Opening Weekend at the Olcott Carousel Park

Yesterday was the perfect day to spend by the water! We carried on the annual Pierce tradition of an afternoon at the Carousel Park. The weather was amazing, and the boys had a great time. We started with lunch on the boardwalk, then Brad and Nick went to the car show (his first year he's too tall for the kiddie rides!) while I took Jacob to the rides (only 25¢ each!!!).

We all met up at the park and rode the vintage carousel together, then played a few games of skeeball! On his first game Bradley beat the high score! He got his name on the board.

It was a fun family day, and we can't wait to do it again!

Hiking the Niagara Gorge at Devil's Hole State Park

A friend and I decided today would be a good day to be adventurous and go hiking! I've been wanting to check out the scenery here, so we headed to Devil's Hole State Park to hike the Niagara Gorge.

There were steep stairs to climb down to get to the trail. The trail is a dirt path that runs on the edge of a precipice above the water. In some places the rocks have fallen and you have to climb over/around them to get back on the trail.

On one end, the trail stops at the Whirpool where you can put your feet in the ICE cold water and stare at Canada!

On the other end is Devil's Hole which is a cave. There have been many cave-ins as you can see by the boulders blocking the entrance. I imagine it was a much deeper cave at some point. We did climb in to check it out, and cool off! The day was very warm, but the cave was cool and breezy.

Easy Microwave Potato Salad

Perfect for a summer time cookout! This is quick and easy to prepare WITHOUT using your stove! Make it a couple of hours ahead so it can cool in the fridge.

5 medium thin skin potatoes (red, white, golden)
3 eggs
3 tbs sweet relish OR 10-15 dill pickle slices, diced
3-4tbs Mayo
1tbs seasoned salt
1tbs fresh or dried chives and green onions
Dash pepper

Rinse potatoes and poke holes in them. Arrange in circle and microwave 5min, flip over and check for tenderness. Microwave 3-4min more. Meanwhile spray microwave safe bowl with cooking spray and stir eggs in it. Microwave 2-3 min while potatoes are cooling. In serving bowl begin mixing remaining ingredients except mayo. Roughly dice potatoes and cooked eggs and add to bowl. Add mayo last and adjust amount for desired creaminess. You can add more s/p to taste. Cover and refrigerate!