Everything is change and adjustment over here right now. A few weeks back we welcomed a fifth family member to our household, and not in any of the ways that may immediately spring to mind. We didn't get a pet, have a new baby, or adopt a child. Rather my husband's mom moved in with us. Having my mother-in-law move in with us has been an amazingly positive experience. Having … [Read more...]
Mom Guilt and the Magic of Childhood — Little is Enough
With Summer Break just starting I've been thinking back on how much I hated March Break this year. For about six years now, ever since my eldest first started school, I've watched on social media as other parents complained about summer break (or March break, or Christmas break, or whatever), saying how it drove them bats to have their kids home for x many days... but I just … [Read more...]
A Canadian Travelling to San Diego
San Diego, California’s beach city, welcomes Canadian visitors this summer with warm sunny weather—averaging 24°C during June through August—112 km of sparkling beaches, world-famous attractions, one-of-a-kind festivals and events, hot new restaurants and more. Many people are avoiding travel more than normal it seems. They watch the news and see it is a bit on the scary … [Read more...]
Legendary Obama Cookie at Moulin De Provence Bakery in Byward Market, Ottawa
"Obama Cookie" from Moulin De Provence in Ottawa. When I was in Ottawa last Spring I just HAD to do the touristy thing by visiting Moulin De Provence in the historic Byward Market to get an Obama Cookie. Apparently at one point Obama stopped by this bakery during a visit to Ottawa, bought one of these maple leaf shaped shortbread cookies, and said "I love this … [Read more...]
Three Tactics For Building Connections with Your Tween
Connecting with my tween-aged daughter is a top priority for me. I tell myself, almost daily, that if I can build strong connections with her now then maybe those teenage years won't be so bad. (Conversely, I also constantly tell myself, if I can't make it through a few eye rolls, the occasional "I hate you!" and the sporadic "you don't know anything" temper tantrums now, then … [Read more...]
Camp Jurassic Kid’s Playspace, One of the Hidden Gems of Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure
Camp Jurassic is a kids' playspace within the larger Jurassic Park section of Universal's Islands of Adventure. It would be easy to overlook, and in my mind, that's a mistake because this highly themed area is a ton of fun to explore. Camp Jurassic is off the main path. You head through an archway, over a bridge and past the line up for the Pteranodon Riders, to get to … [Read more...]
Going Where My Banjo Girl Takes Me…
I spent last weekend in Michigan at a Banjo convention. Now you may be thinking, "Hey I didn't know you were a banjo fanatic!" Yeah, well the thing is I'm not. I am not the teeniest tiniest bit into banjos. However, my nine year old daughter, who all evidence points towards having been swapped at birth, is. She is banjo obsessed and has been for years. Banjo is her … [Read more...]
Visiting Iceland with Riley Blue
For a few months now I've been planning a trip to Iceland. You are probably thinking, "What? Really? Iceland?". Or maybe I'm wrong, perhaps you're thinking, "That sounds awesome, I wish I was travelling to Iceland.", or maybe you're reminiscing about when you went on holiday in Iceland. I somehow feel like the later is less likely because it seems as though Iceland isn't on … [Read more...]
7 Tips to Fuel the Fun and Avoid March Break Meltdowns
My seven year old's current favourite phrase is, "I'm booooored." Her older sister, who normally never complains about being bored, has starting taking cues from her. They chime in, in stereo, "Bored. SO BORED. There is NOTHING TO DO. Mooooooom." My standard answer involves cleaning. If you are bored then you can tidy the toys off the floor in the front room, or you can put … [Read more...]
How Do you Choose the Right Shows and Movies for Your Kids?
The Jungle Book is on Netflix right now. You know, the newer, live action, version? It's a big deal because I don't know if I should let my six year old see it or not. The nine year old's already seen it (and she can't decide if she ever wants to see it again or not). In her words it is "bloody and scary and would be far too scary for Gigi". Do any of you have kids in … [Read more...]
Five Calm Down Activities For When the Kids Are Getting A Little Too Crazy
At the end of our long Christmas Day, as we drove away from his parents place, my husband declared, "Well, that's it. Christmas is officially now over, girls." The kids, however, were quick to point out that this wasn't the end of their Christmas, not even close. For them Christmas Day simply marked beginning of a two week long holiday from school. The nine year old squealed … [Read more...]
Top 5 Family Friendly Places in Canada to Visit this Winter
Canada is one of the best places for families to visit during the winter, because everyone will be able to find snow, ice and extremely cold temperatures everywhere in the country. Families should plan on taking a lot of warm clothes that can be layered, so that they can enjoy everything that Canada has to offer during the winter season. Here are 5 of the best … [Read more...]
Giant Robots, Princesses and Aliens: Voltron Is For Girls
Spoiler Warning: I am going to talk about major plot points in the first season of Voltron: Legendary Defender. If you haven't seen it yet and you don't want to have the storyline spoiled for you don't read this. (Actually, if you haven't see it yet, you should just stop what you're doing and go watch it. Seriously. Right now. Go on. And then come back here and we can discuss … [Read more...]
Joining the Militia, 1812 Style
Every Summer we go to this big crafter's fair called Art by the River. It's held at the Fort Malden National Historic Site in Amherstburg, Ontario. We enjoy walking around and looking at all the various things for sale, doing a little Christmas shopping, maybe eating a frozen yogurt or two. The kids always want to stop and paint a picture at the art station. The one part of the … [Read more...]
Wingspan vs. Armspan, Two Year Growth
This cool sign allowing you to compare your outstretched arms to the wingspan of a hawk sits just outside the Birds of Prey area at African Lion Safari. I was looking through some old photos today and was amused at the difference two years makes... VS. … [Read more...]