I know I am a few days late on posting Ryan's birthday, but unfortunately it seems to be the norm now for him to be sick on his birthday. This time a yucky virus that caused me to have to cancel his birthday party. We still had friends over for dinner on his birthday because he was feeling better that day, but ended up sick again that night. The night before his birthday I decorated the living room with banners and streamers and balloons. I had a party hat for him to wear and he got to open his present in the morning. He was so excited and kept saying "My birthday is here". We've kept up the decorations since and everyday is his birthday he says. So, even though we didn't have an official "party" he still seems to enjoy it and is very happy to tell everyone that he is now "tree!"

We had absolutely wonderful time in Atlanta with family. We did nothing but swim at the hotel pool and just hang out and play. The cousins had so much fun playing together. It was hard to say goodbye and the end of the week.
My oldest Niece, Beth graduated from high school. The reason for the trip. Unfortunately, due to the size of her class, she only had four tickets. Her Mom and Dad and grandparents went, and Cherag and I babysat. I didn't mind it at all. My Sis's youngest is only 3 months. I really fell in love with him. As you can see from the pictures, Ryan and Joy loved to play dress up. Besides, these two costumes, they also wore Harry Potter capes.
I hadn't realized until now how little pictures we took there. I think my Dad got most of the stuff on his Video recorder though. While we are at the pool, both Joy and Ryan learned how to swim with only their floaters on. We thought that was a huge accomplishments for the two of them.
After we flew back to Buffalo, we thought we would spend one last night at Niagara Falls to celebrate Cherag's birthday. We had a horrible time finding the hotel because Cherag's computer battery died and we hadn't printed out directions. When we finally found it around midnight, we discovered a "roach motel!" Luckily, we are in the vicinity of the casino, so we found a much more suitable hotel close by. The next day we went shopping at the excellent outlet mall there and then crossed back into Canada and went to the falls. We had a picnic and ate Daddy's birthday cheesecake and then took the tour under the falls. We were afraid Ryan would be too small for the boat, so we walked through the tunnels under the falls. Only the first time for Ryan. But, I was once again amazed at the power of that waterfall. We wanted to stay for the fireworks and lights, but we were all exhausted and ready for home. We'll have to go back another day to see the rest.
It was a great time and I would do it again in a heart beat. It was hard to leave my sister again, but now with e-mail, blogs, Internet video, etc. the miles have grown shorter. Well, when I take the time to use those things!

Atlanta Pictures