What an amazing 8 days! Saying "goodbye" at the end was a lot harder than I expected! It just confirmed that I am so glad that I've done this trip, but I could never move away permanently.

Saturday: Went for a wander downtown and headed to the CN Tower. It was clear blue skies and we got a great view of Toronto Islands. Sitting on the glass floor so high up was surreal! Introduced Mum, Dad & Phil to "the best wings in The Beaches" at the Gull & Firkin.

Sunday: Shopping at the Eaton Centre today. Despite my reckoning that we could have the place done and dusted in half a day, we managed to make a day of it! Poor Dad's wallet!

Monday: Canadian Thanksgiving today. We relaxed at the house at The Beaches and went for a wander and a drink in the Lion On The Beach whilst the beef was roasting. Was so nice enjoying a home-cooked kind of meal. I miss Mum's cooking! Can't believe the LCBO was closed though. Nightmare!

Tuesday: Shopping again this morning and then had a meal downtown at Gabby's on King Street West, before heading to the Air Canada Centre for Leafs vs Avs. Leafs lost 4-1 (and I still owe Phil $5!) Great seats, shame about the Avs fans sat either side of me!

Wednesday: Today we caught the ferry over to Toronto Islands. It was another gorgeous day and we wandered aound and enjoyed the nature. Had a great picnic, sat in the sun and enjoyed the peace and quiet away from the city. It was really cold, so we warmed up with hot chocolates and coffees before catching the ferry back.

Thursday: Trip to Niagara Falls. First we stopped off at the local airport where Dad and I enjoyed a flight over Niagara Falls and its environs. We even crossed over into the USA. Dad got a text message at the end of the flight welcoming him to America! Stunning views, and it provided a completely different perspective. Meanwhile, Mum and Phil visited a chocolate factory and sampled some of the local produce.

Next we visited a winery, where we tasted both a red and a white wine. The white was very fruity! Then we set off for Niagara On The Lake. It's such a quaint town; I could spend a whole day there with all its bakeries! A couple (or 4!) chocolate and caramel tarts later and we were back on the bus, with stop-offs at Niagara's floral clock and the Falls' whirlpool. Next stop, the Falls!

Here, we did the Journey Behind the Falls where we donned our yellow ponchos! Actually appreciated the extra layer! Was amazing to watch the sheer power of the water surging over the edge. Managed to stay relatively dry! After a whirlwind bite to eat at the 24 hour TGI Fridays, it was hotel-bound where we chilled out with a few beers at the bar, and I stayed the night at the hotel.

Friday: After a good night's sleep and a great breakfast we made our way out into the suburbs to Toronto Zoo. It was an impressive zoo - the moose were very friendly! We didn't manage to see the Australasia section as the zoo was that big! Another gorgeous meal at the Siam tonight. I even took some home with me!

Saturday: Hockey Hall of Fame today - Phil was in his element! Managed to convince him to have a photo next to the Stanley Cup. Then we came back to The Beaches for a late lunch. The Last Supper as it were!

Really, really had an amazing time, and was so great having my family with me again.