The Botanical Gardens / Thursday

On Thursday Jules and I went to The Botanical Gardens with my mom, it was one of the hottest days of Summer but she had the day off of work and needed to activate a groupon she bought for a Grandparent membership there.  We sweated through all of the houses, next time we plan to go when it's a bit cooler since no ac.  It was beautiful and dreamy but it was hot!

Paddle Boating

There were two things I wanted to try with Jules while we were in Chautauqua: rnt bikes and go on a paddle boat ride.  I knew we wouldn't get to do both, so while we explored the Institution on Wednesday we checked out our options. Chautauqua offers both bike rentals and paddle boat rentals, bikes can be rented hourly or daily, paddle boats by the half-hour.  Since we had done neither of these activities with J we decided to go for the less expensive option of paddle boating at only $5 per half hour. So perfect!

We went Thursday morning, our original plan was to go after lunch on Wednesday but J fell asleep in his stroller on the way there.  When we got there they were a little hesitant since the lake was a little choppy from a thunder storm the night before, however, since we were only going out in a paddle boat they thought we'd be ok.  Also we promised to stay close since we didn't know if Jules would even like the ride.  He hated wearing the life jacket, wouldn't even try it on.  We got him into it and once we were out there he seemed to like it ok.  That view though, worth every cent of that $5.

Ben rarely smiles in photos, love this one of him so much!

Chautauqua: Palestine Park

While we were in Chautauqua we had no plans to do anything, we mostly just spent our time exploring the institution.  As we were walking along the lake we happened upon Palestine Park.  I am not a particularly religious person but I still thought this was a really cool replica of the holy land.  Of course we didn't realize what it was until after we climbed all over "Mt Hermon" and ran through and around the "cities" and landmarks.  Also that view of the lake from where we were standing didn't suck.

 

 

 

 

Old Home Days / Friday

 

As we were driving down Main St on Tuesday evening to head to Chautauqua everyone was setting up their chairs for the Old Home Days parade.  Luckily we made it out just before the parade began and we made it home in time to enjoy the last day of the carnival. 

At first Julian didn't want to go on any ride without me, but he warmed up and he went on all of the rides at least once (age/size appropriate), some even twice in a row (like the REALLY big slide, he loved that one!).

 

 

Chautauqua: Tues, Wed, Thurs

This week we stayed with Ben's parents inside the Chautauqua Institution.  They rented a condo and invited us to stay a few days to get away and relax.  We really loved being there, the setting is so peaceful and Julian had a blast.  I even started researching renting our own for a week next year.

Sunday Bath

 

Yesterday Julian went to a pool party with my mom, she said that he fell asleep on the way there and stayed asleep for almost the entire time! I must've tired him out all morning playing at home.  I went shopping with my sister, tried on a few things but left empty handed.

 

Usually Dad does tubby time but last night I did it so Dad could relax.  I asked Julian if he wanted a bubble bath (YES!) and while he was playing I asked him how his day was (good) and what he did.  To that he said, "I took a tub and everything!"  This little boy is so so funny.   

 

 

 

Cherry Pickin' / Friday

Yesterday we went cherry picking. On the way we stopped at a little hot dog stand for french fries and milkshakes and then continued north to Burt, NY to Kappus Farms. I am now furiously looking up delicious cherry recipes so that I can use these all up before they go bad (we picked about 10 pounds!). I can't wait to go back later in the season to pick some peaches and apricots!

 

 

Where Dad Works

 

Ben doesn't work on Wednesdays. Normally Julian would be in daycare but today we decided to take a quick trip to Niagara Falls to the Aquarium of Niagara where Dad works. Ben is by technical terms an aquarist, other official titles are marine biologist and zookeeper for fish and other non-mammal animals. We went with Ben's sister and nephews. We checked out all of the exhibits and then Ben took us behind the scenes where he actually works and we got to visit the animals in the touch tank and see what goes on behind all of the glass in an aquarium. It was pretty cool to see what he does all day back there.