Our Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend

Our drive to Niagara began early Friday morning...one broken plate later we were on the road. (Yes, I broke a plate, on the asphalt, in our parking lot, and could be seen sweeping it up at 6:00 in the morning).

Here is Lowell enjoying our drive with his trusty companion - the green smoothie.
Upon arriving in Niagara Falls, New York - we immediately set forth to find the illusive sweet potato fries Lowell experienced 4 years ago. After a few phones calls and some walking and then asking at a hotel desk - we discovered the place closed down. The summer of 2008 was its last. Sad day in our family... (until I found a place that opened just weeks prior - that sold sweet potato fries with maple syrup, almonds, and butter. Lowell bought two orders and quickly devoured them.)
Then we went to the falls. After viewing them from Ponder Point in the United States - I thought "is that all?" (Okay, I didn't think it, I said it out loud. Lowell just laughed. Little did I know what was coming.)
Cave of the Winds was our next stop - and believe me the "is that all" feeling quickly disappeared. Lowell said it was the strongest he has seen the water in his three visits. Even the "stay dry" areas got you completely soaked.

Here I am modeling my sexy raincoat.
Don't forget the awesome non-slip footwear.(Don't mind Lowell's toe - two words...Church Ball).
The happy couple...

...trying to survive the masses of water attacking them.

I was absolutely dumb-founded by the sheer force of the water. 30 seconds after this picture, I was grateful to be wearing shorts, whereas water gushed onto the deck.
Lowell went to the "Hurricane Deck" to get completely soaked - yeah, the water ripped his poncho. He didn't last long. Unfortunately the video I took is very poor quality with the water splots and long distance filming. You can just imagine it, right?

After the Cave of the Winds adventure (my favorite part, I was tempted to do it again) - we'd had enough of America and ventured to Canada.

So much cooler in terms of viewing the falls, however everything else in Canada seemed a little off (see below).

Maid of the Mist was our next voyage.

The rest of the afternoon was spent walking the boardwalk. We ventured to our room later that day and had one of the oddest bed and breakfasts experiences. (We know where not to stay next time!)

The next morning we arose and tried to find the whirlpool. Yeah, definitely not as big as the advertising makes you think. We had more fun spotting the odd people and things in Canada.

Case in point:

The old guy sun-bathing.

Yes he is sitting in a chair, with his arms to the sky, sun-bathing his potbelly.
NOTHING ELSE.
I love the shirt way the shirt tucks in. :)

Whoever said decorating your front porch with a coffin was a good idea - was mistaken. Especially in the merry ol' month of May.
And please don't forget the hotel that looked like it was straight from the seventies with glowing yellow chairs. For some reason, which we can't understand, EVERY door is open to the rooms. We do understand why no cars were in the parking lot though. :)

After one final view walk past the falls......we headed to Palmyra, New York. We checked in at a lovely bed and breakfast (we definitely know where to stay next time) and raced to the temple for the 3 pm session, the last of the day. We even spoke to one of the members of the Temple presidency who spent 45 years as a healthcare administrator - one of the fields Lowell is considering for a graduate degree.

After a quick tour of the Grandin Printing Press, where the Book of Mormon was first printed, the rest of evening was spent in the Sacred Grove.
We asked for a dinner recommendation and were very happy with the results. Tom Wahl's - 10 minutes from Palmyra. Delicious burgers and milkshakes, and yes we like to play while we eat.
Sunday morning we had a delicious breakfast that included, but was not limited to, cornbread blueberry muffins and peach-stuffed french toast. Heavenly! We then attended church in Palmyra which was a wonderful experience. I sat next to the "Candy Lady" who shared her mint truffles with me, while Lowell was complimented by a guy who noticed Lowell opening the car door for me - both when we get in the car and when we get out.

After church we spent some time at the Hill Cumorah.

The Joseph Smith, Sr. farm was our last stop.

We decided that the Church only uses the pokey gravel for historical sites. Both in Palmyra and Nauvoo, my flip flops were almost completely worn out after walking on the gravel paths. Lowell says I should wear different shoes. I disagree.

We then admired the beautiful Palmyra Temple one final time and headed home.


'twas a wonderful weekend indeed.