Jankowski Family Vacation - Pt 2

Buffalo, NY is the setting for the second round of pictures and our second week of vacation. The entire Jankowski family - both immediate and extended - live in the area so we were able to visit with most of the family in just this one action packed week.

We arrived in Buffalo, or the 'city with the trains' as Jacob calls it, to one of many backyard bbqs. If the Jankowskis are famous for anything, its the food! Tim, aka Bubba, can make even the simplest of dishes delicious. Needless to say, we didn't do any 'diet while on vacation' exercising! What nonsense:) Instead, we enjoyed every minute laughing, visiting, or just relaxing.

Paul celebrated his 31st birthday while we were there. We were able to surprise him with a stylish hat - thanks Erin! - and his very own 'Jenny' boat. The man loves Forrest Gump and uses every opportunity available to sneak 'one liners' into any conversation. Especially with Tim and Erin - she laughs more than enough for all of us! The boat has been an ongoing family joke for way too long.

Amy, my sis-in-law, and I decided to make a permanent memory of this trip by getting matching tattoos. I have been going rounds about wanting to get one for literally years now. But have never been certain about the what and the where. For whatever the reason, I felt that the time was right in NY. And although it hurt ALOT (not at all according to Amy!), I love it! Erin, you better have yours by now!

We spent a day at the Werner family campsite. The kids went swimming and sand castle building. We fished and laughed as Paul tried to catch the little swimmers with just a net and a string. Man-style fishing is what he called it. We all just called it silly. To his credit, two fish were captured with his clever skills. Hopping all around the campground were tiny little frogs. Most of you know that I love the things, so we had fun catching and cuddling the frogs. There was a petting zoo as well. All of the kids enjoyed the llamas, goats and the kitties that roamed the area.

The 4th of July was celebrated with lots of pictures, friends and family, food, and homemade fireworks. The normal crew was all in attendance. Paul's cousins came with their kids as well so the party was in full swing. We played some games with the kids, we drank some wine with the adults, and by dusk we were ready to see some sparks. Sparklers, snakes, bottle rockets, you name it we had it! Jacob, Chloe and Jonah were a bit hesitant at first, but seeing their cousins enjoy the show made things better. It was a spectacular evening!

Jacob was able to visit the famous Niagra Hobby Shop, home to trains galore! I think it was the highlight of his vacation. Chloe and Jonah were more than impressed as well. Paul took us on a tour of his childhood stomping grounds. Although the area isn't what it used to be, you could still sense that this city held alot of history and has stories to tell. The kids enjoyed being able to see where Daddy went to school and grew up. We took a drive by look at the waterfront, complete with battleships and boats. I think Jonah enjoyed that the most. Chloe was pampered by Kaylee and Alyssa, her cousins. We did our nails, they styled her hair, and played horses with her. What more could a little girl ask for?

Our vacation was a trip to be remembered. We had lots of fun, loved seeing everyone, and miss you all tons already!