracie the dog seemed quite content to nap under the table. Gracie is a terrific traveler.

Our campsite was right on a canal. It was so enjoyable to sit outside and watch all the bird life and the fish jumping. This Great Blue Heron spent hours on the end of the dock. I never saw him catch anything, but he sure enjoyed this spot.

The rain was intermittent all day, but early in the evening, the skies cleared up pretty well and the sun came out. Brian took Gabe out to the dock to fish. Gabe loves to fish and they had a great time. Brian caught a big catfish and Gabe caught several bluegill.

It was a very late night as everyone tried to adjust to sleeping in the new camper. I don't think the children settled down until near midnight. There is always so much excitement and a bit of nervousness our first night camping anyway and with the new camper, it only added to the mix. I'm not sure who ended up sleeping where, but all finally was finally quiet.

Weekly Daybook

Go to The Simple Woman to read more.

Peggy is taking a summer break from The Simple Woman's Daybook, but you can continue to read daybook entries at Grandmother Wren.

For Today...June 22, 2009

Outside My Window...the sun is just peeping through the western clouds and it is almost dark.

I am thinking....how much difference a week makes. Last week I was still waiting for Brian to return. This week he is home and my heart is so happy.
I am thankful for...Brian's safe return home. I don't think I realized just how worried I was for his safety during this trip. Please continue to pray for all our men and women serving our country.
From the learning rooms...ABCs for Dan today. Mostly quiet as we enjoy some much deserved time with Bri.
From the kitchen...sesame marinated beef cooked on the grill (so I guess technically it isn't from the kitchen), tossed salad and macaroni salad.
I am wearing...my comfy lounging clothes.
I am creating...some order out of chaos. Always decluttering and organizing. Always a cross-stitch block in progress and several other stitching and sewing projects.
I am going...to finish on the computer and spend time with my sweetheart.
I am reading...a cozy mystery and homeschool curriculum.
I am hoping...for continued wisdom to make good decisions even when my emotions seem to get in the way.
I am hearing...Brian on the computer down stairs, the washing machine and the soft snores of children.
Around the house...little projects being done and plenty of piles from sorting.
One of my favorite things...a double scoop coffee ice cream cone from Stewart's.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Creation Club, ortho appointment for Bess and hopefully camping.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing

Hanging Around

I never mentioned in the last post what Brian's Father's Day gift was. Well, here it is, a hammock. We have several trees that seemed just to beg for a hammock to hang under them. Brian set it up today and pronounced it a wonderful gift.

Of course, around here, you are almost assuredly going to have company from one or more of the children before long. Don't they look so peaceful? I might have to sneak a few moments lounging myself.