Our Mini Montreal Adventure A.K.A The Cure For Cabin Fever

    The word "SPONTANEOUS" is not really in my vocabulary.  I am by nature a planner (which drives most of the people around me nuts).  Honestly it's difficult to be spontaneous with 4 children.  I mean I sometimes fantasize about just getting in the car and going somewhere, but it's just not really in me.  That is until this past week-end.

    Christopher (my husband) is a funeral director for a family run funeral home.  He is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (yet another reason why "spontaneous" is not in my vocabulary).  Basically we are used to his crazy schedule, but there are times that it begins to get to you.  This past week-end Christopher booked the week-end off.  He was in full fledged cabin fever and needed to get out of the house.  He had no idea where he might like to go, he just knew that he had to "GO".  We considered going to a hotel, but Christopher has stitches in the bottom of his foot (don't even ask) and Riley is in a cast.  There is no point in going to a hotel if you can't enjoy the indoor pool.... so that meant that a hotel was out.  The other problem is with our little dog Fergus.  We can't leave Fergus overnight, and kenneling him can get expensive.  Where could we go?  Christopher sat on the computer, while I had the lap top out.  Together we combed the internet looking for some family fun that was within a reasonable distance.  Just when we were about to give up, I came across Montreal's Biodome.  biodome.qc.ca  It looked amazing.  Now the trick was to see how my husband felt about driving to Montreal.  He was in.

    We got up Saturday morning, with four really excited kids.  They were up for an adventure.  For the most part they were all really good for the drive, although Rowan kept whining asking "How much further" every five minutes ( I will neither confirm or deny that I offered to throw him out of the moving van).

    As we arrived in Montreal, the kids little face's quickly became glued to their windows.  Elly kept squealing with delight and pointing out beautiful castles (can you tell that we are ultra religious by the fact that my daughter mistook churches for castles).  They loved the newness, the big buildings, the everything.

    When we walked into the biodome I thought that there must be some kind of a function, because people were lined up for what seemed like miles.  No, there was no function, it is always busy like that we were soon to find out.  If there was one draw back it was that the place was just too crowded.

    The Biodome was amazing.  It is basically three different world climates, all in one building.  My favourite was the rainforrest which was our first stop.  Everything was lush and green and tropical.  Over top of us were monkeys and parrots.  I looked over at the roof and saw a sloth.  It was amazing!  Honestly it was like playing the eye spy game, because everywhere we looked was a new and amazing creature.  The next area we traveled to was the Canadian landscape.  I will be honest, the Canadian landscape did not float my boat, only because we live in a rural area and all I have to do is drive two minutes and I can see that.  I say that the "Canadian" area didn't float my boat, but that is not entirely true.  I was fascinated with the lynx.  As a child the lynx was my most favourite animal.  It just sat there looking regal and bored, up on it's rock, it's face turned away.

    The most favourite exhibit of the kids was the penguins.  We were only separated by glass, and the penguins were mere feet away from us.  I always think of penguins as comical, but when I saw them in their environment I was amazed.  I had no idea that they were such fast swimmers.  They frolicked and played, much to all of our delight.

    The Biodome was amazing!  It was busy, but that was o.k.  The price was certainly right.  We took advantage of the joint ticket with the Planetarium, and our admission for both, for all of us was under 100 dollars.  That works out to less than the price of a movie admission.  The nicest thing was that they offered complimentary wheelchairs.  That meant that Riley could thoroughly enjoy the visit too.

    After we had finished up at the Biodome, we walked over to the brand new multi-million dollar Planetarium.     http://espacepourlavie.ca/en/planetarium I was really excited about the planetarium.  Christopher and my very first date was to the ROM Museum in Toronto, and then we went over the to Planetarium (the Toronto Planetarium no longer exists).  We sat back in reclining seats and watched Laser Pink Floyd.  Christopher didn't know that the seats reclined and so he had his neck all twisted so he could see.  I knew that the seats reclined, and had mine reclined.  I too had a twisted neck because Christopher had put his arm around my neck in an affectionate way, and it was killing me.  We were still new and I didn't want to tell him that he was giving my curvature of the spine, and so I quietly suffered (I bet he wishes that I would occasionally still quietly suffer).

    I walked into the Planetarium expecting what we had seen in Toronto all those years ago.  The sight that greeted me was completely different.  I felt as if I had been transported onto the deck of the HMS Enterprise.  The walls glowed like stars.  There were touch screens everywhere, inviting children to come and learn.  On the back wall was the largest collection of meteor rocks in Quebec.  I was in complete awe, and at that time I did not know that the best was yet to come.

    We lined up to go into the theatre and watch the movie about stars.   I expected the chairs that reclined.  I was shocked to see Adirondack Chairs all around the outside, and beanbag chairs that resembled rafts in the middle of the room.  The floor looked like it was polished glass.  The kids all ran for the beanbag chairs.  As we relaxed in our chairs, the lights slowly dimmed and it looked like we were in the forest, and that polished glass floor began to look like a lake.  All around us was the sound of the forrest, the crickets, the frogs.  I could feel my blood pressure lowering as I listened to that beautiful symphony of the woods.  All that was missing was the blood thirsty insects.  At one point it felt like we were floating up into the stars.  It was absolutely amazing.  If we had more time, I would have gone to see the movie again.

    After that theatre, we walked across the hall to another more familiar theatre.  There were the reclining chairs, the starry ceiling.  Our guide directed us through the constellations and their history.  She told us where to find the stars and when they appeared.  This part was not as entertaining, but it was very interesting and educational.

    We drove home, all of us still floating on the wonderful day.  The kids kept shouting out what their favourite part of the day was.  Midway through their best part of the day, they would interrupt themselves to adjust what their favourite part was.  I sat in the front smiling over at my husband.  We had done something spontaneous and it had been a huge hit.  We had found the cure for cabin fever.  As the kids slowly drifted off to sleep, we looked forward to our favourite part of long drives.  The best part of a long drive home, is that quiet talking we do when the kids are all passed out in the back.  We had coffee in hand, and lots to talk about.  We congratulated ourselves on a job well done, and basked in the beauty of the day we had just put in.  We vowed to make a return trip to Montreal.



So here is that part in the show where I tell you that I am in a contest for Mom's of Multiples, and I really want to make the Top 25 (very prestigious) and so I need your help.  If you could just hit that little pink circle, then scroll down and hit the little pink heart to vote for me,

 I would be most obliged.

Our Build A Bear Adventure

    Yesterday was one of those rare days that found my husband with the day off.  Christopher had to work most of the day New Years Day, and so his boss gave him yesterday off.  It worked out great.  Christopher and I had talked just after Christmas that it might be nice to take the kids to Oshawa (the closest Build A Bear Workshop) .  We had the startling realization that Elly had never made a Build A Bear.  When we found ourselves with some time together, we decided to pack up the kids and head to Oshawa, and let Elly discover the joy of creating her own friend.

    

    There are almost too many selections to pick from when it comes to furry friends.  The three youngest kids picked with ease, they fell in love instantly.  Grace on the other hand is our more indecisive one.  It reached the point of ridiculousness when Grace finally made her decision.  When she had made her decision after much deliberation, once her decision was final, she could not be swayed.

    I have never been to a Build A Bear Workshop that was not busy.  Considering that the company has been in business for so many years you might think that the popularity would wane, but it hasn't.  I guess that each new generation still wants to make his / her own special pet to love.  I will admit although not an inexpensive proposition, it is quite a neat and special event.  I also have to give them credit, that they select wonderful staff, who seem to genuinely like children (or are wonderful actors).  

    The kids all lined up excitedly to stuff their bear.  They each had to tell the girl working the stuffing machine whether they liked a soft and cuddly teddy, or a firm teddy.  Each kid got to push the peddle that controlled the stuffing machine.  By picking out their own skin, and by stuffing the toy themselves, I truly think that it gives them that special feeling of real ownership, because they had a hand in every part of their toy's creation.  It is a rare thing for my children to be patient, but there they all stood, patiently waiting their turn.

    One of the neatest things about the Build A Bear is that the kids get to hand pick a heart for their bear.  They do this neat little ritual, almost like magic before they put the heart in their toy.

    The other thing that is pretty neat about this franchise, neat and expensive are the amazing selections of clothing and accessories for the toys.  There are shorts, and pants, and dresses, and sports uniforms, winter jackets, boots, shoes, skates, snowboards.  Pretty much you name it, they have it for the bears.  The kids methodically checked over the racks and racks of accessories, being sure to match everything up just right.

Riley patiently waiting for her siblings.

Elly giving her new pup a bath and a fluff.

    After the new furry friends had been stuffed, and given a heart (and in Grace's and Elly's case they added a scent for $4 extra dollars - Grace chose Chocolate and Elly chose Candy Floss), sewn, and fluffed, and dressed, they had to fill out the proper information, that would then issue them their own birth certificate.  The kids were all really excited about getting a birth certificate for their friends.  It is a nice touch.

 We left Build A Bear with four really happy and excited children.  They each were excitedly sharing facts about their new friends (facts that they were making up on the spot).  After we left the mall, we headed to Red Lobster for dinner.  That was Christopher and my treat (a special treat enabled by a generous Christmas gift from my brother-in- law Todd, and Christopher's Mom) .  It was nice to sit there, everyone behaving and chatting.  I took a deep breath and tried to make a snap shot in my mind.  The days that my children will want stuffed toys is becoming fleeting, I know that my days are numbered.  I am trying to catalogue it all in my brain, taking mental snap shots of my contentment and trying to save them for when my children are no longer children.  To me this afternoon was bliss.

  

   Driving home the kids all chatted among themselves, occationally one of them would make a crude comment quietly, trying to push their boundaries, and gross out their siblings, all the while doing it quietly, hoping to only be heard by the occupants in the back. I chose to pretend ignorance, secretly enjoying it.  Up front Christopher and I sat with contented looks on our faces, listening to them.  Our looks were all the more content after we stopped for coffee.  We vowed that we need to try and do this more often.  It does not need to be expensive, but we need to step away from our reality more often and just enjoy each other.  Life is too short and time passes too quickly, we need to savor it more often.  We need to find more moments.

   

The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge in Queensbury, New York

    This year we are about increasing the "Christmas Spirit", and decreasing "Christmas Accumulation".  We wanted to make the whole Christmas season special for the kids, and for ourselves.  We are trying to fill the Christmas lead up with family time.  As I mentioned yesterday I am trying to make memories for them.  I want them to look at their childhood with loving nostalgia.  

    We asked the kids how they felt about having a mini-vacation in place of "some" gifts.  They were all onboard.  Phase one of the mini vacation was traveling to  the Adirondack Mountains.  The drive was breath taking.  I kept asking Christopher if the people who live there know how lucky they are to be surrounded by such beauty.  It was shortly after that we saw a sign for one of the small hamlets that said "A nice place to visit, but a better place to live."  The kids are good travelers and there was limited "How much longer until we get there?"  We had found a Christmas radio station and had the carols cranked and sang along.  It was a really nice drive.

    As we pulled up in front The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, the kids all let out squeals of delight.  The building was stunning in and of itself, but they had it all decorated for Christmas.  There were giant Lego blocks stacked in front of pine trees done up to the nines with sparkling lights.  There were rocking horses and giant gifts.  Two huge nutcrackers decorated the entrance to the lodge.  The kids were so excited that they were vibrating.

    When we walked into the lobby the kids were even more excited than they were out front.  The lodge was stunningly decorated.  It was magic.  They darted around not even sure where to begin looking while Christopher checked us in.  I will admit that I felt the same as the kids did, I just tried to keep it shut up inside so that I looked like a grown up.   

    We were very fortunate that we arrived on the Sunday in really great time, and because they were not busy we were able to get into our room earlier.  The kids ran around our room looking at everything, but the whole time they were desperate to get to the water park.  We told them that we would not be going to the water park until 4, but that there were all kinds of activities planned.

    One of the wonderful things about the week-ends are all of the family Christmas activities that the lodge has.  The kids had their picture taken with Santa.  There was caroling.  There were so many activities that it was difficult for the kids to decide just what they wanted to do.  

    After they had their picture taken with Santa we decided to end their agony, and we all went up to our room to change into our bathing suits.  The water park is the perfect size.  It was small enough and when we went quiet enough that we could allow the big kids some freedom to do things by themselves as long as they stuck together.  The big kids were most excited about trying out the surfing.  There is a big surf machine that allows the kids to ride a surfboard.  They lined up, excited and nervous.  I was in hysterics as I watched my poor little Rowan thrown around, knowing that I should be feeling sympathetic, but unable to contain my hysterical laugher.  When it came time for Grace to go, she was scared.  She just stood there at the top of the surf wave, unable to make herself hurl down.  The line behind her waited patiently.  I walked up to the side and tried to encourage her, knowing that if she did not push past her fear, she would regret not trying.  Riley and Rowan and I started chanting "Go Grace Go... Go Grace Go!"  We were amazed when that chant became louder with "You Can DO IT!" The other people in line were all cheering her on.  Tears came freely to my eyes, as she swallowed her fear and dove in.  The line all exploded into applause and cheers when she had finished.  She wore this great smile of accomplishment and amazement.

    After a few hours of fun at the water park we got dressed and headed to the arcade.  Again it was big enough for there to be lots to do, but small enough that we could allow the kids some freedom, I really appreciated that.  They all found something fun.  The favourite game of everyone was hands down Skeet ball.  Even Elly got into the joy of Skeet ball.  They all proudly walked up to the counter with their receipt in hand ready to claim their prize.  I felt sorry for the kid behind the counter.  He stood patiently waiting for them to agonize over which junky prize to pick.  If I were him I would have been shouting "HURRY UP AND PICK YOUR STUPID PRIZE KID!"  He stood patiently as they pressed their faces up against the glass examining all of the little plastic prizes, terrified of making the wrong choice.  Eventually I did shout at them "HURRY UP AND PICK YOUR STUPID PRIZE!".

    After the trip to the arcade we stumbled upon Santa's magic show.  The kids all found places on the floor, settling in to watch the magic.  They wore faces full of wonder and awe.  After Santa's magic show, it was Mrs. Claus's turn.  She read the children a story.  All of the little eyes were upon her, listening intently to her every word, not a peep could be heard from the crowd.

    At the end of Mrs. Claus's story, Santa had one more trick to share with the kids.  He asked them all to close their eyes, and when they opened them, he would show them his magic.  When they opened their eyes Santa had made it snow inside.  I stood there blinded by tears hoping that no other adult was looking at me.  The little faces were so excited to see Santa's magic.  They were jumping trying to catch the snowflakes.  It truly was magic.

    After the snow Santa asked the kids to all line up behind him.  He then told them that he and Mrs. Claus would like to give them each a good night hug and a little kiss.  They all sat on Santa's lap and he talked to each one of them.  While they were in his presence he made them feel like they had his full attention and his love.  As they were leaving, Mrs. Claus handed them each a Hershey's Kiss.

    We then went up to get ready for bed.  The kids were so excited, but little did they know what excitement was yet to come.  The lodge has a wonderful fee based activity.  For $12.95 a child, Santa will come to your room and bring your child(ren) cookies and milk and tuck them in.  When there was a knock on the door Christopher told them it must be maintenance.  Standing at the door was Santa.  The kids were beside themselves.  He came in and asked who would like some milk and cookies.  The then sat on the bed and talked to them all.  Just before he left he told the kids "I know what you would like for Christmas, but what do you think I should bring for Mommy and Daddy?"  Riley shouted out "A new Car"  "I think that's maybe too big"  Then Rowan thought for a moment "Santa, my Mom really likes Coke, maybe you could bring her some Coke."  After he had left Riley turned to me and said "I think that's the real Santa Mommy."  I asked her why. "Because you know that he loves kids Mommy, I could see it in his eyes.  I know that was the real Santa!"

    We stayed for two nights.  On the second night we were the only guests at the hotel.  It was amazing.  We all went down to the big beautiful fireplace with books and read.  It was a slice of heaven.  I think that vacation added years to my life.  The staff were amazing and accommodating.  The lodge was spotless.  When it came time for us to leave the kids were all in tears because they did not want that magic to end.
    As we drove away from the lodge all of their little heads were craned looking back.  "Can we please come back next year?"  "This was worth giving up gifts for.  Thank you Mommy and Daddy for bringing us."

www.sixflagsgreatescapelodge.com

Planning our Disney / Florida Trip

Planning Disney / Florida ...
   For a few years my kids have been harassing us to go to Disney.  In my mind the cost was astronomical, and we would tell them "sure when we win the lottery".  I would tell my husband Christopher that if we were going to spend that kind of money, I would like to go to Scotland or Italy.  Then a friend of mine went to Disney with her family of 5.  She told me that it did not cost nearly as much as she thought it would, she then told me what it cost them.  I then went onto the Disney website, and discovered that she was right, it was not cheap, but it was not astronomical, we could do it.  I also found out through our CAA travel agent that we could make payments a year in advance, in other words, we could lay away our trip.  That sealed the deal.  I am happy to tell you that we made the last and final payment this past Wednesday.  Disney here we come!   When we booked the trip it seemed like years away, but time is really creeping up, we leave at the end of March!
    I am a PLANNER, I hate schedules, but I LOVE planning (I guess I am just a riddle wrapped in an enigma).  I picked up an inexpensive binder, some stickers, and some clear page protectors and a snap page protector.  This has become the trip bible.  It contains our trip itinerary, map quest directions to and from each destination, our trip budget, and our hotel reservation numbers, as well as maps of the different states that we will pass through (the snap page protector).
    We have our trip completely planned out.  We have set a budget.  We have guesstimated our gas costs in a very scientific manner ( it takes us a full tank of gas to get to Acton, we then divided the total miles to Florida by the miles to Acton, which told us the amount of times we would have to refuel, and then figured a tank of gas costs $100.00 and multiplied the amount of stops by $100.00 and then added a cushion to that).  We have decided that we will need 8 hotel rooms on top of our Disney Resort, and figured $100.00 each stay.  You get the drift.  We have also investigated the costs of the other attractions that we will be visiting.  Inevitably there will be something that we will not have taken into consideration.
    We are now have just a little over a month until we leave and there is still so much to do to get ready.  We are not new to the long distance road trip.  We have made a few family vacations to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  I consider myself to be an expert packer, and I think I am ready for this one.
I will keep you up to date with the preparations.  Now if anyone can suggest ideas that I can use to hypnotize my husband into buying me a laptop so that I can blog every day on the trip.