Lockport Cave & The Beach!!

I had the opportunity to continue my tradition of chaperoning one field trip during the summer today. I think I was looking forward to it more than Tyler as The Lockport Cave has been on my list of things to do for a long time and I got to spend my day with one of my three favorite people in the whole world.

We arrived and were treated to a tour of the double lock first. I believe the guide said it is the only double lock on the Erie Canal, allowing boats to rise and fall 50 feet! I'm not sure if you can see it in this picture, but there is also an upside down railroad bridge in the background. The guide said that the speculation of the locals is that the bridge was built upside down so that large boats couldn't use the canal... the railroad business was hit hard!

One of the locks.

Then it was on to the cave. I was very concerned when we stopped in front of these stairs that we'd have to climb all of them to get in the cave, but no...

We were going in through a pipe! No, I'm not kidding.

This is a man-made cave used to power three factories with the water that used to flow through it. The water right next to the path was crystal clear and very cold.

Tyler was a little freaked out and spent his time in the cave latched on to my arm. See?

He was very concerned about bats. He was in a cave and bats live in caves, that was all that mattered. Even through the guide explained that there is no natural light in the cave, therefore, nothing grows so nothing can survive in the cave as there is nothing to eat. Tyler was convinced there were bats... vampire bats! I think we need to stay away from the zoo!

He did let go of my arm (it wasn't just my hand) for the boat ride. I had to coax this smile out of him with his friend Dylan.

As soon as we were out of the cave, and onto those stairs I was concerned about in the beginning, Tyler announced that it was very cool. Hmm.

Then it was on to the beach!! We picked up a friend, Ryan and off we went to a friend's beach house for the afternoon.

I am not a big fan of rocky beaches, but Tyler absolutely loves them. We now have a new bucket of rocks. Fun stuff!

Ryan wasn't comfortable leaving the towel for a while.

But, then he found some level of comfort filling his bucket with water and then dumping it out. Over and over again.

All three kids built a sandcastle... sort of. Notice who is doing all the work?

I could not believe that the boys wouldn't get in the water. I spent a good amount of time out there and it was wonderful. I am seriously lacking water time this year.

Maybe a dislike of natural bodies of water is hereditary? What is all the water for Ry?

Despite not enjoying the water, all three kids had a fabulous time. Maybe there is time for one more beach run this year?

Back to the real world tomorrow.

Talent Show

Tuesday was Tyler's first official talent show. When we first heard about it, I didn't plan on going. But, hearts break easy so I worked an early shift and made it to the show along with Dan and Aunt Donna. I love having a flexible job so that I can be there for these kinds of things... although, I did not like the 4 on the alarm clock in the morning!!

Tyler had demonstrated a small part of a group dance that he was participating in so that is what I was expecting. Imagine my surprise when he ended up closing the show! Turns out that Ty grabbed his joke book on the way out that morning and sprung it on his teacher. Good thing he's got a great teacher.

Here he is after the show with his book of jokes. Very proud of himself... as he should be.

I'm having some trouble posting the videos which is why this is late. If this doesn't work, I'll have to come back and play around with it. Here is the group dance:

http://s719.photobucket.com/albums/ww196/ldekruger/?action=view&current=100_5383.mp4

And, Tyler the comedian:

http://s719.photobucket.com/albums/ww196/ldekruger/?action=view&current=100_5384.mp4

In case you didn't catch them all, here are his jokes:

• What did the mummy say to the skeleton? I have a bone to pick with you.





• Why are mummies good at keeping secrets? They keep stuff under wrap.





• What is the most dangerous thing in outer space? A shooting star.





• What do you call ladybugs on the moon? Lunarticks.





• What are planets favorite kind of books? Comet books.





• Did you hear the joke about the space ship? It is out of this world.

I am very proud of this boy for getting up there and carrying through with it.