The Grand Finale

Smuggler's Notch in Vermont is a beautiful forested area full of granite boulders. It was a natures little playground....and Daddy's too! :) We all enjoyed the boulders and Lucas' favorite part was playing "peek-a-tazer" which is his made up version of "hide-n-seek." The hider has to taze his opponent when he comes within range.
Daddy checking out his next climb.
Snack time.
After bouldering, we drove to Ottawa, Canada and the next day headed to Algonquin Prov. Park to see some Canadian wildlife. The only wildlife we saw besides frogs, birds and squirrels were the stuffed animals in the visitor center. It was still a beautiful park and we did a handful of small hikes.

Someone stole Daddy's driving glasses along the way.
Checking things out.
We did a hike to some "rapids" and based on Daddy's face and the view of the tiny rapid in the photo should give you an idea of our opinion about this hike. It was time to head to Toronto.
On our way out, we did spot this baby tree growing out of a dead tree stump that was pretty cool.
We were tired of driving and very happy to arrive in Toronto! Talk about a busy town, it was nuts!!
Down at the water front in Toronto.
Lucas was pretty impressed with the sidewalk shows. This act was his favorite but the magic show was a close second. Here the performer was riding a mini-mini bike and stopped for a drink out of his mini water bottle.
Juggling a fire torch, knife and toilet plunger.
We had to head down the road to Niagara Falls. Lucas doubted our decision driving so far to see "just a waterfall" but had a change of heart when he saw it. It's so cool to see in person.
It's pretty misty too!
Looks a little windy and wet if you ask me. We were happy just to watch from above. It's a great business plan...$15 a person and those boats make rounds all day long.
Axel just taking it all in.
Seeing the falls for the first time will take your breath away. They are HUGE and just BEAUTIFUL!
A very impressive sight!
Checking out American Falls...it was a HOT day but we were happy to finally see Niagara Falls. It was worth the drive.
American Falls.
Our first clue we had made it to Old Town Toronto.
St. Lawrence Market, which is located in Old Town Toronto, is a must see for sure. It's all indoors and I'm sure hopin' on Saturday mornings when all the local vendors and farmers come down for the full blown farmer's market. We went early in the morning and had the place to ourselves. Grandpa J would have LOVED this place. Fruits & veggies, seafood, meat, meat and more meat, bakeries, cheese and everything in between!
These photos are for you Grandpa!
:)
St. James Park. Note to parents: don't let you one year old stick his hand in the nasty bird bath/water fountain! If you do, your kid might get an arm rash for one week!!!!
Check out this scowl...this is what we get when someone doesn't get his way (or rock candy at the market after throwing a fit).
On our last night in Toronto, we decided to take the ferry to the Toronto Islands. We really had no idea what to expect but were pleasantly surprised that it's like a huge city park with extras. Wonderful kid areas, beaches, bikes, nature areas, fountains and a view of the big lake.

Here's a view of Toronto from the ferry.
The Toronto Islands were full of beautiful flower gardens and acres of grass. It's quite the contrast from downtown.
Lake Ontario...just like a calm ocean.
Mommy and Axel were there too.
View of downtown Toronto from the islands.
Goodbye Toronto...we had a wonderful time!