McQuearyClan: August 2007

Baptism

Anna and I are so pleased to share with you the baptism of Logan, Devin and Jenna. The kids participated in a class at church where they learned what it means to become and live as a Christian.

They came to a point where they said they believe in forgiveness of sin by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. They believed that one receives God's grace by putting faith in Christ, repenting of sin, confessing Christ as Lord, and being immersed with Christ in baptism.

It was AWESOME to be able to baptize my children! I told the kids that today their names were being written in the Book of Life. I said that, although the world doesn't understand, we became brothers and sisters in Christ because we share a Heavenly Father. And I reminded them that the very angels in heaven were partying today because of their decision.

As you view these pictures, if you have had anything to do with the Spiritual upbringing of my children...thank you.

The kids were able to sign the wall behind the baptistry. Devin's and Jenna's are on the same picture. Logan turns 13 on the 27th. He wrote, "The Best Birthday Ever".

Our prayer for our kids is that they continue to grow in Christ. Please make that your prayer as well.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19, 20a (NIV)

A New Meaning To Net Worth

I don't fully know how Anna found this site. I think one of her online friends shared it with her. After filling out the form she got this message:

Congratulations, your dead body is worth $5125!
Doesn't that make you feel great?

If you want to find out your worth at Cadaver Calculator...(and I don't know why you would)...click on the box.

$5125.00

White Water Walk at Niagara Falls

Stroll along a boardwalk at the very edge of one of the world's wildest stretches of whitewater!

At White Water Walk, we took an elevator down 230 feet, then walked along a tunnel that is 240 feet long. The Boardwalk beside the rapids is 305 metres (1,000 feet or ¼ mile) and stairs lead to two observation areas at the edge of the River.

Rivers are rated on a scale of 1 to 6 in eastern North America, and 1 to 10 in western North America. The Colorado River is the benchmark for white-water, where some sections are Class 5 and 6 and the flow is 60,000cfs.

**This was about the only part of our trip where I wished we had a leash on Reagan...pretty scarry!**

The water travels at different speeds along the length of the Niagara River. South of the Falls where the river is wide and slow, the maximum speed is about 40 km/h. Near the brink of the Falls, a speed of 109 km/h has been recorded. As the water travels through the Whirlpool Rapids at White Water Walk, it is traveling at about 48km/hr or 30mph, creating the Whirlpool Rapids - "Class 6 white-water rapids".

You probably can't see it but in this picture of the boys, there is a man and woman on the American side "enjoying" the water. This not only is very dangerous but against the law as well! We asked about this later of one of the employees at the attraction. He said that it happens alot. There used to be formal walking trais to get down to the bottom of the gorge years ago. These have since been abandoned due to unstable and shifting ground. People still find their way down. We were told the penalty is a minimum of one week in jail. Nice way to spend a vacation.

The White Water Walk features a photo gallery that reviews the stunters and daredevils from years past that tried to conquer Niagara's dangerous whitewater rapids.

For a short history of the White Water Walk and the rapids: http://www.niagaraparks.com/nfgg/whitewaterhistory.php

At this point on the boardwalk, there was this large rock with a perfect round hole in the center. We don't know why it had a hole or how / who formed it...we, just like everyone else, tried throwing coins in it. I think Devin was actually weighing the consequences of trying to go down there and getting rich. After about .87 cents in efforts, I, the Daddy, threw a coin in the hole.

Today May I Direct You To Logan's Blog

Today, Logan is going to post some pictures of the Clifton Hill area of Niagara Falls. You can get there by clicking on the link to the right that says Blogan Logan...

...or by simply clicking here: http://bloganmcq.blogspot.com/

Our Journey Behind Niagara Falls

Well, this time we got yellow rain coats. We had to take an elevator down 150 feet through bedrock to tunnels that lead to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal which is one third of the way behind the massive sheet of water, then went on to the Upper and Lower Observation Decks at the foot of the Falls.

The sound is like thunder, the sight awe-inspiring! We took a journey deep below and behind the heart of Niagara and stood in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbled from 13 stories above us.

Most of us found this very exciting. Jenna, as you can see from this picture, wasn't too happy with getting wet. And Devin was a little upset that he lost his favorite hat. You see, the picture at the top of this post was the last time Devin had his cammo hat. We were waiting outside for our scheduled time to go down behind the Falls. The rush of wind pushing up from the base of the Falls is so strong...yes, the hat flew over the edge. It only went a few feet beyond the rail and as we looked over...there were other hats there as well. Sorry Devin.

For A Short History of Journey Behind the Falls click here: http://www.niagaraparks.com/nfgg/JourneyHistory.php

Butterfly Conservatory

This magical attraction features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the Emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight!

When you enter the exhibit, there is a short film about the conservatory and butterflies in general. The only thing that I remembered was the warning to watch where you step. You have the option to take headphones to listen to additional presentasion along the tour. At first, I think we all had the translation settings wrong at first and finally figured out how to listen in English.

I was fascinated at this area..the nursery, or as they called it, the Emergence window.

There were various areas where fresh fruit was laying out for the butterflies to feast on.

My attempt at artistic photography.

HELP! Get it off!!

It's OK, Dad, they really are quite friendly.

Maid of the Mist

We arrived in Canada Sunday afternoon. After checking into our hotel we went to the Falls and walked around Clifton Hill area full of all sorts of attractions. As night approached, the Falls are illuminated in ever changing colors. This was really pretty. Then, a wonderful fireworks display...what a treat.

The next morning, we got up early and after breakfast took a trip on the Maid of the Mist. Wow! What a rush!

Water rushes all around as you "soak" in the excitement and explore the roar of the Falls. A historical ride aboard the world-famous Maid of the Mist is a half hour thrill of a lifetime! North America's oldest tourist attraction, millions of visitors have enjoyed the boat tours since 1846.

The boat boards on the Canada side directly accros from the American Falls as you can see in the upper picture. We put on our blue rain coats and start toward the American Falls first. Then as we approach the Canadian Falls, the thunderous sound is amazing. The water is churning alot and you just feel the power of the flowing water.

We purchased a family package that allowed for several attractions at a very reasonable cost. I really recommend this as it also included unlimited rides on their "people mover", an airconditioned transit system. After Maid of the Mist, we boarded the bus and visited the Butterfly Conservatory a few miles away.

Check out http://www.niagaraparks.com/ for the attactions package and info about Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls Pictures

Only a month late in posting!!! Over the next few days we will be posting our pics from Canada. Logan will be posting on his blog as well. You can get to his site by clicking on the link to the right " Blogan Logan>". We had alot of fun on this trip and will definately go back.

Come back to check out our adventures on the "Maid of the Mist" boat ride....