weekend family getaway

columbus day weekend found us looking for a chance to get away and since the boys were off school and ed had the day off from work, i took a vacation day and we headed north. we were hoping to see some beautifully colored leaves on our road trip, but that didn't happen. we did still have a great time! we went to niagara falls - american and canadian sides (the boys were very excited to cross the border and WALK into another country). :)

we took bikes and roller blades, so when we arrived, we did a little sight-seeing on the American side (including riding the "maid of the mist") before enjoying a relaxing picnic lunch and biking & blading. then, we headed across the border and loved the beautiful gardens in canada (MUCH prettier than the american side!!) and explored the "touristy" city of niagara falls, ontario, canada. the boys loved the lights and activity. after dinner, we headed back to the states and went to find our "sweet suite" hotel room that my brother hooked us up with. that was great too! on our way home, we stopped at a park about an hour away for more biking and blading. overall, it was really fun and relaxing. it was a great getaway for our family!!

here are some pics of the trip...