Mr CCNA

Yay for Stu and Wells for passing their CCNA certification!

We celebrated with Indiana Jones and Fuddruckers
in true American style.

Vitamins and Vegetables

Just a quick update to let you know that we have been to the farmer's markets and bought some fresh, organic vegetables and fruit today. I wish we had found this place earlier because the produce is beautiful and there is also a big toddler playground. It is located on a farm so all the kids go and see the animals and the gardens where the vegetables are grown. The strawberries are something special because they are the sweetest I have ever tasted. Unfortunately, the bread is so sweet it tastes more like pound cake. (this has been an ongoing issue) Needless to say, Jack is the only one that likes it with vegemite on toast.

We have had some trouble giving Jack his liquid vitamins so we have only been pushing the point on a weekly basis however considering all of his illness lately we have found some new multi-vitamins in the form of gummy bears and he is loving these everyday. We are eating only organic vegetables and only eating at home for the next two weeks before our big holiday(except the big birthday on Friday). Jack is still tired and sleeping at least 4 hours a day. He is even sleeping in until 8 most days. So hopefully with all of the vegetables and vitamins, Jack will soon be bouncing back.

That's the plan.

Here is Jack taking his Vitamins like a good boy.




Notice how he follows them with his eyes and keeps track of where we put them.

Under the Falls

Taken with the underwater camera. This is like standing under the shower. We did get closer than this but this is the clearest photo.

The roar of the water was loud and the spray of the mist hit you in the face. It came from below and above.


You could almost reach out and touch the water as it was falling. Stu was disapointed that we didn't take a water bottle for him to fill.

We will upload the rest onto a web album so you can get the full experience but these are the best.

Niagara Falls

Here is the view from our room after a big 8 hour drive. We are just in awe of it's beauty but it doesn't look really, real - does it?

So we went for a 5min walk and there it is. It is so real that the spray of the mist can be felt from here.

After Jack's visit to hospital he spends the next 36 hours right here. He looks exhausted and beat up but he finds some energy in this cinnamon scroll.


The hotel restaurant served a delicious meal which introduced us to a whole new set of taxes in Canada. The meal was beautiful, here is Stuart enjoying snails among other French cuisines. Really, it was disgusting even just to watch him enjoy this.


We enjoyed the lights on the falls and the fireworks with cocktails in hand and Jack was warm and fast asleep in bed.


The falls were most beautiful at sunset.

Just before we came home we went on the 15min 'Maid of the Mist' boat. Jack was seriously unimpressed and he stayed warm and dry in his pram and under the lower level of the boat. Stu & I took turns in going to the upper level and it was just amazing. The power of the water within 3-4 meters of the flow was incredible. This was absolutely an amazing experience and as the raincoats were all one size, Stu got soaked on he arms and legs.

This was as close to the USA side of the falls as the digital camera could get without getting wet. We also took an underwater camera so hopefully some of those will work too.


Our last stop was the butterfly conservatory and it was really amazing to see thousands of species of butterflies under one roof. We were not allowed to touch them of course but they landed all over us. Jack loved this part of Niagara the most and he reached out to touch them and pointed and smiled. He was asking, 'Wa dat?'


View the web album below. I hope I don't bore you with too many photos of the same waterfall but it was incredible. It was something you really have to see to appreciate. There is at least 5 videos in there so check 'em out.

Niagara

Feeling Better

Jack has been tucked up in his King size bed all day on the 21st floor of the Marriott hotel overlooking Niagara Falls and being lulled to sleep by the roar of the water below.

Stuart and I have just enjoyed the fireworks over the falls from our hotel room with room service and cocktails in hand.

Jack is resting and sleeping a lot, his fever is much lower and he had a few nice moments enjoying the falls in between sleeps.

Wish you were here.

12 Hours Later

Hi from beautiful Niagara.



We have the most beautiful hotel with a perfect view of the falls and Jack was a perfect boy for the 8 hour drive to get here.

We have just got back from spending the last 12 HOURS at the lovely Niagara Falls Hospital. ($700)

Poor Jacko has 2 ear infections and bronchitis. We had to stay in the hospital over night until his fever came below 38 and his heart rate came below 120. When we arrived at the hospital it was 170 and his temp was 39.1. He has since had 2 chest x rays, 2 IV antibiotics, 3 blood tests and 3 new teeth are coming in all at once.

Jack didn't give us any warning that he was going to get so sick. In fact, we had a beautiful dinner ($230) at the Marriott restaurant just an hour before and he had no fever and a large Mac & Cheese.

We are back at the Marriott now, with medication and Jack is going to sleep in Niagara for the next 2 days with a cot overlooking the falls. I can't think of a better place to be resting. It is truly beautiful.

......................about 14 hours earlier Stu said, 'Even I am jealous of me. This is so cool!'

Happy Mom's Day

These were delivered today, on Mother's day (Australian time.)

The card reads, "You're the best Mum a son could have. Jack"

We hope all the mums back home have a lovely day today and the 'soon-to-be mums' enjoy their last sleep in on Mother's day for the next 6-8yrs at least!

Also we sent some cards to the Nan R & Grandma and Jack did help a lot with those. It was great to be able to chat to the great-nans on Skype too.

Happy Mother's Day

Love, Bec, Stu & Jack