tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18383396955584149542024-03-13T11:46:16.885-04:00Solo Mom Takes FlightAs the stay-at-home mom to two wonderful children and the wife of a busy accountant, I love to travel alone with my two kids. This blog will introduce you to our adventures, our mishaps and all the lessons learned along the way.
It's not always easy and it's sometimes a little more than stressful but at the end of the day it's an incredible adventure.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-79919136047494825222014-03-31T22:24:00.004-04:002014-04-01T09:06:19.303-04:00Antigua's Donkey Sanctuary Since I wasn't traveling this week, I thought I would share with you one of my favourite finds while on vacation- <a href="http://www.antiguaanimals.com/donkey/">Antigua's Donkey Sanctuary</a>. Last year, my sister and I were lucky enough to be able to escape to Antigua for a week away at the beginning of Spring. We enjoyed the island and found many fun things to do but our most memorable activity was definitely the sanctuary.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at Antigua's Donkey Sanctuary.</td></tr>
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Being an animal lover, I never say no to an opportunity to meet and help local animals when traveling. Although the hotel we were staying at offered quite a few tourist pamphlets, we actually found out about the sanctuary on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g147244-d3473922-Reviews-Antigua_s_Donkey_Sanctuary-English_Harbour_Saint_Paul_Parish_Antigua_Antigua_and_.html">Tripadvisor.ca</a>. Rental cars are quite cheap on the island and we were able to rent a car for the day to go meet the rescue donkeys.<br />
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The main road on the island was well sign-posted and it wasn't difficult to find our way to donkey heaven located on the eastern side of the island near the town of Bethesda. We arrived to find a few volunteers on site and no one else visiting that morning. As we were departing a group came in that was with an island tour so ask around and I am sure you can make your way there somehow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Ann meets a donkey.</td></tr>
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During our visit, we were given a tour from a very nice volunteer and told that over 150 donkeys live on site. Many of the donkeys the sanctuary takes in are pregnant and we even got to meet some foals.<br />
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The incredible part of meeting the donkeys is that even though some have a bad history with humans and have been in some way injured, the donkeys are all exceptionally loving and cuddly. A few of the donkeys chose to follow us around and kept putting their heads under our hands to signify they wanted to be pet. All in all, I must admit I hugged quite a few donkeys that day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Ann getting a donkey hug.</td></tr>
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While there is no cost to visit the sanctuary, visitors on site and online are given the opportunity to <a href="http://www.antiguaanimals.com/donkey/?page_id=7">adopt a donkey</a> for $25US. I adopted Ushi who had followed me around the whole morning since I felt like we had a good connection. The money collected from adopted donkeys helps to feed the donkeys and provide them with veterinary care.<br />
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If you are visiting Antigua, don't hesitate to take a few hours away from the beach and go visit this amazing charity. The hope is that all stray and roaming donkeys on the island will be brought to the sanctuary to keep them safe from cars and abuse. If you happen to see Ushi, give him a big hug from one of his biggest fans.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving Ushi a kiss goodbye. </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda17.0746557 -61.81752069999998916.8318102 -62.140244199999991 17.317501200000002 -61.494797199999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-80831187521249339892014-03-29T22:44:00.001-04:002014-03-29T22:44:43.632-04:00Harlem Globetrotters!One of my favourite memories as a child was getting to attend a <a href="http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/">Harlem Globetrotters</a> game. When I heard they were coming to Toronto, I knew I had to take Will.<br />
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I researched the best discounts I could find on tickets and found the following deals:<br />
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<a href="http://groupon/">Groupon</a>: Expiring at Midnight on March 29, 2014 Groupon is offering 40% off tickets including VIP seating but not court side seats.<br />
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<a href="http://wagjag/">Wagjag</a>: Expiring at Midnight on March 30, 2014 Wagjag is offering 37% off tickets including VIP seating but not court side seats.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ticketmaster.ca/the-harlem-globetrotters-toronto-ontario-04-11-2014/event/10004B72F233B027?artistid=806223&majorcatid=10003&minorcatid=55">Ticketmaster</a>: With both the above deals you are given a pass to a certain section but cannot purchase an actual assigned seat. If you prefer to go through Ticketmaster, I found the following codes that will get you varying discounts:<br />
PTPA: $7 off most tickets.<br />
KELLOGS: 25% off all tickets except court side seats.<br />
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The Globetrotters are also offering ticket holders the chance to buy a <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Harlem-Globetrotters-Magic-Pass-tickets/artist/1638358">Magic Pass</a>. Starting 90 minutes before the game, Magic Pass holders can spend 30 minutes on court with the team playing basketball, learning tricks and taking photos. The Magic Pass is an additional $25 per person and adults accompanying children to the event must also have a Magic Pass for early entry.<br />
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See you at the game!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0100 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3, Canada43.634482899999988 -79.410871343.267242899999985 -80.0563183 44.00172289999999 -78.765424299999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-27704414614538049932014-03-24T13:05:00.000-04:002014-03-24T13:05:36.895-04:00Canada's Best Kept Secret- Canada's WonderlandSeeing its the beginning of summer, I thought I would highlight local attractions in and near Toronto that solo parents can easily explore when outnumbered. The first and my favourite activity is Canada's Wonderland. You must be thinking this woman is crazy and having seen the crowds in July I would probably say the same.<br />
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Here is the key detail-- attendance at Wonderland on weekdays until school lets out is low and mostly limited to high school groups. Translation-- you and your children can rule Snoopy's Planet.
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Each Thursday from the time Wonderland opens their doors on weekdays until the day local schools finish (which this year ranges from the third week of June to the last day of June), you can find me and my two kids under 4 running around like crazy. We explore every ride, go see the dinosaurs and interact with the very kind staff. Often ride operators will sing songs with the kids and Snoopy and his crew have a lot of time for pictures and hugs. </div>
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The only issue with travelling to Wonderland solo during these few weeks is that you are restricted to the height of your shortest child. This hasn't become a big issue for us but I have noticed the taller one eyeing some of the smaller roller coasters this year. </div>
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If you are nearby or travel to Wonderland, I highly recommend taking a weekday off work and school and making it the ultimate trip. You could be the only ones playing mini golf or your children can ride the Snoopy Red Baron planes until they beg to get off or simply fall asleep like my little one did last year. </div>
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An important note for some park visitors is that the shows in Planet Snoopy don't tend to run unless it is a weekend or school is out. If this is an important detail to you, you might want to face the crowds on weekends in June instead. We drown our sorrows in corn dogs and ice cream with no wait times and remind ourselves this small detail doesn't outweigh the fun we are having. </div>
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If its a Thursday, keep an eye out for me and send me a wink to let me know you are now in on Canada's best kept secret. We will most likely be found at the giant trampolines. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-82891541919200780952014-03-24T10:40:00.001-04:002014-03-24T10:40:55.107-04:00Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival at Bruce's Mill Located a quick 35 minute drive from downtown Toronto in Stouffville, Ontario, <a href="http://trca.on.ca/enjoy/locations/bruces-mill-conservation-area.dot">Bruce's Mill Conservation Area</a> is worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of the city. From the moment you arrive at the <a href="http://www.maplesyrupfest.com/?gclid=COTh_t-cq70CFYsWMgod9jcA8A">Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival</a>, the air is tinged with the sweet aroma of boiling syrup and pancakes and you are met by a friendly staff with open arms.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly staff at the festival are easily recognizable in their red flannel shirts.</td></tr>
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The kids and I headed out to the festival this past Sunday, not too sure what to expect but excited to see what it was all about. We were not disappointed. We entered the festival as it opened at 9:30 and saw not only young families but people from all walks of life. The great thing about the set-up of the Maple Syrup Festival is that the trail is an easy walk and although muddy in spots quite accessible to young and old. As I was alone with my two, I definitely worried about wandering into the bush but quickly discovered that the trail was quite compressed and an easy walk from start to finish.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maple Syrup Trail at Bruce's Mill.</td></tr>
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Admission to the festival is $10 per adult and $6.50 per child. Children 4 and under are admitted for free. My kids wanted to begin the day with a pony ride and I happily obliged. Since I was alone, the staff very kindly helped the kids onto the ponies and went around the ride with them so I could take pictures. Like a few other things at the festival, the ponies are an extra cost and at $6 per child for a one minute ride I did feel like this was the one thing at the festival that was unfairly priced. Still the kids enjoyed the ride and once they were finished did not ask to ride again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Charlie enjoying a pony ride.</td></tr>
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Once we were done riding ponies, we were off an a guided tour through the Maple Syrup Trail. The guided tour is included in the price of the festival and you also have the option of experiencing the trail on your own. The staff is quite helpful along the trail and there are many signs explaining every aspect of maple syrup production. We stayed with the tour for about half of the trail and then ventured ahead on our own.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests about to leave on the Maple Syrup Trail tour.</td></tr>
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When walking the trail, you get to experience the history of maple syrup collection from the original collection done first by the Native people of Canada, to the collection methods of the pioneers and concluding with how maple sap is collected and made into maple syrup now. My kids definitely enjoyed playing at each station and loved chatting with the friendly staff and pioneer manning the fire at the pioneer station.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will checking out sap in the bucket. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids inside the maple shack used in Native method. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pioneer teaching the kids how he made maple syrup over a fire. </td></tr>
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Currently along the trail there are large mounds of snow that children have made into makeshift slides. These provided a good stopping point and break from the trail. The kids were easily lured back to the trail by the delicious maple syrup samples and the promise of pancakes at the end.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Charlie sliding down snow banks. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will trying a sample of tasty maple syrup.</td></tr>
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When we were done learning about maple syrup production and looking in the buckets for sap, we headed to the pancake house to enjoy a delicious sample of pancakes and syrup. The pancakes are quite good and extremely large. 3 large pancakes with syrup costs $6.50 a plate with smaller plates costing between $3 and $5.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will excited to dig into the pancakes and syrup. </td></tr>
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Once our pancakes had been devoured, we visited the balloon twister and face painting station located in the back of the pancake house. The balloon twister, Dr. Bandoli, is great with kids and kept the entire crowd entertained. Balloons were free to every child. Charlie opted to have her face painted. The line was short and the face painter did an excellent job. Face painting ranged by design between $3 and $10. Charlie opted for a quite nice design which cost $5.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This kids loved the ballon twister station.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie showing off her facepaint. </td></tr>
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Before wrapping up our day, we wanted to take a wagon ride. We waited outside for less than five minutes as the horses returned from a previous tour. The wagon ride is $1 per person with children 4 and under riding for free. The kids really enjoyed the tour which takes you into the sugarbush to see more maple trees and sap buckets. Its a short ride but it gives kids an idea of how many maple trees are required to make maple syrup. We learnt at the festival that 1 container of maple syrup requires approximately 40 buckets of sap.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The horses getting ready to pull our wagon. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Charlie enjoying the ride. </td></tr>
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We couldn't leave without stopping by the Sugar Shack which sells real Ontario maple syrup products. I, previous to yesterday, did not know that the colour of maple syrup affected the taste and was surprised to see them selling different shades of syrup. I purchased a large bottle of syrup and of course some maple syrup lollipops for the kids.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast this morning with our Ontario maple syrup and honey.</td></tr>
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On the way out we did a quick stop at the petting zoo which is small but has some very friendly donkeys, a llama, and some goats for the kids to say hello to as well as a smaller pen with friendly bunnies. Packed into the car with their bellies full of pancakes and balloon animals in hand, Will and Charlie both asked if we could return to the festival every spring. So it looks like another family tradition is born.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the bunnies at the petting zoo. </td></tr>
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Due to the cold weather the Toronto Area has been experiencing, the Maple Syrup Festival has been extended to April 13, 2014 as they expect the sap from the trees to still be running. The Maple Syrup Festival takes place at two locations this spring, Bruce's Mill and <a href="http://kortright.org/">Kortright Center for Conservation</a> in Maple, Ontario. For more information visit <a href="http://www.maplesyrupfest.com/">www.maplesyrupfest.com</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles at the end of the day. See you next year Maple Syrup Festival!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We were granted free admission to the festival. All opinions expressed in this blog are my own.</span><br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Bruce's Mill Conservation Area, 3291 Stouffville Road, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A 7X5, Canada43.948285 -79.35016889999997143.936852 -79.370338899999965 43.959717999999995 -79.329998899999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-41377120078642438102014-03-17T15:24:00.001-04:002014-03-17T22:34:05.765-04:00Boyne, Michigan- Our Week in Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The kids and I have returned from <a href="https://www.boyne.com/">Boyne Highlands</a>, in Northern Michigan and I have had some time to reflect on the trip, the hotels, and the resort itself. To be clear, Northern Michigan is a decent drive from Toronto (approximately 7 hours) and when you arrive you aren't checking in to a 4 or 5 star hotel. That being said there are a lot of reasons to visit the resort.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Main Lodge at Boyne Highlands.</td></tr>
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As I have previously posted photos of the main hotel at <a href="http://solomomtakesflight.blogspot.ca/2014/03/boyne.html">Boyne Highlands</a>, I will skip reviewing the property but will say that I quickly visited <a href="https://www.boyne.com/boynemountain">Boyne Mountain</a> (30 minute drive from the Highlands) and saw vast improvements on that property including the <a href="https://www.boyne.com/boynemountain/lodging/mountain-grand-lodge">Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa</a>, a newer and modern hotel. The Highlands is at best what I think of as a 2 to 3 star hotel with decent food and at time longer waits for food service than necessary or acceptable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyne Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa (Photo courtesy of Boyne Mountain)</td></tr>
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So why visit Boyne? Three reasons: (1) The family atmosphere makes for a relaxing and great vacation; (2) the Boyne Ski Academy is exceptional; and (3) Avalanche Bay, the indoor water park at Boyne Mountain is well priced and incredibly fun. Put the three together and you have a vacation you and the kids won't forget for a long time.<br />
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As a mom who travels alone most of the time, I have become accustom to travelling to resorts and only meeting a few people, lots of kids and the staff. Things were very different this time at Boyne.<br />
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During <a href="http://www.boyne.com/boynemountain/deals/canadian-ski-week">Canadian Ski Week</a>, most of the skiers are Canadian. I would have guessed that the resort was at least 90% full of Canadians coming from Northern Ontario, the Windsor area and the GTA. The vibe in the hotel was incredible. As I pulled in, all walks of people offered to help me unload my van and welcomed us to the hotel. The halls were filled with excited children who immediately made friends with Will and Charlie and instantly I knew this would be a good week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New friends Braedon, Charlie and Jaden.</td></tr>
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During our daily swim, girls ages 12-14 would rush over to the kids and help them swim and play with them. A group of boys arrived at our door nightly to offer to take Will down to the arcade and play hockey with him in the hallways. It truly was the most inclusive group of children I have ever met and their parents should be proud to be raising such amazing kids.<br />
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As for the parents, I was invited to numerous dinners, chatted to in the pool and offered to join groups of skiers so I wasn't alone. The staff of Boyne also realised I was alone. I often found the Guest Services staff rushing over to help me carry skis and on one occasion to carry an exhausted Charlie back to our room. At night, the lobbies were filled with card playing and singing. We truly have never experienced that welcoming of an atmosphere in all our travels.<br />
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During the day, the kids attended the <a href="http://www.boyne.com/boynemountain/skiing-riding/lessons">Boyne Ski Academy</a> which offers snowboarding and skiing lessons to kids and adults. During Canadian Ski Week, adult lessons are included in the ski package.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An adult snowboard class at Boyne Highlands.</td></tr>
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On Day 1, there is a ski-off and kids are placed in groups based on ability. Will and Charlie had never skied so they began on the tiny hill next to the hotel. We were greeted by wonderful instructors, Priscilla, Sarah and Megan, who quickly popped the kids onto their skis and ushered me away. The instructors clearly know what they are doing with this age group and not once during the entire week did I hear from them with a problem.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will meeting Sarah for the first time. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priscilla strapping Charlie into her pinnie. </td></tr>
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The morning lessons for all kids begin at 9:45 am and run until 11:45 am. The kids then break for lunch and activities which include crafts, downtime and if the kids are old enough a chance to go tubing. Afternoon lessons run from 2:30 pm until 4:30 pm. I stopped by during lunch on the first day to see if the kids wanted to come back to the room and Charlie began crying and begged me to leave her at ski school. After that, I knew they were hooked.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boyne Highlands tubing hill.</td></tr>
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When the kids came back from skiing, they were exhausted. Our nights were filled with easy dinners and early bed times. They woke up excited to head back out on the hill and were devastated when the week ended.<br />
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The Ski Schools at Boyne Highlands and Mountain are run by two Austrians, Tony and Wolfgang. They are both incredibly approachable people who visibly care about the schools they are running. I spoke to Tony throughout the week at the Highlands and really got the sense that the ski school was something he was passionate about. On the last day of ski school, every student gets to participate in Race Day and as I watched Tony stand in frigid temperatures for most of the day to time almost every skier who went by, I understood that he wasn't just supervising instructors, he was ensuring every skier in the school had as great of an experience as we did.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony timing a skier on Race Day.</td></tr>
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On Race Day, the vibe in the hotel was electric. Parents picked meeting spots and exchanged their kids race times so that each child could have a huge cheering squad. Being alone with my kids, I worried that they would be sad with just me cheering them on. I was touched to see that as the bigger kids races ended on the larger hill, parents and children alike trickled down to the bottom of the hill to cheer on the tiniest of skiers. Later that day at the awards ceremony, Will placed first in his category, quite a feat for my not-so-athletic 5 year old, and the cheers from the crowd made him feel like he had won a gold medal at the Olympics.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A family cheers on their son on Race Day.<br />
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Will and instructor Megan with his ski report card. </td></tr>
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I knew I couldn't visit Boyne without checking out the much talked about indoor waterpark <a href="http://www.avalanchebay.com/index.html">Avalanche Bay</a>. We arrived early Friday morning to a completely empty waterpark. As you would expect, the waterpark has a winter ski theme. The centre of the park is Splasherhorn Mountain which houses a water playground, two sizeable slides for younger kids and pours down an 800 gallon water avalanche every 20 or so minutes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will in the Splasherhorn Mountain Play Area.</td></tr>
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There is also a kid's pool, lazy river, various hot tubs, and 4 larger slides. My favourite was the Big Couloir which begins when you enter a capsule and listen to a loud heartbeat. The bottom of the capsule then drops out and you travel up to 38 feet per second in a 360 degree loop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capsule entrance to the Big Couloir slide. </td></tr>
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Avalanche Bay is well staffed and the lifeguards were great with kids. I spent a lot of time noticing how attentive they were and never felt that my kids were in any danger in the waterpark. The height restrictions at the waterpark are much more lenient than I have seen elsewhere and at 38"tall, Charlie who is 3, could ride every ride except the Big Couloir which requires riders to be 48" tall. Avalanche Bay is also incredibly clean and fresh towels and life jackets were easy to find.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOCtpeFyUDs/Uyc8u_Ik8SI/AAAAAAAABYU/TCHkGgtK1p8/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOCtpeFyUDs/Uyc8u_Ik8SI/AAAAAAAABYU/TCHkGgtK1p8/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and I racing down the waterslide racetrack. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gr954DAc72Q/Uyc8u-5yvhI/AAAAAAAABYY/4Nww6YKHN3s/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gr954DAc72Q/Uyc8u-5yvhI/AAAAAAAABYY/4Nww6YKHN3s/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two lifeguards who convinced me to try the Big Couloir. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J58yia8RUZw/Uyc8sqUXueI/AAAAAAAABYM/J_pfH_hWbPI/s1600/IMG_9972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J58yia8RUZw/Uyc8sqUXueI/AAAAAAAABYM/J_pfH_hWbPI/s1600/IMG_9972.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toddler slides at Avalanche Bay with bigger slides in the background. </td></tr>
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All in all, we had a wonderful time at the waterpark and I would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. The resort offers packages for a family of four to stay on property with 4 waterpark passes starting at $207 US a night. Daily admission cost to the waterpark varies with the season but ranges from $22 for a day pass for children up to $41 for a day pass for adults if not staying on the property.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-881nDAwIEJo/Uyc9T-g4_XI/AAAAAAAABYk/lN4E1sk-9W0/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-881nDAwIEJo/Uyc9T-g4_XI/AAAAAAAABYk/lN4E1sk-9W0/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The surfing simulator at Avalanche Bay.</td></tr>
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Although there were a few service hiccups along the way, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Boyne and are planning on returning annually for the foreseeable future. There are definitely closer ski hills but the kids and I truly loved the Boyne Ski Academy and the vibe at our resort. We stayed at Boyne Highlands for 5 days and 5 nights and ate every meal on site. The kids attended ski school for 4 day-long lessons and we all were given a 6-day lift pass. We all also rented skis from the resort. The total cost of the vacation was approximately $1800 Canadian which is a price I don't think can be beat. As an added bonus, if you visit Boyne during Canadian Ski Week, the total cost of your vacation is priced in Canadian dollars instead of US dollars which saved us a little over $300 for the week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ_-4QAJc-s/Uyc9knzbXOI/AAAAAAAABYs/5WFFOlgJAm0/s1600/IMG_9964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ_-4QAJc-s/Uyc9knzbXOI/AAAAAAAABYs/5WFFOlgJAm0/s1600/IMG_9964.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day on the ski hill with Priscilla.</td></tr>
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When planning next year's spring break or a summer golf vacation, I would highly recommend looking into the Boyne family of properties. And who knows, maybe we will see you there next year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Megan gives Charlie a goodbye hug. </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Boyne Highlands Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, USA45.467721999999988 -84.93038059999997845.456585999999987 -84.950550599999971 45.478857999999988 -84.910210599999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-39044414011648536462014-03-12T12:13:00.001-04:002014-03-17T15:32:23.671-04:00Boyne Highlands -Canadian Ski Week We arrived Sunday night after a 7 hour drive from Toronto. The drive was painless and the border was quick and easy thanks to my <a href="http://solomomtakesflight.blogspot.com/2014/03/consentletter.html">consent letter</a> to cross the border alone with my children. All in all, we were at the border crossing for less than 3 minutes. On the drive, we spotted a lot of wildlife including a wolf near the road as we were about to leave Canada and several gorgeous deer in and around Boyne, Michigan.<br />
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We pulled into <a href="https://www.boyne.com/boynehighlands">Boyne Highlands</a> as it was nearing dark and a very pleasant young man from the hotel helped me unload my van as I was alone with the kids. Boyne is, as you would expect, an older cottage like ski resort in Northern Michigan. Most people here seem to know each other and we are met each morning in the halls by smiling and kind people.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skIOKaQp6cg/UyB6BfmngOI/AAAAAAAABT4/Yz_PWHOSd9A/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skIOKaQp6cg/UyB6BfmngOI/AAAAAAAABT4/Yz_PWHOSd9A/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Main Lodge at Boyne Highlands</td></tr>
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The resort is split into several different hotels. Most of which you can ski to off the hills. I chose to book in the main lodge and luckily have a room that is sprinting distance from the pool. I booked a regular room which has two Queen beds, a full bathroom and a mini-fridge. The room is outdated but clean.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfeMMofuP9M/UyB7t_jTIZI/AAAAAAAABUM/dEmsfFt9q1Q/s1600/IMG_2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfeMMofuP9M/UyB7t_jTIZI/AAAAAAAABUM/dEmsfFt9q1Q/s1600/IMG_2275.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room at Boyne Highlands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BoiZy0dW_1E/UyB7va3TbaI/AAAAAAAABUU/Cso8u5zw-0E/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BoiZy0dW_1E/UyB7va3TbaI/AAAAAAAABUU/Cso8u5zw-0E/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New televisions in each room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDKPjtw8WAY/UyB7s71rNeI/AAAAAAAABUE/Jn2pO5F0Ogw/s1600/IMG_2278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDKPjtw8WAY/UyB7s71rNeI/AAAAAAAABUE/Jn2pO5F0Ogw/s1600/IMG_2278.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Separate Bathroom Area with full bathtub.</td></tr>
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My favourite part of the room is the bay window which has become my personal reading and blogging nook. It have a gorgeous view and warms up nicely in the sun. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQvdr-RkFNo/UyB_eNfRvJI/AAAAAAAABU0/_VDPwhv8PeI/s1600/IMG_9938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQvdr-RkFNo/UyB_eNfRvJI/AAAAAAAABU0/_VDPwhv8PeI/s1600/IMG_9938.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my bay window reading nook.</td></tr>
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The social centre of the entire resort is the outdoor pool and hot tub area. During the day, relaxed parents gather to enjoy a warm soak while the kids are at ski school. The backdrop of the mountain and warm winter sun all add to the atmosphere. At 4:30 pm, the pool fills with excited and tired kids who have been on the slopes all day. We have been visiting the pool at least twice a day and the kids love the social atmosphere after a day of skiing. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgXZ3rmJR5Y/UyB9OlynuyI/AAAAAAAABUg/ZCS5nbyqAx8/s1600/IMG_2344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgXZ3rmJR5Y/UyB9OlynuyI/AAAAAAAABUg/ZCS5nbyqAx8/s1600/IMG_2344.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot tub with pool in background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCJyPckrH0c/UyB-GyROcBI/AAAAAAAABUs/bO4D6ZeN8Cs/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCJyPckrH0c/UyB-GyROcBI/AAAAAAAABUs/bO4D6ZeN8Cs/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool is heated to 96 degrees. </td></tr>
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The hotel has three restaurants to eat in and pizza delivery. All are included in the Canadian Ski Week package. Packages are very reasonable and start at $625 Canadian a week per person, for room, three meals a day and 5 lift passes and adult ski lessons. Kids stay and eat free so the only expense for Will and Charlie has been ski school which runs under $300 per child for 4 all-day lessons beginning at 9:45am and ending at 4:30pm. Besides having to buy the kids warmer clothes this morning, I have not had to spend much extra money here at all. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMVOSMsfhjk/UyCB4b3F2ZI/AAAAAAAABVM/XmbVuvTVsf4/s1600/IMG_2351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMVOSMsfhjk/UyCB4b3F2ZI/AAAAAAAABVM/XmbVuvTVsf4/s1600/IMG_2351.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slopeside (Apres-ski pub)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCV0-SKuSSE/UyCC0ISzmuI/AAAAAAAABVY/hj39sYgKRy0/s1600/IMG_2353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DCV0-SKuSSE/UyCC0ISzmuI/AAAAAAAABVY/hj39sYgKRy0/s1600/IMG_2353.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Dining Room </td></tr>
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The kids have now been in ski school for two full days and I am so pleased with the Ski Academy that I have chosen not to review it here but to do a separate post at the end of the week with all the information I have gathered. I have watched some of the lessons and yesterday afternoon even skied a little with Will's class. The kids will sometimes see me ski by and beg me not to take them off the hill. They are truly loving every moment of the academy and in my next post, I will share all the details of this incredible program for kids and adults.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie loving ski school. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ofbrf0jk2U/UyCFq85ZTPI/AAAAAAAABV0/P4b2gx64p1A/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ofbrf0jk2U/UyCFq85ZTPI/AAAAAAAABV0/P4b2gx64p1A/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And she is off! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyzR-41oXY8/UyCFp73ewbI/AAAAAAAABVs/_LIOSVTl5Ug/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyzR-41oXY8/UyCFp73ewbI/AAAAAAAABVs/_LIOSVTl5Ug/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will hard at work learning to turn. </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Boyne Highlands Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, USA45.467721999999988 -84.93038059999997845.456585999999987 -84.950550599999971 45.478857999999988 -84.910210599999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-1876925391412431312014-03-08T20:08:00.000-05:002014-03-08T20:08:34.998-05:00A Day Off at the Four Seasons Toronto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Any mom, no matter how much she loves her kids, sometimes needs some serious time off. I'm lucky because I have a loving sister who always seems to know when I really need a spa day. Last night, when a previously planned cottage weekend got derailed by Will having a stomach bug, she invited me to join her today at the spa in the Toronto <a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/toronto/spa/">Four Seasons hotel.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ft71yLar7Q/UxuvYcVDUEI/AAAAAAAABSg/qtnHikMSTfI/s1600/IMG_9851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ft71yLar7Q/UxuvYcVDUEI/AAAAAAAABSg/qtnHikMSTfI/s1600/IMG_9851.JPG" height="400" title="Four Seasons Hotel Toronto" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Seasons Hotel, Toronto</td></tr>
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Whether you are visiting Toronto or live here, you should really stop by the new Four Seasons in Toronto. The hotel is quite impressive and one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork outside the hotel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reception area of the hotel.</td></tr>
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The hotel entrance was well signed and it was easy to find the spa. Located on the 9th floor of the hotel, the spa is 30,000 square feet of pure relaxation and luxury. There is a large pool and hot tub area, plenty of relaxation space scattered around the spa, large treatment rooms and a nail and hair bar. In the summer, there is also a large patio overlooking Yorkville, one of Toronto's famous neighbourhoods.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A private relaxation area in the spa.</td></tr>
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I began my day with a 60 minute deep tissue massage from Nick. He was extremely professional and made sure the music, room temperature and lighting were all to my liking. The massage was one of the best I have had and I would not hesitate to return to him from another one. The treatment rooms are particularly large which makes relaxation easy. I could not hear anything from the other rooms and truly escaped from my busy Toronto life for an hour. The massage was fairly priced at $170 and was worth every penny. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A treatment room at the spa.</td></tr>
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After my massage, I returned to the relaxation room to await my next appointment, a European Classic Facial. The facial began with a deep cleansing and exfoliation using rosemary and pineapple extract and ended with a Hungarian Moor mud mask to remove toxins from my skin. While the mask was drying, I received an incredible facial, neck, arm and hand massage. The hour long facial cost $180.<br />
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Once your treatment is complete, there is still a lot to enjoy at the spa including the sunlit bromine relaxation pool and hot tub. I also particularly enjoyed spending time in the eucalyptus steam room before heading back out into the never-ending Toronto winter. I thought the ice cold towels provided to you upon entering the steam room were also a very thoughtful touch. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGi5dOMZkFk/Uxu3RuEBTVI/AAAAAAAABTU/o7q_USuSpZo/s1600/IMG_9863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGi5dOMZkFk/Uxu3RuEBTVI/AAAAAAAABTU/o7q_USuSpZo/s1600/IMG_9863.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The relaxation pool. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iced towels outside the steam room.</td></tr>
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Once your day at the spa is over, your night at the Four Seasons can begin. Head down to dBar for a perfectly made Manhattan or a famous Yankee burger or try Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud's food at<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/toronto/dining/?c=t&_s_icmp=mmenu"> Café Boulud</a>.<br /><br />
The Four Seasons Toronto is the perfect escape within the big city whether you are visiting Toronto or lucky enough to live here. If you are travelling with kids, the Four Seasons is an extremely family-friendly hotel chain offering luxury to even the tiniest of travellers. With in-room cookies, a welcoming gift and even miniature bathrobes for your travelling tots, staying at the Four Seasons with kids is never a bad decision. Who knows, maybe the next time I need a day off in Toronto, I'll bring my little guys for a sleepover downtown.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie rocking her Four Seasons bathrobe at the Four Seasons Dublin.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com060 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON M4W 0A4, Canada43.6717057 -79.38992480000001743.6717057 -79.389924800000017 43.6717057 -79.389924800000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-12169709789648600322014-03-07T15:50:00.002-05:002014-03-07T17:22:50.220-05:00Crossing Borders Alone with Kids - Consent Letter Requirements<br />
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/Entering_Can._%28White_Rock%2C_BC%29_from_U.S._%28Blaine%2C_WA%29.jpg" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><img alt="File:Entering Can. (White Rock, BC) from U.S. (Blaine, WA).jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Entering_Can._%28White_Rock%2C_BC%29_from_U.S._%28Blaine%2C_WA%29.jpg/799px-Entering_Can._%28White_Rock%2C_BC%29_from_U.S._%28Blaine%2C_WA%29.jpg" height="300" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Entering_Can._%28White_Rock%2C_BC%29_from_U.S._%28Blaine%2C_WA%29.jpg/1199px-Entering_Can._%28White_Rock%2C_BC%29_from_U.S._%28Blaine%2C_WA%29.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/Entering_Can._%28White_Rock%2C_BC%29_from_U.S._%28Blaine%2C_WA%29.jpg 2x" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(data:image/png; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Whether you are married, divorced or widowed or a single parent for other reasons, you will always be asked for proof of your right to take your child out of your home country alone and into another one.<br />
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Over the years, I have been asked for proof that I had full legal guardianship of my children for the duration of our travels in the United States, Jamaica, and when re-entering Canada.<br />
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I wanted to provide my readers with a form letter of the letter I use in order to make your border crossings go smoother. I have removed all confidential information from this template.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Form Letter for Crossing the Border with Children</td></tr>
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The government of Canada also recommends that parents who have sole custody of their children or share custody of their children due to separation or divorce carry all legal custody documents.<br />
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The above form letter will also work when neither parent is crossing the border but the child is crossing with someone else like a grandparent or family friend. Be prepared that if the child is not your child, there will be further investigation done at the border to ensure you are legally allowed to take him or her out of the country. The consent letters do not need to be notarised by a lawyer but there are often significant delays when the letter has not been notarised. <span style="background-color: white;">You can find more examples of consent letters and information by visiting </span><a href="http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter" style="background-color: white;">this link</a><span style="background-color: white;"> to the Government of Canada website.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"> The American government does not provide a form letter but requires that the consent letter include who is travelling, where they are going, when and why as well as all the contact information for the non-travelling parent. Again having the letter notarised is not necessary but is highly recommended. If you cross the border often, the American government allows you to present a less detailed letter granting permission to cross the border with the child for up to a year. </span><span style="background-color: white;">You can get more information by visiting </span><a href="https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1254/kw/1254/sno/1" style="background-color: white;">this link</a><span style="background-color: white;"> to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"> Taking this small step will ensure you can start your vacation without long wait times at the border. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Canada56.130366 -106.34677099999999-9.613211 88.41885400000001 90 58.88760400000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-53572034147489854432014-02-25T14:32:00.000-05:002014-02-27T13:47:00.772-05:00Travelling with Allergies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a young baby, Charlie, my youngest travelling companion, was allergic to milk, soy and dairy. As she was not yet eating food, the only real change in our travelling habits was that we had to cart luggage full of dairy and soy free formula everywhere we went. Although slightly annoying this is nothing compared to the fear parents of children with life-threatening allergies face daily. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and his friend William, enjoying a peanut-free vacation at the JW Marriott. </td></tr>
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On our last adventure to the <a href="http://solomomtakesflight.blogspot.ca/2014/02/jwrosseau.html">JW Marriott</a> in Muskoka, we were joined by another mom and her two children. Her eldest, William, has an allergy to peanuts so severe that any exposure to peanuts, even an invisible amount, could quickly lead to death. Since we were sharing a room, I took every precaution I could think of to make sure he would be fine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The JW Marriott, Muskoka</td></tr>
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My first step was to contact the hotel by phone and speak to someone who confirmed that an allergy notice would be placed on the room. Upon arrival, I reminded the check-in clerk who was already aware of the situation. Before handing the room over to us, we were assured that the management of the cleaning staff had gone over the room herself to ensure every hard surface had been cleaned and sanitized. My first impression upon seeing the room was that I had never seen cleaner countertops or a cleaner fridge in all of my travels.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZy7jllI2YM/UwPX2yLGrEI/AAAAAAAABNA/0VcPXco_UF0/s1600/IMG_9630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZy7jllI2YM/UwPX2yLGrEI/AAAAAAAABNA/0VcPXco_UF0/s1600/IMG_9630.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shine reflecting off the JW Marriott kitchen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone at the JW Marriott worked very hard cleaning this fridge.</td></tr>
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Whenever we ate in restaurants, we reminded the staff of the allergy and checked the list of ingredients for all of William's meals. For the most part, the servers were extremely diligent and already aware of the situation. At one point, William swallowed orange juice the wrong way and began to choke a little. Two staff members ran over while another pulled out a cellphone and almost called 9-1-1. They were clearly on high alert.<br />
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It was eye opening to travel with a family that deals with this sort of allergy. From learning that you can't use metal baking sheets because traces of peanut oil could emerge when the pan is warmed up to finding out how to administer life-saving epinephrine through an auto-injector like the <a href="http://epipen.ca/en/about_epipen/what_is_epipen/?gclid=CNqH7bap57wCFe1cMgodSS0ALA">EpiPen</a> or <a href="http://www.allerject.ca/">Allerject</a>, I left the vacation with a new appreciation for those suffering from life-threatening allergies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epinephrine auto-injectors</td></tr>
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While completing research for this blog post, the most interesting fact to emerge was that most allergy websites, travel advisories and parents agree that the safest place to travel with a peanut allergy is in fact my home country, Canada. In Canada, food labels and menus all must disclose whether there is a chance your food has come into contact with peanuts as well as any allergens in the food. Canadian airlines like Air Canada and Porter offer passengers who give the airline 48-hours notice of an peanut allergy, an inflight buffer zone where passengers in the row the person is seated in and the row in front and behind are not allowed to consume any food containing peanuts or buy food that may contain peanuts. Porter will also remove all foods potentially containing peanuts from the in-flight service for the whole plane.<br />
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All this information brought me back to our many visits to <a href="http://beaches.com/">Beaches Resorts</a> and I wondered how families would travel to large resorts with the same assurances. I contacted Beaches and was told that they are quite open to families of children with any allergies visiting the resort. They provide families with alternative menus and upon arrival at the resort the head chef meets with the family to discuss safe eating and the specific requirements for the person with the allergy. Each Beaches Resort has restaurants that offer food off a menu instead of buffet style service which is an extreme danger due to cross-contamination. On allergy websites, I was able to find testimonials of families saying the staff at Beaches baked their children separate safe muffins and provided great alternatives.<br />
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All this being said, my travel companion last weekend let me know that they were unable to get auto-injectors like EpiPens in Jamaican pharmacies and thus you should bring far more than usual when travelling outside your home country. William's family learned this lesson the hard way after he jumped into a pool on three different occasions while wearing his auto-injector.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2_WSNLGUGU/UwzsQ4NuWGI/AAAAAAAABQ8/X8NukJnxEYc/s1600/WilliamB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2_WSNLGUGU/UwzsQ4NuWGI/AAAAAAAABQ8/X8NukJnxEYc/s1600/WilliamB.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William wears his auto-injector around his waist. </td></tr>
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In all my research it was clear that families need to take extreme caution but travelling can still be fun and exciting when dealing with allergies. The countries with the most danger with regards to peanut allergies tend to be Vietnam, Thailand and China as nuts are used frequently in restaurants and street food.<br />
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Each spring I participate in <a href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/en/media/events.html?news_id=40">the Robyn Allen Memorial Cup Tennis Tournament</a> which is a fundraiser for <a href="http://www.anaphylaxis.ca/">Anaphylaxis Canada</a> and this year I will enter the tournament with a much truer understanding of what peanut allergy sufferers face in daily life and while travelling. This year's tournament is sponsored by <a href="http://www.sanofi.ca/l/ca/index.jsp">Sanofi</a>, the maker of the Allerject and in part by <a href="http://flyporter.com/">Porter Airlines</a>.<br />
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I hope this posts helps to spread the word a little and gives all travellers an idea of what dangers food can present to other travellers. I pledge from this day forward to forgo my beloved yellow peanut M&Ms while in-flight and consume them only when I am safely away from possible allergy sufferers and my own children...that way I don't have to share.<br />
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Travel safe my friends!<br />
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**<b>Update</b>** After posting this article, I received tweets and emails from a number of families who had recently stayed at Beaches Resorts confirming that Beaches had done an incredible job cooking for their children with life-threatening allergies. One family with a child with a similar peanut allergy to William confirmed that families should feel safe and excited booking a vacation with Beaches Resorts. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Toronto, ON, Canada43.653226 -79.38318429999998243.285985999999994 -80.028631299999986 44.020466 -78.737737299999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-75379510214216235972014-02-22T08:53:00.000-05:002014-02-24T10:45:17.386-05:00March Break in Muskoka Over the past few days, I have received a few emails asking about the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/yqajw-jw-marriott-the-rosseau-muskoka-resort-and-spa/">JW Marriott Muskoka</a> and other similarly priced hotels particularly with respect to March Break in Ontario. For a direct link to my recent JW Marriott Muskoka review <a href="http://solomomtakesflight.blogspot.ca/2014/02/jwrosseau.html">click here.</a><br />
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I thought it would be best to contact the hotels directly and prepare a blog post for anyone asking the age old question of "what am I going to do with these kids over March Break". For consistency, I checked the rates with the hotels beginning Sunday March 9th through Sunday March 16th, 2014.<br />
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<a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yqajw-jw-marriott-the-rosseau-muskoka-resort-and-spa/"><b>JW Marriott Muskoka (The Rosseau)</b></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rosseau, A JW Marriott hotel</td></tr>
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Since I most recently visited the JW Marriott, I felt it would be a good place to start. As I recently described the hotel is large, quite secluded and has three restaurants open in the winter. It also has an indoor/outdoor heated pool and hot tub as well as a dedicated skating rink. Below the skating rink, there is a hill that leads to the lake that many people use for sledding although it is not an activity sanctioned by the hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUqt1Z3BpDY/UwPVAzM10sI/AAAAAAAABMk/UhUt3VAZB7I/s1600/IMG_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUqt1Z3BpDY/UwPVAzM10sI/AAAAAAAABMk/UhUt3VAZB7I/s1600/IMG_0824.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main hotel</td></tr>
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By contacting the hotel, you can currently book a studio room with a King Bed, sofa bed and fireplace for $199 per night. If you pay through the advance booking, the rate drops to $159 per night but there are no refunds and you must pay at the time of booking. A room with 2 queen beds is currently $219 per night which drops to $175 per night when choosing the advance booking. None of the room prices above include tax and all are subject to a daily resort fee of $29 a day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mt9RDVJnr5c/UwPY1TNmLAI/AAAAAAAABNU/XYsoVPLQ2Yg/s1600/IMG_9622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mt9RDVJnr5c/UwPY1TNmLAI/AAAAAAAABNU/XYsoVPLQ2Yg/s1600/IMG_9622.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A room with 2 queen beds</td></tr>
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The Marriott is also currently offering a winter escape package which includes accommodations, breakfast for two adults and two children at the breakfast buffet, dinner for two adults and two children at Cottages or Teca and in-room cookies. The winter package saves you up to 30% on the room and to be clear, you are going to end up eating in those restaurants while on site. Both the breakfast and dinner offered through this package will be a buffet but having tried the buffet, I can reassure you its quite delicious and fresh.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite on-site restaurant, Teca</td></tr>
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As for March Break specific activities, the schedule I have received from the hotel is very similar to the one that was posted when we recently visited. <a href="http://muskokarecreation.com/">Muskoka Recreation</a> will be onsite providing <a href="http://solomomtakesflight.blogspot.ca/2014/02/MuskokaSports.html">ice fishing and snowmobiling tours</a>. There will also be a magic show Wednesday night and a Hula Hoop workshop during the day on Friday. Both are additional costs and both require parental supervision. There will be onsite cooking demonstrations and maple syrup making demonstrations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvvwLskVpW0/UwOWjU5seeI/AAAAAAAABKM/xcibI4qW8P8/s1600/DSC_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvvwLskVpW0/UwOWjU5seeI/AAAAAAAABKM/xcibI4qW8P8/s1600/DSC_0554.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple Syrup Demonstration at the hotel</td></tr>
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<a href="http://deal.westin.com/?PS=LGEN_AA_DNAD_CGGL_TBRD"><b>The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain</b></a><br />
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The Westin Blue Mountain is a gorgeous hotel that sits at the bottom of <a href="http://www.bluemountain.ca/lodging_specials.htm?gclid=CM-T8qHT3bwCFajm7Aod1UYABw">Blue Mountain</a>, a popular ski hill in Collingwood, Ontario. Not technically Muskoka but this hotel should seriously be considered by anyone looking for a great Ontario hotel for March Break. The obvious advantage to staying here is that you have the option to downhill ski. The disadvantage is that there is no lake on the property thus activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing must be done off site. That being said there is a giant skating rink right outside of the hotel, just don't drill holes in it looking for fish. There are many other hotels on the property but as I have not stayed at them, I decided to focus on the Westin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GNSr4Ib7WM/Uwej2ty9pVI/AAAAAAAABO4/FxjUhWjDGqA/s1600/wes1498ls-110933-Exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GNSr4Ib7WM/Uwej2ty9pVI/AAAAAAAABO4/FxjUhWjDGqA/s1600/wes1498ls-110933-Exterior.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Westin and skating rink (Photo courtesy of the Westin)</td></tr>
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Similarly to the JW Marriott, the Westin is an upscale resort but with more modern decor. The resort has just completed a year long renovation to update the hotel even further. I can tell you the bed I slept in at the Westin was so comfortable that I actually bought it the next morning and sleep on it every night at home. In addition, management at the Westin is incredible and when we visited the managers were accessible and professional. I also spoke to management in order to complete this blog and Tyler, one of the managers, immediately picked up the phone and was courteous and a joy to talk to. The Westin has an outdoor heated pool and two gorgeous hot tubs. It also has a kids play area on the main floor and a kitchenette in every room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziaWu0K3GEE/UwekLTwhn0I/AAAAAAAABPI/1OpMaz43RyU/s1600/wes1498po-110934-Outdoor+hot+tub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ziaWu0K3GEE/UwekLTwhn0I/AAAAAAAABPI/1OpMaz43RyU/s1600/wes1498po-110934-Outdoor+hot+tub.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the outdoor hot tubs (Photo courtesy of the Westin)</td></tr>
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Rates at the Westin over March Break begin at $223 plus tax a night for a deluxe guest room with a kitchenette. There are also packages available that include ski lift tickets. There is no resort fee.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deluxe guest room (Photo courtesy of the Westin)</td></tr>
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Although these hotel differ a little in price, there is a lot more to do at the Westin and due to the sheer size of the Blue Mountain Village, much more varied activities available at no or very minimal extra cost. These include a concert featuring Fefe Dobson, firework shows, dance parties, movie nights and spending time at <a href="http://www.plungebluemountain.ca/">Plunge</a> an indoor aquatic centre. Plunge, located next to the Westin, has indoor-outdoor pools, an indoor water playground, hot tubs, rope swings and slides. Best of all parents can watch all the action from a Muskoka chair on an indoor dock. Although the activities are spread throughout the village, the Westin is specifically hosting twice-daily kids movies are well as <a href="http://www.petermennie.ca/">Peter Mennie's Abra-Kid-Abra</a> magic show.<br />
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If you do chose to visit the Westin, make sure to try out the <a href="http://www.oliverbonacini.com/Blue-Mountain">Oliver & Bonacini</a> restaurant in the hotel which serves kids meals at the perfect temperature for immediate consumption by children and stop by the <a href="http://www.rockychoc.com/">Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill (Photo courtesy of the Westin)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.deerhurstresort.com/"><b>Deerhurst Resort</b></a><br />
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I must fully admit before you read on that I have never been to Deerhurst Resort located in Hunstville, Ontario but I do know quite a few people who have visited and loved it. From what I can gleam from my research, Deerhurst is a good mix of the ambiance of the JW Marriott Muskoka with snowmobiling, ice fishing and cross country skiing alongside one of the benefits of the Westin being that it is also next to a downhill ski hill. In addition, Deerhurst offers dog sledding with a smaller loop and a single dog pulling a small sled for young children to try as well as Mukluk Fat Tire winter cycling, horse riding and children's stables.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleigh Rides at Deerhurst Resorts (Photo courtesy of Deerhurst Resort)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseback Riding for children (Photo courtesy of Deerhurst Resort)</td></tr>
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Rates at Deerhurst Resort begin at $189 a night for a room in the main hotel. There is a cheaper rate of $169 a night but that requires a stay in the lake side property which is a five minute walk to the main building. There are also a variety of different packages available such as the bed and breakfast package which includes breakfast for two adults and two children. None of the room prices above include tax and all are subject to a daily resort fee of $25 a day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHADb-et-kQ/Uwtnd1YchSI/AAAAAAAABPs/qSdQ9znWgew/s1600/deerhurst_winter_lookout_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHADb-et-kQ/Uwtnd1YchSI/AAAAAAAABPs/qSdQ9znWgew/s1600/deerhurst_winter_lookout_02.jpg" height="116" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deerhurst in Winter (Photo courtesy of Deerhurst Resort)</td></tr>
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Like the other hotels listed, Deerhurst has an indoor swimming pool. During March Break, the property also features an arcade and indoor play zone featuring 11,000 square feet of inflatables, slides, Xbox Kinnect stations, a toddler area, a mini-putt and most importantly a lounge area for parents. Admission to both these activities is free for registered guests. Finally Deerhurst offers a family-friendly live stage show featuring music from the 50's to today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8oPFa48UPc/Uwtn3f7bXnI/AAAAAAAABP0/7SwqLVajFys/s1600/2014+SRX+07+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8oPFa48UPc/Uwtn3f7bXnI/AAAAAAAABP0/7SwqLVajFys/s1600/2014+SRX+07+LR.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children's Snowmobiling at Deerhurst Resort (Photo courtesy of Deerhurst Resort)</td></tr>
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If you are feeling adventurous, Deerhurst is only a 10 minute drive from <a href="http://explorersedge.ca/stories/the-ice-trail-at-arrowhead-provincial-park/">Arrowhead Provincial Park</a> which has a groomed 1.5 Km skating path through the local woods.<br />
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No matter which of these hotels you choose, they are all of great quality and a wonderful way to truly discover Ontario in the winter. If you do book over March Break, make sure to let me know how your stay was.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Ontario, Canada51.253775 -85.32321389999998529.920246999999996 -126.63180789999998 72.587302999999991 -44.014619899999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-32021623488055449292014-02-18T18:00:00.001-05:002014-02-18T18:00:13.432-05:00The Rosseau, A JW Marriott Resort and Spa <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Over the years of travelling with the kids, I have been to some incredible hotels and some not so great ones. The only thing they all had in common was that they were quite far away. This weekend we headed to the wintry<a href="http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/"> Muskoka </a>region, to spend Family Day weekend at the <a href="http://www.therosseau.com/">The Rosseau</a>, A JW Marriott Resort and Spa which luckily is only a 3 hour drive away. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snowy welcome.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main hotel and lobby.</td></tr>
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The drive up to the hotel is quite picturesque and when you see the hotel it is hard not to be impressed. Check-in was quite quick and although our room was not ready, as we arrived quite early, we were given keys to the amenities. We sat down for lunch at Cottages restaurant and by the time we were done eating our room was ready. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottages restaurant</td></tr>
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On this trip, we were joined by another solo mom and her two children and thus booked a two-bedroom suite. One of the children travelling with us had a severe anaphylactic peanut allergy and we warned the hotel of this before our arrival. The hotel took every precaution imaginable and reassured me that before turning the room over to us, the housekeeping manager personally had disinfected all the hard surfaces in the room. When we arrived in the room, we were blown away by its sheer size and cleanliness.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our large and spotless kitchen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seating area in our room.</td></tr>
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The hotel room we shared had one bedroom with a king bed and a separate bedroom with 2 queen beds as well as a pull-out couch. The kitchen was gorgeous and equipped with Miele and Sub Zero appliances. The room also feature three bathrooms each which large bathtubs and separate showers. All in all, there was more than enough room for all of us and the kitchen made feeding the kids a lot easier. The only downfall was that for most of the vacation there was only one television in the entire suite so most of our time was spent watching Dora instead of having a separate television for the adults. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the two bedrooms in our room. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the bathtubs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNqTODkBACI/UwPY1MBFALI/AAAAAAAABNI/1mLwwmZwMi0/s1600/IMG_9636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNqTODkBACI/UwPY1MBFALI/AAAAAAAABNI/1mLwwmZwMi0/s1600/IMG_9636.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cleanest fridge I have ever seen. </td></tr>
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Although the rooms are gorgeous and clean, the best part of the hotel is definitely the pool. In winter, the main pool remains open with a warm indoor section, a cooler outdoor section and a large hot tub. The kids and I had a lot of fun playing in the snow and jumping in the water and the juxtaposition of the hot and cold made for a twist on our usual vacations. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Charlie loved posing in the cold for this picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie playing in the warm fountain.</td></tr>
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Besides the heated pools that you could spend hours in, there are many more amenities on-site including a games room with ping pong tables and a Wii as well as a toddler indoor play area. Our favourite on-site amenity besides the pool was the skating rink found on the lawn behind the hotel and overlooking the lake. The rink is small and child-friendly and the hotel has a variety of skate sizes for children and adults. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXJUDTa16k0/UwPbKAWPsCI/AAAAAAAABN8/rgVb53S--PQ/s1600/IMG_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXJUDTa16k0/UwPbKAWPsCI/AAAAAAAABN8/rgVb53S--PQ/s1600/IMG_0939.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys enjoying the skating rink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie's first time on skates. </td></tr>
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The hotel has three on-site restaurants open in the winter, Cottages, Lakes and Teca. Lakes is a large sitting room filled with sunshine and comfortable tables and couches. After a long day, families gathered to play board games, watch the Olympics and order food without worrying about tired kids getting bored in a traditional restaurant. Cottages serves rustic food and has the best homemade chicken burger I have ever tried. To be sure, I tried it twice. The restaurants all have large fireplaces and are quite cozy and delicious. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsDxNikX9W4/UwPcTJz13LI/AAAAAAAABOI/SMAmtkpTXVQ/s1600/IMG_9616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsDxNikX9W4/UwPcTJz13LI/AAAAAAAABOI/SMAmtkpTXVQ/s1600/IMG_9616.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fireplace in Cottages. </td></tr>
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In my opinion, the best restaurant on site was Teca, an Italian restaurant. The food at Teca was incredibly fresh and like all the food served at the hotel was clearly made on-site. The nightly specials were delicious and the chef working knew how to perfectly sear a scallop. The restaurant was remotely pricey but nothing compared to what you would pay for similar food in Toronto. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcHY7UGBbWU/UwPdhZPZ-kI/AAAAAAAABOc/dOYeUpTjQZY/s1600/IMG_9648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcHY7UGBbWU/UwPdhZPZ-kI/AAAAAAAABOc/dOYeUpTjQZY/s1600/IMG_9648.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chefs working hard at Teca.</td></tr>
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One thing that is important to note about all the restaurants is that on busy weekends everyone is mostly eating on-site and the food can take a long time to arrive. That being said, the food always arrived pipping hot and fresh including the food on the breakfast buffet. The staff in the restaurants are incredible and servers, particularly Katie at Cottages, took extreme care in light of the peanut allergy at our table. At night, Chris at the Cottages bar and Claire in Teca made sure our every needs were met including ordering me an extra television for our room. </div>
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There were many other kids activities on-site but unfortunately no dedicated childcare. All of the children's additional programming had an added price but you had to attend with your children. The flaw in this plan is that if you are alone with children, you cannot enjoy amenities like the spa. Even if you are travelling with two adults you cannot go to the spa or dinner together without the kids. The hotel is quite secluded but I was told they had a list of local babysitters who were available to babysit children in the rooms. We did not inquire further and thus I didn't have the opportunity to test out the spa. </div>
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All in all this hotel is beyond impressive. Upon arrival, I discovered I left my jacket in Toronto and Can, a sometimes cook sometimes bellman, took it upon himself to lend me his JW Marriott jacket for the entire three days we were there. Other staff members went above and beyond including Kati at the concierge desk who was always smiling and making sure we had everything we needed. </div>
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Although the hotel is a relatively short drive from Toronto, it often seems like it is a world away. The staff operates like a small family and clearly works as a close knit team. There were a few less than welcoming people particularly some of the ladies at the front desk but all in all, the staff in this hotel really blew me away. The vibe of the hotel is relaxed and extremely family orientated. Children are welcome everywhere and guests are welcome to put their feet up and relax. </div>
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In essence, the JW Marriott in the heart of Muskoka, gives you everything you love about a cottage with none of the hassle. The roads are plowed, food is cooked and rooms are cleaned. You can borrow skates and snow shoes at no additional cost and every winter activity you can think of is available on-site including <a href="http://solomomtakesflight.blogspot.ca/2014/02/Winterdance.html">dog sledding</a>. </div>
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Additionally, if you hit a patch of ice like this solo mom did, they will even send a friendly team of engineers to dig you out of the ditch. Truly an experience to not be missed in one of Ontario's most beautiful locations. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being saved by the hotel and some knights in shining snowsuits. </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Minett, ON P0B 1G0, Canada45.2888528 -79.61901460000001444.9309558 -80.264461600000018 45.6467498 -78.97356760000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-89111131391401301392014-02-18T16:02:00.002-05:002014-02-18T16:02:33.089-05:00Muskoka Sports and Recreation As you may have determined from earlier blog posts, I am not really a winter person. In fact, until this weekend I would have gone so far as to say I hated winter. As I packed up the kids, mismatched mittens and snowsuits galore, I seriously considered booking a flight to Miami. Luckily, later that day I spoke to Dan from <a href="http://Muskoka Sports and Recreation">Muskoka Sports and Recreation</a> and my fear of winter turned into sheer excitement.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan from Muskoka Sports and Recreation with Charlie.</td></tr>
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Within minutes, Dan had me convinced that taking children snowmobiling and ice fishing was not only safe but a great way to explore winter. We drove to <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/yqajw-jw-marriott-the-rosseau-muskoka-resort-and-spa/">The Rosseau</a>, A JW Marriott resort in Muskoka, and immediately met Dan's wife and fellow winter enthusiast Diane. After spending 5 minutes with her and watching her interact with my kids, I knew we were going to have a great weekend. Diane has a teaching background and watching her put children at ease is amazing. She knows songs for putting on mittens, sliding down hills and generally putting smiles on freezing cold children's faces. She also equips the tour guides with snacks and juice for kids which came in handy more than a few times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diane making maple syrup at the hotel.</td></tr>
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Our first activity with the Muskoka Sports team was ice fishing. We headed out onto Lake Rosseau with the fishing guide Alex. The group consisted of an array of people ranging in age and outdoors experience. One neat aspect of the experience was the vibe of the group. I tend to worry that my kids will be a distraction to adults on these types of tours but everyone was extremely welcoming and chatty with the kids.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex, ice fishing expert and fellow travel blogger.</td></tr>
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The guides set up heated pop tents and taught us how to drill holes and the best fishing techniques. The kids loved how much Alex could tell them about the lake, ice and the Muskoka area and we really had fun just playing in the snow and looking in the holes for fish.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Charlie were blown away by the fact that we were walking on a frozen lake and loved looking through the holes. </td></tr>
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When I had originally spoken to Dan, I estimated that we would last approximately 30 minutes at this activity. As we packed up two hours after arriving, the kids were nowhere near ready to leave. It was incredibly cool to see the holes partially freezing over and they loved fishing and scooping the ice out of the water. The guides checked on them, let them play with minnows and did a great job going from group to group making sure people were having fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Charlie trying to catch fish.</td></tr>
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You do need to be a little careful while out with younger kids and make sure to watch for holes in the ice. Also the heaters in the tents get incredibly hot and its important to watch kids around them. Otherwise, the experience is relaxing and really fun. We were lucky to be in a group with other small children, and the kids spent a lot of time chatting, making snow angels and generally just enjoying winter. We didn't catch a fish but luckily someone else did and we got to hold it afterwards. I thought the kids would be upset in the end that we didn't personally catch a fish, but they had so much fun they didn't even think about it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will with a fish. </td></tr>
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There were a few very tender moments on the ice fishing tour including when Charlie fell into a deep snow bank without mittens on. Alex ran over to her, scooped her up and immediately took her hands and warmed them up in his. He calmed her down, made sure she was okay and generally saved the day as we were still a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel. As we packed up to go, a little earlier than the rest of the group, Alex decided he needed to get something in his car and helped me get the kids back to the hotel on their sled as they were both exhausted. A gesture I found to be quite touching.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the hotel with Alex.</td></tr>
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All in all the ice fishing tour was incredibly fun and completely child friendly. I would do it again any day with my two. Ice fishing with the company is $165 for a half day including all equipment, snacks and a guide and $89 for children under 12. After ice fishing, we hit the warm hot tub and planned for our snowmobiling trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A relaxing swim after fishing.</td></tr>
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Muskoka Sports and Recreation is conveniently located in the JW Marriott hotel. Our snowmobiling adventure began with getting properly fitted for helmets by Dan. Muskoka Sports also outfits you with full snowsuits and boots. Dan was great with the helmets and was able to custom fit children's helmets for Will and Charlie by adding padding as needed. Both were very comfortable during the tour.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will trying on helmets with Dan.</td></tr>
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Once we were outfitted, we hit the road and drove to the trail which is approximately 15 minutes from the hotel. Once the group arrived, we were given a demo on how to drive, stop and do a 3-point turn. It was very clear that Dan wanted everyone to feel comfortable before hitting the trails.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me attempting to master the 3-point turn. </td></tr>
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After our brief training, it was time to hit the trails. The speed the group goes is determined by how comfortable the drivers are and Dan is very patient in making sure everyone feels safe but also lets you attempt to go faster when ready. The trails can be quite technical and you do learn quite quickly how to steer and how to prepare for turns.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Will hit the trail.</td></tr>
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Dan clearly knows the area and trails well and is the perfect guide for the activity. If you are uncomfortable having a child on your snowmobile, Dan does take smaller kids with him on tours which can be helpful if you are a group of three. For our tour, Dan rode mostly with Charlie and Will rode with me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie loved being on the back of the snowmobile with Dan.</td></tr>
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The snowmobile tours led by the company vary in length from an hour and a half to a full day and the company also offers a dinner tour where your meal is included. Over the weekend, everyone I spoke to at the hotel who had done any length of tour said they had had an incredible time. Dan's name was overheard all over the hotel as people raved about the company and how much fun they had with him.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two thumbs up at the end of our ride.</td></tr>
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The great thing about Muskoka Sports and Recreation is that they are a smaller company led by two very dedicated and caring people. Dan and Diane are incredibly friendly and welcoming and really want you to enjoy your time with them. They are dealing with many variables such as weather and children but still manage to make sure everyone is having fun. They understand children get cold and tired and help out in every way possible on the tours. My kids loved both tours more than I ever imagined. I will even admit that the time I spent ice fishing and snowmobiling gave me an entirely new appreciation for winter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles after snowmobiling with Dan.</td></tr>
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Muskoka Sports also operates out of the hotel during the summer months running a variety of tours including jet skiing, kayaking and hiking. In addition, they run children's programs at the hotel during conferences and weddings and with Diane's background and experience with younger children I can only assume they are fantastic.<br />
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If heading to the Muskoka area or the Rosseau, it would be wise to give them a call and book one of the many tours they offer year round. They are a local company that will go to all lengths to ensure you have an amazing experience and from all the smiles I saw at the end of the day, I can assure you you'll have a great time too.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Minett, ON P0B 1G0, Canada45.2888528 -79.61901460000001444.9309558 -80.264461600000018 45.6467498 -78.97356760000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-53851800666773558072014-02-16T17:00:00.002-05:002014-02-16T17:01:45.168-05:00Winterdance Dogsledding The highlight of our first day at <a href="http://www.therosseau.com/">The Rosseau, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa</a> was being introduced to the team of Siberian Huskies from <a href="http://www.winterdance.com/index.php">Winterdance Dogsled Tours</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Will and an incredibly sweet husky</td></tr>
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The dogs are not permanent residents at the hotel but instead live close by at their kennel in Haliburton, Ontario. The entire team consists of 150 dogs who live together from birth until death. We were fortunate enough to have met some of the dogs who were partnered with their own offspring and it was neat to see the relationships the dogs have with each other. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A husky ready to run.</td></tr>
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While we were unable to book a full tour due to limited space and an incredible amount of interest, our guide Ryan offered to give me a full demo and answered my many questions about the tour. Children are invited and can be sat on the sled. Children under 12 cannot drive the sled and for children 12-16, the guide is given discretion to allow them to if he feels it is safe. Luckily, Will got to take a quick ride in one of the sleds and he loved every minute of it. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will taking a ride with our guide Ryan</td></tr>
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In the demo, I was taught how to stand and how to brake and was reassured the dogs do most of the steering. The sleds are build so they lean easily and everyone who I spoke to that took the full tour loved the experience. The dogs run about 10km per hour but speeds sometimes increase to 20km per hour. The tour at the Rosseau is a short half hour tour but the company leads many other half day and full day tours and even an incredible helicopter tour deep into the wilderness where the tour is limited to just you, the guide, the dogs and nature. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the back of the sled where the driver stands. </td></tr>
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The most incredible part of our encounter was seeing how much Ryan loved the dogs. This clearly was not just a job for him. Both the guides very clear that the dogs health, safety and happiness took priority over everything else. Every time the dogs stopped running, they were immediately given water and treats. Ryan took the time to go down the line and check on every one of them (approximately 30 dogs) and make sure they were happy and comfortable. He knew their personalities, where they were positioned on each sled and why and how each dog was related to the others. He explained which ones were older, more excitable or just plain cuddly. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan checking on the dogs.</td></tr>
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On the tour, guests are encouraged to interact with the dogs who are the friendliest group of canines you will ever meet. This tour can easily be done with children and the dogs know exactly how to behave with even the youngest kids. We spent at least 30 minutes interacting with the dogs and not one snapped, growled or did anything but attempt to lick us to death as we hugged them. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEuePEKMSrs/UwDFYN9fMwI/AAAAAAAABHc/90RKUDRNbLQ/s1600/1913421_10153850990395430_859522901_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEuePEKMSrs/UwDFYN9fMwI/AAAAAAAABHc/90RKUDRNbLQ/s1600/1913421_10153850990395430_859522901_o.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The friendliest husky I've ever met and me.</td></tr>
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What impressed me most about this company and the guides, was that they knew when the dogs were tired and called it a day. Many guests were begging for a tour and offering serious cash and the guides very politely declined in fairness to the dogs being ready to head home. If you are staying at the Rosseau and want to do a full tour, it is in your best interest to book as soon as you can. This is by far the most popular tour at the resort and I met more than 10 families who were disappointed that they were not able to book in to the tour. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N2vtKMpUf4/UwDGvN3q_BI/AAAAAAAABH0/wD_JfuKgZKU/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0N2vtKMpUf4/UwDGvN3q_BI/AAAAAAAABH0/wD_JfuKgZKU/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Numerous people from the resort wanted to meet the dogs and go on the tour.</td></tr>
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When it was time for the dogs to pack up, we got to say our goodbyes and watch them get loaded into the truck for their journey home. The guides unhooked each dog and carried them individually to the truck. I asked if this practise was done so the dogs didn't run away and the guide told me it is actually done whenever the dogs are separated from the pack to protect them from wildlife and the practise is done whether they are deep in the woods or literally in a hotel parking lot. I looked into the eyes of the smiling extremely large husky being carried away and knew these dogs were living a pretty good life. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aMyfIf1apg/UwDH9pnObZI/AAAAAAAABIE/QKbZndDnfTY/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aMyfIf1apg/UwDH9pnObZI/AAAAAAAABIE/QKbZndDnfTY/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dogs appeared to love their job.</td></tr>
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The half-hour tour at the Rosseau cost 75$ per adult and 50$ per child. A two hour tour, through the company, is $130 per adult on weekends and $110 per adult on weekdays. Children riding on the sled are half price. The company offers kennel tours in the summer when the dogs are not working which includes meeting all the race team dogs, playing with puppies, and meeting the owners. The tours are $40 per adult and $20 per child and include a BBQ. The tours are only offered in Spring, Summer and Fall, as the dogs are given first priority and allowed to rest in the winter when not pulling sleds. No admission to the kennel is granted to the public during winter months. As soon as the snow melts, this solo mom will be driving back to Haliburton with Will and Charlie as none of us can resist the opportunity to play with these puppies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.winterdance.com/photos/harry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="http://www.winterdance.com/photos/harry.jpg" height="349" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-center;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry, a Winterdance puppy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.winterdance.com/photos/hedwig.jpg" height="349" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hedwig, a Winterdance puppy</td></tr>
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If you are in the area, this is an adventure not to be missed. Tell the dogs I sent you and give them an extra treat from me. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Haliburton County, ON, Canada45.0467132 -78.50849370000003144.330106199999996 -79.799387200000027 45.7633202 -77.217600200000035tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-84109331037464831622014-01-31T10:19:00.001-05:002014-01-31T10:19:17.272-05:00Beaches- Sesame Street Activities and Upgrades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After having returned from another incredibly fun vacation at <a href="http://beaches.com/">Beaches Turks and Caicos</a>, I wanted to do a full of review of the Sesame Street activities and <a href="http://www.beaches.com/sesame-street/sesame-packages.cfm#top">upgrades</a> offered by the Beaches resorts. Most of the upgrades are available at all the Beaches locations and in my experience at Beaches Ochos Rios and Beaches Turks and Caicos, they were very similar.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie, Will, Me and the Sesame Street characters.<br /></td></tr>
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Before I review them, a general tip regarding the characters is that your access to them will depend on the resort and how busy it is. When we originally visited Beaches Turks and Caicos, the characters would visit with the children after each Sesame Street show. This no longer happens at the resort. The reason being that there are a lot of children and a very real danger of little people getting step on or hurt. Last year, in Ochos Rios, the characters spent up to ten minutes after the shows taking pictures and visiting with the children.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie cuddling with Cookie Monster after the Sesame Street Show.</td></tr>
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Your best bet for some free time with the characters is to hang out by the main pool at the resorts. In Turks and Caicos, characters often visited children at the Italian pool during the day. Just be warned that you are not allowed to touch them if you are wet but will still be allowed to take pictures with them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting Grover by the pool.</td></tr>
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<br /> Besides these options, most of your time spent with characters will be at one of the following activities:<br />
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<b>Sesame Street Stage Show - Included in cost of vacation</b><br />
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The Sesame Street stage show takes place almost every night at the resorts as long as it is not raining. The show changes each night of the week and tends to be quite entertaining. Some people arrive quite early to save seats but don't worry too much about doing that as most of the children sit directly in front of the stage and the characters are so large you can see them from anywhere. The shows are quite short usually running about 15 minutes. Before and after each show, children are allowed and encouraged to mingle and dance on the stage. Twice last week, there was an organised children's dance party after with a host and helpers. This was a great addition from previous years and a tradition I hope Beaches will uphold.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Bird's Beach Party Show<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken dancing at the Kid's Dance Party after the show.</td></tr>
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<b>Sesame Street Day Camp - Included in cost of vacation</b><br />
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<b> </b>The Sesame Street day camp is available for children 24 months to 5 years old. There are also camps for younger babies and children older than 5 but they do not feature the Sesame Street characters. The camps are open all day, except during a staff dinner break, and close in the evening. This is a great way for your kids to get to spend time with the characters. Cookie monster runs a cookie baking seminar for the camp that you can also attend with your children which is quite fun. Other activities include tea parties with Abby, bird watching with Big Bird and Rubber Ducky hunts with Ernie. Some people use the daycare more than others but I found with this vacation, Charlie was asking to go to the Sesame Street activities on a daily basis. After the specific character activities, I would often pick her up and head to the pool until the next one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baking cookies with Cookie Monster</td></tr>
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<b>Sesame Street Parade- Included in cost of vacation </b><br />
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Once a week, each resort hosts a Sesame Street parade. I have personally attended 3 parades in the past 2 years and can attest that they were all quite different. Most recently, I was shocked at how large the parade at Beaches Turks and Caicos has become. Don't expect anything close to Disney parades but do expect a fun island experience. In the Turks and Caicos, if your children want to be IN the parade with the characters, they need to be dropped off at a kid's camp by 5:30 pm on the night of the parade. Children not attending with the kids camp are not allowed to join in and parents are not allowed to participate in the parade. That being said you can watch the parade and then follow behind it. In addition to the characters, the parade features local dancers and musicians. The parade ends at the Italian Village concierge lobby, where the characters, guest and islanders dance and mingle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musicians in the parade in Turks and Caicos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Ernie walking in the Parade.<br /></td></tr>
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In Ochos Rios, which is a smaller resort, the parade is smaller and more intimate. Children are invited with their parents to gather in front of the hotel before the parade and offered free face paint and parade supplies like hats and masks. The parade then proceeds through the resort with each character walking with two children. In many ways, I preferred the parade in Ochos Rios and felt it was much more suitable to toddlers and young children.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie getting her face painted for the parade. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Oscar enjoying cotton candy at the parade. </td></tr>
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<b>Sesame Street Birthday Party- $250-350 </b><br />
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<b> </b>Our first year at Turks and Caicos was Will's 4th birthday and we booked a Sesame Street birthday party. The party was held at Mario's in the Italian Village around 3:00 pm. When booking the party, we were told that the characters were not available at lunch or dinner time thus the party needed to be between those times. We arrived to find a table set for 8 children with food that had been waiting on the table at least half an hour. Once the children sat down, Elmo arrived and led a few dances and then Will blew out the candles on his Elmo cake and Elmo left. When booking the party, we were told the Will would receive a special gift from the character. Elmo gave Will a small stuffed dolphin that was available for sale in the gift shop for under $10. To say the least, we were underwhelmed.<br />
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I have since witnessed slightly better looking parties and have learnt that you can insist the parties take place at better restaurants or even on the beach at lunch or dinner time. That being said, there is nothing particularly special about the party besides the cake and the short character visit.<br />
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Each resort also hosts a birthday party for Elmo once a week that is the exact same as described above but with many children which makes it a lot more fun. My advice would be not to book a private party but to simply order your child a cake on the day of their birthday. There is no extra cost to attend Elmo's birthday party.<br />
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<b>Sesame Street Catamaran Cruise- $30 per child, $60 per adult</b><br />
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This year in Turks and Caicos, we decided to participate in the Sesame Street Catamaran Cruise. I must admit, I was shocked by how much fun it was. The cruise leaves early in the morning and lasts about 2 hours. The cruise is limited in the number of participants and your children get to spend a lot of time with Elmo and Zoe on the cruise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elmo and Will getting ready to board.<br /></td></tr>
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When we departed from the dock, I was a little concerned with how choppy it was. Staff aboard had everyone sit and cruised quite quickly into a much quieter bay. By doing so, they were able to stabilise the boat enough that all the kids could get up and dance with the characters as well as play games with them. The characters roamed around the boat and spent quite a lot of time with each family. There was also quite good food on the cruise and the children were given a small sesame street toy from the characters.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More dancing! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing hot potato with Elmo.</td></tr>
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In a moment of absolute genius, one of the families had purchased a birthday cake for their son before the cruise and brought it on board. The whole boat shared the cake and sang happy birthday to the child. This is a much smarter solution especially if you are at the resort with only your immediate family than attempting to throw a 4 person birthday party.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and Zoe enjoying the ride. Moments later they both got very wet.<br /> </td></tr>
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I highly recommend the catamaran cruise for kids up to 10 years old.<br />
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<b>Sesame Street Tuck-In- $85 for one child plus $30 per additional child </b><br />
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<b> </b>Between the hours of 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm, you will often spot the characters en route to various hotel rooms. This is to participate in the character tuck-in which I must admit is by far my favourite up-grade. The characters arrive in your room with an assistant who is there to read your children a bed-time story and lead them in a bedtime stretch. The characters actually get into bed with your kids and listen to the story and then kiss them goodnight and tuck them in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Story time! </td></tr>
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Will and Charlie loved this surprise. You can request characters from a list at the resort but due to size issues Big Bird does not participate. In a wonderful surprise, we had Bert, Ernie and Abby Caddaby attend our Tuck-in in Ochos Rios and there was very little room left in the room due to the sheer size of the characters. I have found the tuck-in is a great way to end your trip and love to book our favourite characters for our final night at the hotel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and Abby playing dolls in bed. </td></tr>
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<b>Sesame Street All-Access Photo Shoot- $50 </b><br />
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<b> </b>Twice a week, you have the option of attending the Sesame Street all-access photo shoot. This is the only time you will ever get a group photo with all of the characters. The proceeds of the photo are donated to the Sandals Foundation which I previously reviewed <a href="http://solomomtakesflight.blogspot.ca/2014/01/SandalsFoundation.html">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group photo from the Sesame Street All-Access Photo Shoot</td></tr>
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I also recommend taking the opportunity to attend this event once while you are at the resort for two reasons; (1) the group photo will be given to you in an 8 x 10 commemorative frame is worth the cost and (2) the pressure to find each character for your child to meet will be over. When we participated in the photo shoot at Ochos Rios, we were the only family who had booked and were given the entire session to spend with the characters. The group shot we have is fantastic and one of my favourite vacation photos.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and Big Bird attempting a high five at the photo shoot. </td></tr>
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Be warned, the resorts are quite protective of this event and will not allow your children to participate or visit with the characters unless you have booked the shoot. At Turks and Caicos, they also request that you do not bring personal cameras. This policy was not in place in Ochos Rios and I was able to capture some incredibly cute moments particularly with Charlie and Abby Caddaby.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and Abby practising their fairy poses.</td></tr>
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At the photo shoot and anytime you meet the characters, it is helpful to tell them what your children like or don't like. For example, telling Zoe the ballerina that your child loves to do ballet will often entice the character to start ballet dancing with your child. I also find carrying on general conversations with the characters makes your children more comfortable around them. Just know they will nod and motion to participate in the conversation but the characters do not speak.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids sneaking up on Ernie to tickle him after the photo shoot. </td></tr>
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<b>Sesame Street Character Breakfast- $12 per adult, $16 per child or $49.99 per family of four </b><br />
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At each of the resorts we have visited, we participated in the character breakfast. This event is extremely fun for adults and children. Most recently at Turks and Caicos, the whole event was led by a very energetic and fun woman named Roxy who kept the party going. The key is to arrive on time and feed your children immediately. Once the kids have eaten, the characters are introduced and each character visits your table besides Big Bird who you meet on the way in to the breakfast. This again is due to his height.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying hello to Big Bird before breakfast. </td></tr>
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Once the characters have met the children, the breakfast turns into a dance party complete with conga line. Children are invited to walk and dance with the characters and their is a sufficient amount of time spent with each character.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookie monster is the best dancer of all the characters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby and Charlie twirling on the dance floor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roxy, the fearless conga line leader.</td></tr>
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Besides the photo shoot, the breakfast is by far the easiest way to meet and get your photograph with each character. We had so much fun at the character breakfast in Ochos Rios that we attended it twice and then also attended it this year in Turks and Caicos. Children are also given a small sesame street toy at this event.<br />
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No matter which of the above you chose to attend, the Sesame Street characters will be a big part of your children's vacation and a good way to remember the trip. Last week, there were many times when I teared up a little watching the kids interact with their favourite characters and I must admit getting a hug from the characters was fun for me too.<br />
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If you do head to Beaches, make sure to tell the crew that we say hello and we will see hopefully see them again soon.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Turks and Caicos Islands21.694025 -71.79792800000001320.749041 -73.088821500000009 22.639009 -70.507034500000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-90948160643677643332014-01-28T14:44:00.002-05:002014-01-29T20:48:30.497-05:00Sandals Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When staying at any resort for a week's time, the kids and I tend to get to know a lot of the on-site employees. This trip to <a href="http://beaches.com/">Beaches Turks and Caicos</a> was no different. By far one of our favourite employees was a young man named Louciano who always had time for a chat and a hug from Charlie. In fact, our meals were often based around where he was working. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and Louciano<br />
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Like many of the employees at the resort, Louciano was a recent high school graduate who had been educated on the island. Through many conversations with him, I became quite intrigued about the <a href="http://www.sandalsfoundation.org/">Sandals Foundation</a> and its role in education on the island. The Sandals Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of<a href="http://www.sandals.com/"> Sandals Resorts</a>, the parent company of Beaches, has as its mission a goal to invest in communities throughout the Caribbean by investing in education, environment, and community projects that improve people's lives and preserve natural surroundings. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enid Capron Primary School, a school sponsored by Sandals Foundation<br />
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But what does this really translate to for people like Louciano? Well, in the Turks and Caicos, the investment can be seen in schools at both elementary and high school levels. The Sandals Foundation not only invests in the schools but Beaches provides an internship program in the local high school which leads to permanent positions at the resort. In speaking with Louciano, he explained he had graduated from high school two years ago and was pleased with the progress he had made at the resort. </div>
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After looking into the Sandals Foundation further, I expressed an interest in visiting the elementary school on the island that is sponsored by the Foundation. My request was met with an enthusiastic yes and yesterday morning, Will, Charlie and myself were invited to visit the school. </div>
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In preparation for our visit, Will chose one of our books to donate and began practising to read to the class. Little did I know how incredible this visit would be for us all. We arrived at the school and were met by quite a few smiling children who rushed over to say hello. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie being welcomed by students at the school.<br />
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After meeting some of the kids, we were invited into the Kindergarten classroom to read to the children and answer questions. Will was so excited to read to the class and the kids were very grateful for the book we were leaving behind. When we were done reading, the kids had an opportunity to quiz Will and myself about life in Canada. We were all laughing and chatting and really enjoying the moment. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will reading the Underpants Zoo to the class<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will explaining to the class how tall the CN Tower in Toronto stands.<br />
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During this time, Charlie roamed the classroom making friends and checking out the books and toys. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Charlie chatting with a new friend.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The students showing Charlie the classroom books.<br />
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When the question period was over, we sadly said our goodbyes and headed to meet Rachel Taylor, the principal of the school. Miss Taylor proudly asked if she could show us the library and once I entered the room I was shocked by how large and diverse it was. She explained that each book in the library was donated by guests of Sandals and Beaches resorts as donations or as part of the Sandals Foundation <a href="http://www.sandalsfoundation.org/featured/sandals-foundation-reading-road-trip.html">Reading Road Trip.</a> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A portion of the library built with books almost entirely donated by guests of Sandals and Beaches.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elanor from Sandals Foundation presenting a donation of books from another Canadian family to the school.<br />
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The Reading Road Trip takes place every Thursday in Jamaica, Antigua, the Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia and Exuma in the Bahamas. Essentially, guests of the hotels pay $20 US which covers transportation, educational materials, and a donation to the Sandals Foundation. On the Road Trip, guest volunteer in literacy as we did and get to help work with the children at the school. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors on the Reading Road Trip get to visit with a specific class. Will, Charlie and myself visited with the Kindergarten class.<br />
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Even though most vacations to these resorts are only a week in length, you will be glad you took the time to experience this opportunity first hand. Being escorted to the school by Elanor Finfin Krzanowski, the public relations manager for Beaches Turks and Caicos, and witnessing the bond between her and the students was incredible. Some children she had volunteered with on Earth Day last year rushed over to see her and other children whose parents worked at the resort asked us to say hello to their parents when we returned. Elanor also explained to me that she often visits the school for educational programs, such as nutrition, with the Sesame Street characters like Elmo and Zoe in tow so she tends to be quite popular. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and Charlie meeting a student.<br />
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Will, Charlie, and I may not remember every moment of our vacation years from now but we will never forget how incredible it was to visit the school and meet and play with the children there. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A student helping Charlie down the slide.</td></tr>
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Besides the Reading Road trip, there are many other ways travellers can help out including purchasing items from the gift shops at the resorts and participating in the <a href="http://www.packforapurpose.org/destinations/caribbean">Pack for a Purpose program</a>. The program asks charities like the Sandals Foundation to list their projects and needs on the website. Then, travellers headed to the resorts can pack up to 5 pounds of supplies that are in need, like school supplies or clothing, and donate them at the resort. Since we had a washer and dryer in our room, see earlier <a href="http://solomomtakesflight.blogspot.ca/2014/01/BeachesKeyWestVillage.html">Key West Village review</a>, I was able to wash all the clothes my children would have outgrown by summer time here in Toronto and donate them to local children on the island. </div>
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Other even easier ways to donate include the option to give a donation of any monetary amount offered to each guest upon check-in at the resorts as well as the option to give through the Sandals Foundation <a href="https://dfwssl.sandalsfoundation.org/?s=0/?s=0">website</a>. </div>
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<b>The most remarkable feature of the Sandals Foundation is that all administrative and management costs associated with the foundation are supported by Sandals Resorts International, meaning 100% of all the money raised goes directly into the schools, environmental projects and communities. </b></div>
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After having spent the day with Elanor, I can attest that the people I met or communicated with at the Sandals Foundation, including Heidi Clarke the Director of Programs at the Foundation and Adam Stewart, the CEO of Beaches and Sandals, are people who love what they do and are appreciated by the community. If you are headed to Sandals or Beaches in the near future, want to donate or just want to find out more, please visit <a href="http://www.sandalsfoundation.org/">www.sandalsfoundation.org</a> for more information. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Montego Bay, Jamaica18.4666667 -77.91666670000000718.346181700000002 -78.0780282 18.5871517 -77.755305200000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-73839942794107245172014-01-25T20:59:00.002-05:002014-01-26T08:11:33.160-05:00Caicos Dream Tours Ever since we first stepped foot on the beautiful sand of the Turks and Caicos two years ago, I have dreamt of taking the kids out to <a href="http://turksandcaicos-guide.info/attractions/beaches/half.moon.bay/">Half Moon Bay</a> to see the famous iguanas that inhibit the island. The issue has always been whether or not they were too young for the tourist cruises that will take you there. When I found <a href="http://caicosdreamtours.com/">Caicos Dream Tours</a> I was quite hesitant to take a 3 and 5 year old on a 4 hour cruise alone. Still, the company reassured me that we would have a great time and I figured we would all at least survive it. We ended up doing much more than that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will climbs aboard for a day of adventure</td></tr>
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In true island fashion, we were told to just wait on the beach between 1:00 and 1:15 pm and to look for a yellow boat. I arrived on time expecting to wait quite a while but as I looked at the horizon I quickly saw a yellow boat approaching with two waving and smiling crew members aboard. We were taken from our hotel to Alexandra Beach to meet with the rest of the cruise.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and the crew working away in the shack</td></tr>
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As we disembarked from the first boat, we were directed to a little shack on the beach to sign in for the cruise. There we met John Esper, the owner of the company. John and his wife Kim are fellow Canadians who moved to the Island from currently chilly Toronto and I must admit I thought about asking for room and board for the next few months. John immediately put my worries at ease and told me the kids would have a wonderful time. The most striking thing about watching John work was the amount of people coming off the earlier tour telling him how great his crew was and what a wonderful time they had.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will, me and Charlie waiting to depart</td></tr>
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Before I knew it we were boarding the company's newest boat, complete with water slide, and off on our ocean adventure. We pulled out to sea with Captain Kwee and his crew mate Leecky telling us about our day. In short, we were going to snorkel at two locations, one of which was shallow to find conchs, and then head to Half Moon Bay for ceviche conch salad and iguana exploration. I looked at my kids and thought this would be a long day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and Leecky picking out snacks</td></tr>
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As the boat began to speed up, Leecky came over and explained to me that they often had kids on the boat and he would show me what to do. At our first stop, the rest of the cruise was let off in deep waters to drift to where the boat would go next with Leecky as their guide. Kwee asked me to stay on the boat and explained he would bring us to an easier spot for the kids. Will and Charlie were given life jackets and Kwee dropped us in appropriately shallow water near the boat with a rope and life preserver so we could easily float along the water and get back on the boat. The three of us searched for conchs and were able to see quite a few fish. I'm pretty sure we saw a few conchs but must admit I was a little too scared of what might be living inside to pick them up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leecky leading the conch search</td></tr>
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Once all of the snorklers (except us) had found a conch, we were back on board and found that Leecky had picked up a conch for each of us. Will and Charlie were slightly excited and partly mortified by the fact the shells had been taken from the ocean and after making sure every party on board had a shell, Kwee let Will and Charlie return the rest to the water. The three of us, knowing we wouldn't eat our conchs, decided to also throw ours back in the water letting them live another day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leecky and Will with our conchs</td></tr>
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A short time later, we arrived at a deeper location to partake in some snorkelling. The crew helped with the kids while I entered the water to see the fish. After that, the kids and most of the adults made use of the fun water slide on board the boat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snorkeler entering the water via the water slide</td></tr>
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Next, we were off to see the iguanas at Half Moon Bay. The tour stops on the prestine beach here for two reasons. The first is to see the iguanas and the second is to make conch salad. Each party is taught how to remove the conch from the shell and a ceviche is made from the conchs. I quickly let the crew know that we would prefer to skip this demonstration and they went to great efforts to let us get off the boat and onto our search for iguanas before doing the demonstration. When we returned everyone on board was very kind to leave the shells with their belonging and to not tell the kids what they were eating. I tried the salad and must admit that although it didn't taste exactly like coconut, the way Kwee promised it would, it was in fact quite good.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh conch salad aboard the boat</td></tr>
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While the conch demonstration was happening, we took the extra time to explore the island and the beach. Almost immediately we spotted a giant iguana and I knew we were in for some fun. Will decided to start a travel log in which he counted every creature we saw. By the time we boarded the boat, we had a count of 15 iguanas, 7 butterflies and 1 mysterious bug that landed on my leg and scared me half to death. The iguanas were incredible to see and we were able to get quite close to them. One came out while we were playing in some hammocks and was as curious about us and we were about him. Altogether, we spent close to an hour creating our exploration log and roaming the small island. As Kwee had told the boat to do, we finished our exploration by heading to the beach which was breathtaking.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first iguana sighting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out by the hammock with a friendly iguana.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring Half Moon Bay<br />
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Once back on board, everyone compared notes on what a great day we all shared. As we headed back toward the hotel, the sun was setting and Kwee and Leecky told stories of things they had seen out on the water and answered questions about the island itself. The kids sat contently listening in and laughing when others laughed and then both thanked me for the fun we had.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kwee, Charlie, Leecky and Will<br /></td></tr>
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I must admit I was far too worried about this excursion before getting on the boat and I would do it again without question. The crew aboard the boat and the owners of the company were incredibly kind to us and were truly professional. There wasn't a point on the tour where more than 10 minutes passed without Leecky checking in on all the passengers and making sure we were having fun. If you are going to do a tour here on the island, I highly recommend giving Caicos Dream Tours a call.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Caicos Dream Tours boats at Half Moon Bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kwee, Leecky and Me</td></tr>
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The tours run twice a day, seven days a week and are $89 per adult and $44.50 per child. This includes unlimited beverages as well as all snorkelling equipment, conch salad and light snacks. Private charters are also available. All the information you need as well as contact information to book your tour is available at <a href="http://caicosdreamtours.com/">caicosdreamtours.com</a>. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Grace Bay Road, TKCA 1ZZ, Turks and Caicos Islands21.7997651 -72.168159521.7702796 -72.2085 21.829250599999998 -72.127819tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-64121205485434650532014-01-24T08:09:00.000-05:002014-01-24T08:15:32.762-05:00Why I Travel- A Tribute to My Parents Often people are shocked to find out how much the kids and I travel alone. They question why I wouldn't wait for my husband to be able to go with us or if the money we spend travelling without him takes away from our family vacations. The reality of the situation is that there will never be a perfect time to travel but, even with the obstacles you may face, it is smart to travel young.<br />
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On this day 10 years ago, my 57 year old mother passed away. Until this time, I did not appreciate how quickly an illness could take your life or how young an otherwise healthy person could simply die. Not long after my father was diagnosed with early on set Alzheimer's and passed away a few years ago now.<br />
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What struck me the most about both these situations was that my parents still had plans to travel. They dreamt of seeing the Great Wall of China and relaxing in spas across the world once their children were grown. My mom always spoke of going on a great African safari and my dad wanted to walk the Great Wall with his only son. In the end, they simply waited too long for these dreams to be accomplished.<br />
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When you consider how fleeting life can be, it can be a real gamble to wait to travel. An accident or illness can simply take away your ability to walk before you are able to climb any mountain and with travel it often makes sense to live in the moment. You may dream of scaling Everest in your twenties and simply find by the time you begin to arrange the trip, you are forty with two kids and different priorities.<br />
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My advice for those of you are still relatively young and able is simply to do it now. Financially it may seem impossible but with a little planning and a lot of Internet research, most trips are doable. Often I hear people say that they simply can't afford to travel but in reality there are hostels across the world that would be glad to have you. Seat sales are easy to find and travel is getting less expensive with advances in technology.<br />
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For those of you with young children it can be overwhelming to try and plan a trip. Costs for family vacations are high and in reality once you have the money it is usually because you have a job that doesn't allow for a lot of vacation time. My advice is to find a way to take the time off. Your children are only young once and my greatest moments with mine have been spent away from electronics and our busy lives in Toronto. The conversations you can have with even young children when you shut everything else off are incredible and its an excellent way to regroup as a family and to find out what is going on inside those tiny adorable heads.<br />
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Another benefit to travelling while your kids are still young is that they have so little negative experiences in their lives, they can truly experience places for what they are. When they meet young children from wherever you are visiting, they see them as friends and are keen to learn about their lives. Having taken my children to a track meet in Jamaica last year, I can attest that I first noticed the condition of the school while Will who was 4 at the time noticed how much fun the kids were having and asked to join in.<br />
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The benefits of taking young kids on vacation can also be seen in the more commercialised trips we have taken to places like Disneyland. Up to a certain age, children simply believe in the magic of Disney and don't question if a princess is the real one or how Lightning McQueen talks to them. They simply trust that these things are real and its a gift they are blessed with for only so long. When I hear people say they are waiting to take their kids to Disney when they are 10 or 12, I always advise that it will be too late for them to really experience the magic of it all.<br />
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If I could go back to when my mother was 55, I would change a lot of things. I wouldn't go directly to university and I would convince her to take a gap year with me and to see the world. I never took the time to travel before university or before taking my first full-time adult job and its an opportunity I wouldn't throw away again. Once you own a house, have children, and have a job or a working spouse, everything changes. Priorities shift and your schedules are chocked full of activities. Still, it is so important to take the time while you are still living to see the world and create memories that will live on through your children.<br />
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You only get one shot on this planet, might as well explore it while you can.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-12379992266524623272014-01-21T20:50:00.001-05:002014-01-23T16:08:40.801-05:00Beaches Day 2: The People I thought quite a bit about what to tell you about today's adventures at <a href="http://beaches.com/">Beaches Turks and Caicos</a> before deciding on this evening's blog post. It could have be an easy account of what we did today from our early morning beach visit to the many hours spent at the water park or an account of where we ate on the premises but the thing that rang clear were the people here at the resort.<br>
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Having visited Beaches both here in Turks and Caicos and in Ochos Rios, Jamaica, I have now encountered many staff members. They weren't all extremely pleasant or noteworthy but on the whole the people who work here are fantastic.<br>
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What strikes me most about the staff here is that the people who are worthy of mention are not necessarily who you would imagine. My brief encounters with the day camp staff here today left a lot to be desired and management of the hotel completely ignored a reasonably query I had last night. Still, its the many other people that in fact have such an impact on your stay here.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiNy5SOSnBY/Ut8iL1LYsnI/AAAAAAAAA8o/QEbnuM4zhfY/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiNy5SOSnBY/Ut8iL1LYsnI/AAAAAAAAA8o/QEbnuM4zhfY/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" height="266" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie wanted a little girl to dance with her who said no. <br>This woman watched it happened and then went to ask Charlie if she would be her dance partner. </td></tr>
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Throughout three different stays in Beaches resorts I have yet to encounter a disgruntle cleaning lady. Today was no different. Although our room was a mess and I needed a lot of extra linen, the woman who helped us was a ray of sunshine. We arrived just as she was finishing cleaning the room and she made sure our every wish was complete. When we returned to the room, the kids things were in very tidy piles with their beds ready and made for each of them. She really had no reason to be extra nice to them but she had a great conversation with each of them and really made them feel at home.<br>
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Another equally impressive moment occurred this morning when Charlie, who is 3, picked a flower to give to me. A gardener called her over immediately and I thought he would discipline her for picking the flower off the bush as I often do. Instead, he took her hand and led her to a section of the garden which had at least 5 different types of flowers. He patiently waited as she picked her favourite and then assembled the bouquet for her and wished her a great day.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xC3qtL4CXjo/Ut8fpfWgO4I/AAAAAAAAA8M/kYnrxBNkF44/s1600/IMG_9268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="flowers beaches turks and caicos" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xC3qtL4CXjo/Ut8fpfWgO4I/AAAAAAAAA8M/kYnrxBNkF44/s1600/IMG_9268.jpg" height="400" title="Child at beaches Turks and Caicos" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and her freshly assembled bouquet</td></tr>
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Later in the day when the kids were exhausted we decided to take a ride on the train that tours the resort. I feared a major meltdown from both kids was about to ensue but the conductor of the tiny train made sure that they had the time of their lives. She spoke to each of them as they got on the train and throughout the ride never forgot their names. As we were pulling into a stop, Will began dancing to one of his favourite songs and she immediately noticed, stopped the train and asked him if he would like to start a dance party. She then let every child out of the train and led them in an incredible dance routine making sure even the youngest guests knew the moves.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7AApUKhUqs/Ut8ggWZf-BI/AAAAAAAAA8c/m5cUaY408AI/s1600/IMG_9276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beaches Turks and Caicos" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7AApUKhUqs/Ut8ggWZf-BI/AAAAAAAAA8c/m5cUaY408AI/s1600/IMG_9276.jpg" height="640" title="Train Turks and Caicos" width="368"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance party with the train conductor, Onica</td></tr>
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Although these situations deserved a write-up, there are so many more moments here that make you realise that you and your children are welcome and cared about here. Each time I think of the Beaches Ochos Rios, I can't help but miss the incredible lifeguards there that made our vacation what it was. From engaging the kids in activities and conversations to helping them get over their fears of water slides, I still wish I could properly thank the young men who take care of us at this time last year.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0N4Uwfv5Ig/UQ_M04Wj4KI/AAAAAAAAAEY/_nc6zwwjGBg/s1600/IMG_9749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0N4Uwfv5Ig/UQ_M04Wj4KI/AAAAAAAAAEY/_nc6zwwjGBg/s1600/IMG_9749.JPG" height="265" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our favourite lifeguards at Beaches Ochos Rios </td></tr>
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Across the company, the wait staff and bartenders we have encountered have also been fantastic. I've never been made to feel like my food substitutions were annoying or that my children had made too big of a mess and have always found a helping hand when I needed someone to help me watch one child while the other needed something. This is especially remarkable seeing you are not allowed to tip them.<br>
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If you are considering a Beaches vacation, I can tell you that years from now you may not remember their names but you will remember the people who made your children smile.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Turks and Caicos Islands21.694025 -71.79792800000001320.749041 -73.088821500000009 22.639009 -70.507034500000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-27681158971297498702014-01-20T20:56:00.000-05:002014-01-28T17:19:47.641-05:00Beaches Turks & Caicos- Key West Village<br>
We arrived at the <a href="http://beaches.com/">Beaches Turks and Caicos</a> earlier today and once again were blown away by the resort. I would like to make clear before you read this review of their new hotel that I was in no way compensated for this blog and that these are my true impressions. The new resort is absolutely amazing.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGA6bIgJRtc/Ut3Jn_B2EMI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/USHkcqIGUZ0/s1600/IMG_9258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Key West Village" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uGA6bIgJRtc/Ut3Jn_B2EMI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/USHkcqIGUZ0/s1600/IMG_9258.jpg" height="400" title="Beaches Turks and Caicos" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Key West Village- Beaches Turks & Caicos</td></tr>
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<div> Located in what used to be a neighbouring hotel, the Key West Village is designed to impress. From the moment you arrive you are treated as an important guest and handed fresh drinks and hot towels upon arrival. Check-in is incredibly fast and easy even with two excited kids running around the property.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmHxYvDL0qc/Ut3LBPYaeiI/AAAAAAAAA6g/RVq-xk35woY/s1600/IMG_9221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmHxYvDL0qc/Ut3LBPYaeiI/AAAAAAAAA6g/RVq-xk35woY/s1600/IMG_9221.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wonderful employee helping Charlie enjoy her welcome drink </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KK6pxHqXLTM/Ut3LAzg2VBI/AAAAAAAAA6c/7yak32ZRrZk/s1600/IMG_9222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KK6pxHqXLTM/Ut3LAzg2VBI/AAAAAAAAA6c/7yak32ZRrZk/s1600/IMG_9222.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The concierge lounge in Key West Village </td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div><div> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Once we headed to our room, we were even more impressed. We are staying in a one bedroom concierge suite on the second floor and the amenities in the room are quite remarkable. Upon entering the room, I was shocked by the size of it. The room features a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a trundle bed for the kids and a king size bed in a separate room for me.</span></div><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mgeBujTqQM/Ut3M4mw8BNI/AAAAAAAAA6w/4Rtc3BLTVnE/s1600/IMG_9225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="beaches turks and caicos" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mgeBujTqQM/Ut3M4mw8BNI/AAAAAAAAA6w/4Rtc3BLTVnE/s1600/IMG_9225.jpg" height="400" title="kitchen in key west village" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen in the Key West Village one bedroom suite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vh6qZpgxaZQ/Ut3M8IuALQI/AAAAAAAAA64/dq1WC_ql_UM/s1600/IMG_9227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="beaches turks and caicos" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vh6qZpgxaZQ/Ut3M8IuALQI/AAAAAAAAA64/dq1WC_ql_UM/s1600/IMG_9227.JPG" height="300" title="living room " width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids trundle bed and dining table </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mla7Ud25Sto/Ut3NdPYb3wI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/wiH-t1GtjJY/s1600/IMG_9229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mla7Ud25Sto/Ut3NdPYb3wI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/wiH-t1GtjJY/s1600/IMG_9229.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Separate Bedroom</td></tr>
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</div><div> Upon entering the room I thought the most remarkable feature was clearly the gigantic balcony that was accessible from every room of the suite. I realised I was in fact clearly mistaken when I opened what I believed to be an extra closet and found a full washer/dryer. I immediately threw our travel stained clothes in the wash and felt an odd sense of relief.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSUQ4x6fPZg/Ut3M_96ypwI/AAAAAAAAA7A/jx5Y41JF0fU/s1600/IMG_9233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Turks and Caicos" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSUQ4x6fPZg/Ut3M_96ypwI/AAAAAAAAA7A/jx5Y41JF0fU/s1600/IMG_9233.jpg" height="400" title="Key West Village " width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrap-around balcony </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEgO9FLniZU/Ut3NBM6_dDI/AAAAAAAAA7I/SDp3l1nONbI/s1600/IMG_9237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beaches Turks and Caicos" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEgO9FLniZU/Ut3NBM6_dDI/AAAAAAAAA7I/SDp3l1nONbI/s1600/IMG_9237.jpg" height="400" title="Kew West Village " width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washer and Dryer!</td></tr>
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Once we were done exploring the room, we headed toward the beach and pool. The beach is quickly accessible from anywhere in the Key West Village and less than a 2 minute walk from our room. There are multiple pools in the new development including some suites that feature private pools. The restaurants are also quite nice looking although we have yet to eat there.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA-dQFdbkVU/Ut3Puaz6d5I/AAAAAAAAA7s/IbiLmqsbf5U/s1600/IMG_9243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA-dQFdbkVU/Ut3Puaz6d5I/AAAAAAAAA7s/IbiLmqsbf5U/s1600/IMG_9243.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the pools near our room in Key West Village</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRki2upYwZI/Ut3Pqox2EBI/AAAAAAAAA7k/nGmYz59-yOM/s1600/IMG_9244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRki2upYwZI/Ut3Pqox2EBI/AAAAAAAAA7k/nGmYz59-yOM/s1600/IMG_9244.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walkway to the gorgeous beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3B7e_17kQM/Ut3PpNLaCII/AAAAAAAAA7c/79N9sUZVm3I/s1600/IMG_9245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P3B7e_17kQM/Ut3PpNLaCII/AAAAAAAAA7c/79N9sUZVm3I/s1600/IMG_9245.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A four-bedroom villa with private pool </td></tr>
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</div><div> Although the new village is near perfect there are a few things to consider when booking here. Key West Village is on the farthest edge of the property which means that if you have much smaller children it is quite a hike to activities like the Sesame Street show. Also, although the village features multiple pools, there isn't a dedicated kids' pool like the other villages meaning if you have a child like I do that is out of water wings but not quite an independent swimmer, pool time will be a lot more challenging. That being said the pools besides the private pools are all beach entry pools which makes it a little easier.<br>
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Key West Village certainly feels like an entirely different resort at times than the rest of the Beaches Turks and Caicos which is both a blessing and a curse. I tend to enjoy a quieter atmosphere on vacation and am thankful to be away from the main pool and action of the stage although I do dread the long walks back from the Sesame Street show with two very exhausted children. Somehow I know we will make do.</div><div><br></div><div>*UPDATE*-- I wanted to update this blog to say that we ended up loving the Key West location and the distance to the room from the main area was quite a bit closer than I originally thought. The village has large lawns that all the kids gathered on each morning to play together while parents could safely watch from balconies enjoying a coffee. If we are able to return at some point, we will book again in Key West Village. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Turks and Caicos Islands21.694025 -71.79792800000001320.749041 -73.088821500000009 22.639009 -70.507034500000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-84861134541418003622014-01-17T10:52:00.002-05:002014-01-17T10:52:47.656-05:00Sprouts Toronto <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wR4PMWAVLpw/UtlMQZKxWBI/AAAAAAAAA5A/phN8V_9sCTM/s1600/IMG_9174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Leslievile" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wR4PMWAVLpw/UtlMQZKxWBI/AAAAAAAAA5A/phN8V_9sCTM/s1600/IMG_9174.JPG" height="300" title="Sprouts Toronto" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprouts, a new Leslieville indoor playground and much more</td></tr>
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Every once in while I find a fun Toronto activity that I like to feature on my blog for anyone considering a staycation or for moms like me who are permanently on one (or so people think).<br />
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Yesterday I was invited by a friend to check out <a href="http://sproutskids.ca/">Sprouts</a>, a new playplace in Leslieville on Toronto's East side. From the moment we entered, the staff was welcoming, kind and attentive. You can really tell that these people are trying to create something great and want Torontonians to consider this place like a second home for their children. In doing so, they have created a safe and incredibly fun place for kids 0-6.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofBGmFkwd6Y/UtlMfrKkz1I/AAAAAAAAA5I/tekCcjatEqw/s1600/IMG_9175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofBGmFkwd6Y/UtlMfrKkz1I/AAAAAAAAA5I/tekCcjatEqw/s1600/IMG_9175.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The indoor gated 3000 square foot playground and gym at Sprouts </td></tr>
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One move that I found incredibly smart is that Sprouts offers your first visit free. There are no strings attached and there is no sales pitch on the way out the door to return or buy a pass. It truly is just a free opportunity to check out the space for yourself without any pressure or cost.<br />
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Upon entering the play zone, I was blown away by what I saw. In many major cities like ours, you can find tiny cafes with playplaces, the run-of-the-mill McDonalds playplaces and extremely large and often daunting playplaces. Sprouts has carved out a space that falls exactly in between. The room features a wood climbing centre with slides that is not too small and certainly not as big as some of the giant plastic ones I have climbed into to retrieve my children. It also features two miniature trampolines surrounded by a lot of soft and permanent mats to fall onto to. There is a baby zone as well and some interesting play tables with Lego and Duplo.<br />
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Here is where it gets interesting. There is staff at all times inside the play area. They are not there to completely care for your children but they do a great job of engaging them and entertaining them. They also monitor safety issues and make sure everyone is having fun. One man that worked there half-way through our visit very quietly went and set up an entire Lego jungle while the kids weren't watching and then walked away from it. Within minutes, individual children caught sight of the jungle and began playing together in an area they had previously not even noticed. He also hid little critters high up on posts and waited for children to notice them so he could engage them in a game of hide and seek.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfsqjWt6DKA/UtlMmTvw7iI/AAAAAAAAA58/b_UcTCQJXJ8/s1600/IMG_9182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DfsqjWt6DKA/UtlMmTvw7iI/AAAAAAAAA58/b_UcTCQJXJ8/s1600/IMG_9182.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and her friend Hudson exploring the Lego and Duplo tables with a helpful staff member</td></tr>
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Sprouts has not missed out on much in building this indoor playground. They have installed a high quality coffee machine which serves free coffee, tea and hot chocolate. They also have installed a filtered water tap and a GMO-free vending machine for healthy snacks. The only criticism that I found of the whole place was that some of the items in the vending machine like <a href="http://shop.barbaras.com/Snackimals-Cookies/c/BarbarasBakery@Snacks@Snackimals">Snackimals</a> cookies are not actually made in peanut-free facilities so parents do need to be mindful that even though Sprouts is a nut-free facility there are some potential dangers to look out for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2xfKkdCeNA/UtlMiv1j8-I/AAAAAAAAA5c/k0a8CDGPZOA/s1600/IMG_9178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2xfKkdCeNA/UtlMiv1j8-I/AAAAAAAAA5c/k0a8CDGPZOA/s1600/IMG_9178.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snack and coffee table area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GMO-Free and organic vending machine</td></tr>
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The facilities at Sprouts are spotless and frankly adorable. There are men's and women's washrooms with each featuring a tiny adorable toilet for toddlers as well as lower sinks for hand washing. There is also a really well designed nursing room and a nice change table area. I do want to mention that there were women openly breast-feeding in the playground and this is completely welcome at Sprouts. The nursing room is an option if you or your baby need privacy or peace and quiet. I swear I almost locked myself in there a few times it looked so welcoming.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A private nursing room at Sprouts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYgnPVMQI8Q/UtlMgIMPRjI/AAAAAAAAA5U/odPafHpygV4/s1600/IMG_9176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYgnPVMQI8Q/UtlMgIMPRjI/AAAAAAAAA5U/odPafHpygV4/s1600/IMG_9176.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washrooms and Diaper Changing Area at Sprouts</td></tr>
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Parents are free to consume drinks within the play area but there is also a nice sitting area with adorable little seats for babies to be entertained in. A nice touch is that the music played at Sprouts is a mix of child-friendly adult music. It is not an annoying elevator track or radio loop and is a nice break for parents who don't want to hear the Frozen soundtrack another 30 times a day. <br />
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Sprouts isn't just a playground but also a learning centre offering classes in baby yoga, arts and crafts, reading and song, movement and dance and early enrichment. You can enrol in classes without buying a membership for the playground. Admission to the centre, once you have used your free visit, is based on a membership option of $95 a month for all day access, $50 a month for holidays and weekends and $55 for a 6 time pass. The great news is that membership and the pass apply to the whole family and not a single child making this a great deal if you have more than one child.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCLr00UPCOs/UtlMljC7tAI/AAAAAAAAA50/sJzLM648lqk/s1600/IMG_9181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCLr00UPCOs/UtlMljC7tAI/AAAAAAAAA50/sJzLM648lqk/s1600/IMG_9181.jpg" height="400" title="Art classroom sprouts" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the classrooms at Sprouts</td></tr>
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All in all if you are anywhere near this facility with toddlers or kids up to 5 or 6, you will likely be glad you found it. And hey if you don't like it, your first visit was free anyways. There is street parking available directly outside of Sprouts and the centre is very TTC accessible being just north of Carlaw and Queen. If you do decide to visit, maybe this Solo mom will see you there. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0183 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto, ON M4M 2S1, Canada43.661874 -79.340277218.139839499999997 -120.6488712 69.1839085 -38.0316832tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-91567862711384058942013-12-31T11:28:00.001-05:002013-12-31T11:32:40.117-05:00Ireland<br />
At this time of year, many of us bloggers sit down and reminisce about the past year of travels. From the heights of warm vacations and great times in New York City to the lows of illnesses while abroad and missed flights, this has been a busy year for me and the kids. Instead of recapping the year, I wanted to do a special blog dedicated to one of my favourite trips I have taken with the kids, the land of saints and scholars, Ireland.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MEGBPDXmLU/UsLWpN69-eI/AAAAAAAAA2A/unswplhIGFc/s1600/475856_10152126674465430_1533708551_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ireland" border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7MEGBPDXmLU/UsLWpN69-eI/AAAAAAAAA2A/unswplhIGFc/s400/475856_10152126674465430_1533708551_o.jpg" title="Kids and Horses in Ireland" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powerscourt, Ireland</td></tr>
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We arrived in Ireland and spent the first few days in Dublin staying at the <a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/dublin/landing_3/?source=gaw09dbnS05&kw=four+seasons+ireland&creative=9630843496&KW_ID=suoDSiFYd_dc%7Cpcrid%7C9630843496&gclid=CPaxwr_Y2rsCFeYWMgodzxoA-w">Four Seasons Dublin</a>. Located outside of the city centre, the Four Seasons is nestled in Ballsbridge, a residential neighbourhood where we were able to experience the life of locals. We spend our days eating in local restaurants and visiting parks with Irish families. Our favourite way to pass the time was to explore the lustrous Herbert Park, which is used by runners, families, dog walkers, and tourists alike. The park features a gorgeous duck pond as well as tennis courts and two different children's playgrounds. Although we did head down to Grafton Street and other famous spots, the locations closer to our hotel in Ballsbridge were our favourite by far. A great tip for any Four Seasons is to tell them you are visiting with children at or before check-in. We arrived to cookies and treats as well as two miniature sized bathrobes that the kids loved. The hotel also lent us a stroller and car seat while we were staying with them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-M47PHpETs/UsLa4QWE4AI/AAAAAAAAA2s/GuTc3qgD-d4/s1600/325615_10152136237630430_908603869_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-M47PHpETs/UsLa4QWE4AI/AAAAAAAAA2s/GuTc3qgD-d4/s400/325615_10152136237630430_908603869_o.jpg" title="Four Seasons Ireland" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie, loving the kids perks at the Four Seasons</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3z4HD5f-_U/UsLa9gzM91I/AAAAAAAAA20/hJ0BnZzz-KA/s1600/464308_10152136237905430_309336178_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3z4HD5f-_U/UsLa9gzM91I/AAAAAAAAA20/hJ0BnZzz-KA/s400/464308_10152136237905430_309336178_o.jpg" title="Herbert Park Ireland" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding the ducks and swans at Herbert Park</td></tr>
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Once our time was up in Dublin, we packed up and drove to <a href="http://www.powerscourt.ie/">Powerscourt, Ireland</a> in Wicklow County. Arriving on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, I felt we were transported to an Ireland of years past and witnessing tea time I also felt I had been given a walk-on role in Downton Abbey. I recently was broken hearted to find out that this hotel has since been re branded as a <a href="http://www.powerscourthotel.com/">Marriott</a>. I am not sure what of the hotel has stayed the same or been changed but I do know that the famous Gordon Ramsey restaurant has shut down. One of my favourite attributes of the Ritz was the incredible staff and babysitters as well as the wild horses that roamed free on the property and I can't be sure that any of these remain. That being said the hotel is located on gorgeous grounds right next to the well-known <a href="http://www.powerscourt.ie/golfclub">Powerscourt Golf Club</a> and the stunning <a href="http://www.powerscourt.ie/gardens">Powerscourt Gardens</a> and due to location alone, it is still worth visiting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpycjPb7xM0/UsLgvrYLZ2I/AAAAAAAAA3U/bZ9hulSW5dw/s1600/48174_10152126685050430_842200934_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpycjPb7xM0/UsLgvrYLZ2I/AAAAAAAAA3U/bZ9hulSW5dw/s400/48174_10152126685050430_842200934_o.jpg" title="Ritz-Carlton Ireland" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making friends with the horses at the Ritz-Carlton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOXy3XpRngg/UsLgtendibI/AAAAAAAAA3E/C7lORKBcvl8/s1600/272023_10152126679170430_516781902_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOXy3XpRngg/UsLgtendibI/AAAAAAAAA3E/C7lORKBcvl8/s400/272023_10152126679170430_516781902_o.jpg" title="Powerscourt Ireland" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the art work on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSQSnt2l6nE/UsLguTI71YI/AAAAAAAAA3I/B6iPlJM_fAs/s1600/337031_10152126685695430_562604104_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSQSnt2l6nE/UsLguTI71YI/AAAAAAAAA3I/B6iPlJM_fAs/s400/337031_10152126685695430_562604104_o.jpg" title="Woods Ireland" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the woods surrounding the hotel</td></tr>
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Although I could go on and on about County Wicklow, our next stop was quite incredible too. I packed the kids and and drove to <a href="http://www.corkcity.ie/traveltourism/">Cork, Ireland</a>. The drive should have taken around 3 hours but we couldn't help but stop to visit amazing sea-side villages along the way. Once we arrived in Cork, we headed to <a href="http://www.fotawildlife.ie/">the Fota Wildlife Park</a>. I had spent quite a bit of time researching Ireland and I knew this would be a great day out with the kids. The Fota park is an incredible place where many of the animals roam free on the grounds. The park is filled with primates, birds, bisons and giraffes. We spent an entire day roaming the grounds and had an incredible time being so close to such incredible animals. Admission to the park is a reasonable 14.30 Euros for adults and 9.20 Euros for kids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWoDFi_pndw/UsLkuid73-I/AAAAAAAAA3g/GHKXkfsV-E4/s1600/54022_10152136213550430_1991210585_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWoDFi_pndw/UsLkuid73-I/AAAAAAAAA3g/GHKXkfsV-E4/s400/54022_10152136213550430_1991210585_o.jpg" title="Fota wildlife Park" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the Giraffes at Fota Wildlife Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_m3YgTMBinY/UsLkve_EAiI/AAAAAAAAA3k/bdB7LR6mNzo/s1600/615962_10152136214940430_268763340_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_m3YgTMBinY/UsLkve_EAiI/AAAAAAAAA3k/bdB7LR6mNzo/s400/615962_10152136214940430_268763340_o.jpg" title="Fota Wildlife Park" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie couldn't resist a frog ride</td></tr>
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After a few days exploring Cork, I knew we needed to do something incredibly touristy and well-known so I decided it was time to head to <a href="http://www.blarneycastle.ie/">Blarney Castle</a>. Most famous for the Blarney Stone, which visitors line-up to kiss in order to be granted the gift of eloquence or the gift of gab, Blarney Castle is an incredible site. Heading there with young children is an experience on its own. Firstly, I must warn you that the castle is plastered with warnings that the young and the elderly should not enter the castle but if you are like me, you will walk right past those signs and then literally spend the rest of the time praying your children won't fall out of the castle. Essentially, the stairs are tiny and complicated to manoeuvre and you must hold on to your children at all times since there are actual holes in the castle floor. Other tourists helped the kids get around and it was definitely worth it to visit the castle but be prepared for how difficult it is for young kids to explore. Mine loved the dungeons and looking out from the castle but I mostly remember praying that we would soon be firmly and safely on the ground. I did engage in tradition and lean over the edge with two burly Irishmen holding on to me tightly but must admit I was far too short to even reach the Blarney Stone which in all honesty I didn't even see. The good news is I already seem to be overly blessed with the gift of gab.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DK1Kd4QEeDk/UsLpLwSX_cI/AAAAAAAAA38/8Rx_xELMGmw/s1600/218825_10152136216595430_1288354218_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DK1Kd4QEeDk/UsLpLwSX_cI/AAAAAAAAA38/8Rx_xELMGmw/s640/218825_10152136216595430_1288354218_o.jpg" title="Blarney Castle" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring Blarney Castle </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYQj8pzrReo/UsLpOENfALI/AAAAAAAAA4E/dNxw0VNI5-c/s1600/266622_10152136216840430_1134713940_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYQj8pzrReo/UsLpOENfALI/AAAAAAAAA4E/dNxw0VNI5-c/s640/266622_10152136216840430_1134713940_o.jpg" title="Blarney Castle" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to find the dungeon entrance </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--UUMEjic5ao/UsLpKDdrFcI/AAAAAAAAA30/lvWDbwUve7o/s1600/477592_10152136218870430_933487866_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--UUMEjic5ao/UsLpKDdrFcI/AAAAAAAAA30/lvWDbwUve7o/s400/477592_10152136218870430_933487866_o.jpg" title="Blarney Castle Ireland" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie heads up the staircase at Blarney Castle </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZsIrH4Di2k/UsLqHErYEoI/AAAAAAAAA4M/umf87wW11q8/s1600/462120_10152136219305430_1115737897_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZsIrH4Di2k/UsLqHErYEoI/AAAAAAAAA4M/umf87wW11q8/s400/462120_10152136219305430_1115737897_o.jpg" title="Blarney Castle Ireland" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roof of Blarney Castle</td></tr>
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After the excitement of Blarney Castle, we began the drive back to Dublin and on our way found a wonderful spot, <a href="http://visitthefarm.ie/">The Farm</a> located in Grenagh, County Cork. We found the Farm by literally driving by it and couldn't believe our luck. The farm is a mix of education centre, play centre and an actually farm. The kids loved meeting donkeys, exploring how cows are milked and raised and playing on the slides and playgrounds. The Farm also has an indoor restaurant/cafeteria where we enjoyed the best potato soup in all of Ireland.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KW5l6P065VE/UsLr7ZSLbNI/AAAAAAAAA4c/LmmWDh_dd3A/s1600/133344_10152136220860430_1165921205_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KW5l6P065VE/UsLr7ZSLbNI/AAAAAAAAA4c/LmmWDh_dd3A/s400/133344_10152136220860430_1165921205_o.jpg" title="The Farm Ireland" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie breaking the slide rule. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4arXscBW1Ss/UsLr7FxwahI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/xp3zyASeIag/s1600/333625_10152136220405430_746599858_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4arXscBW1Ss/UsLr7FxwahI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/xp3zyASeIag/s400/333625_10152136220405430_746599858_o.jpg" title="The Farm Ireland" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donkey kisses at the Farm<br />
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The end of the year is always a time of reminiscing and I'm so glad I had the chance to write this blog post about Ireland. Its a time I will always remember for the people, the places and frankly the world's friendliest donkeys and horses.<br />
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On to 2014 and a world of adventure!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Ireland53.41291 -8.243889999999964948.561612999999994 -18.571038499999965 58.264207 2.083258500000035tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-74290817882130432072013-11-05T07:37:00.001-05:002013-11-05T07:37:22.445-05:00Vacation Planning...or Dreaming It's around this time every year, when the dark comes upon us so much earlier, that I start to endlessly search the internet looking for incredible vacation destinations to take the kids too. This winter we have a vacation planned for me and the two kids to return to the <a href="http://beaches.com/">Beaches Turks and Caicos</a> and I cannot wait to once again walk upon the warm sand and play in the pools and water park with the kids.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQmxoUbxhZE/UQ8fwnclytI/AAAAAAAAADY/0ZfQgbQnkgY/s1600/843069_10152486662065430_133122902_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQmxoUbxhZE/UQ8fwnclytI/AAAAAAAAADY/0ZfQgbQnkgY/s400/843069_10152486662065430_133122902_o.jpg" title="Beaches Resort" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the kids enjoying a day in the sun at Beaches </td></tr>
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Although we already have our vacation planned, I have researched other vacations that may be fun to attempt alone with my two tiny travel companions. Here's a few in no particular order that may get you thinking about a warm destination trip yourself.<br />
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<a href="http://beaches.com/">Beaches Family Resorts</a><br />
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I have previously reviewed the Beaches chain extensively and won't repeat too much but you can find the original <a href="http://solomomtakesflight.blogspot.ca/2013/02/beaches-family-resorts.html">Beaches blog post here.</a> The trip we booked for January 2014 was 65% off in the new Kew West hotel and cost approximately $5000 with flights including all food and alcohol as well as daytime child care and scuba diving. Although the sale is still on, most of the resort is sold out in January and the cost for remaining rooms has risen quite a bit. I will say that the time we have spent at Beaches is some of the best vacation time we have had and we are extremely excited to see the new hotel and water park expansion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYPks6MM7Uw/UQ8dnOke0pI/AAAAAAAAADM/PSuO6Y13aFk/s1600/287687_10152486672100430_1030858813_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYPks6MM7Uw/UQ8dnOke0pI/AAAAAAAAADM/PSuO6Y13aFk/s400/287687_10152486672100430_1030858813_o.jpg" title="Sesame Street Characters at Beaches" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our friends that we are excited to see again at Beaches </td></tr>
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<a href="http://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/special-offers-and-packages/stay-three-nights-get-fourth-free/?CMP=KNC-Aulani_Branded_CAN%7CG%7C4147700.AL.AM.01.07&keyword_id=sDLOxNDKe_dc%7Cdisney%20hawaii%7C35776446226%7Ce%7C1540al514026">Disney's Aulani Hawaii </a><br />
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I know I have said in the past that we won't be returning to Disneyland or Disney World anytime soon and I stick by that decision as I feel there is so much more of the world to explore. The question is--does that preclude us from visiting some of Disney's vacation properties like Disney's Aulani Hawaii? One incredible consideration about this property is that much like the Beaches resorts, it has day camps for children as well as in-room childcare which would make travelling solo quite a bit easier. My largest concern about this resort, besides the approximate 10 hour flight, is that much like Beaches the resort looks so incredible that it might be hard to actually see much of Hawaii. The resort has an 8,200 square foot pool, a 2,100 square foot water park with 3 slides and play areas, as well as two tubing rivers on site. It also offers an adult only pool for when you need a getaway from what I would assume are a lot of children. The resort also has an additional pool that serves as a local reef to many fish that can be accessed for the entirety of your stay at an extra cost of $20 per adult and $15 per child. This would be an incredible way to teach your kids to snorkel and get them excited about the ocean.<br />
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Sounds to good to be true? Well for most of us it probably is. The nightly rate on a basic room in January 2014 ranges from $370-$400 a night and only includes breakfast for two adults at one designated restaurant. That means that you are still covering two meals a day and all snacks and beverages for the whole family as well as breakfast for your children. All in all a trip for three in January from Toronto will cost you $6,687.60 including flights but without meals or drinks. A sample menu online shows entrees ranging between $35-50 for adults with the kids meal dinner costing $13 a child. <br />
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The resort also offers a number of expeditions and resort add-ons that frankly may be hard to pass up. Bring your Visa.<br />
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<a href="http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/special-offers/">Disney Bahama Cruise</a><br />
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If I was truly being honest, I would only take my kids on a Disney Cruise to Alaska but for comparative pricing I wanted to include Disney's Bahamian Cruise. Currently, Disney is offering Canadian residents 20% off prevailing rates on most 3 or 4 night Bahamian cruises departing from Port Canaveral Florida from January 10, 2014 to February 28, 2014 on the Disney Magic. According to the the website, the Disney Magic has recently been renovated and includes enhanced kid's spaces, adult entertainment, luxurious staterooms, many dining options and slides and water play areas on the upper deck. For a family of 3, the cost of a 4 day cruise can be as low as $1000 including dining but not beverages. Add airfare from Toronto and the cost jumps exponentially to $4018.96.<br />
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<a href="http://G Adventures">G Adventures</a><br />
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As my kids are getting older, I am truly looking forward to taking some much more adventurous vacations with them. In case you haven't heard of them, G adventures is a Canadian company that offers safaris and expeditions across the world. A simple key word search of their website using "kids" brings up an incredible list of family friendly trips. You can access the G Adventure search results by clicking <a href="http://www.gadventures.com/trips/?region=&country=&duration=&q=kids&ref=finder">here</a>. Most of the trips listed show a minimum age of 5 or 6 and these are trips your children will remember for a long time. A nine day tour of Costa Rica for one adult and two children costs $4147.00 without flights. We aren't quite at the point of doing a 9 day adventure vacation alone just yet because of Charlie, who is 3, but I am guessing Will, who is now 5, and I would have the time of our lives. Looking forward to getting passed the 5 year old mark with Charlie and trying some of these out. Borneo or the Galapagos anyone?<br />
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Where are you headed with your kids this winter?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-86754539612592818582013-10-01T19:09:00.003-04:002014-03-06T14:52:33.424-05:00Bethel, New York<br />
While driving across the State of New York, I found a town that has absolutely captured my heart -- <a href="http://www.bethelbusiness.com/">Bethel, New York</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1G7tUa2xZg/Uksx5pcvVNI/AAAAAAAAAu4/mQc60NSwueA/s1600/IMG_7842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1G7tUa2xZg/Uksx5pcvVNI/AAAAAAAAAu4/mQc60NSwueA/s400/IMG_7842.JPG" height="300" title="Bethel, New York" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful scenery of Bethel, New York </td></tr>
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If the name Bethel sounds familiar, it is probably due to the fact that the small town was the host of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodstock">Woodstock</a> in the summer of 1969. Today, the site of Woodstock is home to the <a href="http://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/">Bethel Woods Center for the Arts</a> which hosts live music and festivals. It is also home to one of the most incredible museums I have ever been in featuring the history of Woodstock through videos, documentaries and artifacts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tX60mSb0pKY/UktAtLDKKjI/AAAAAAAAAvI/-exBAMNXiH0/s1600/IMG_7834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bethel New York" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tX60mSb0pKY/UktAtLDKKjI/AAAAAAAAAvI/-exBAMNXiH0/s400/IMG_7834.JPG" height="300" title="Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel New York" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethel Woods Center for the Arts</td></tr>
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The museum covers many topics including the 1960s in general, the history of Woodstock and the planning of the festival and ticketing, as well as everything that occurred at the festival itself whether or not music related told through video interviews, audio recordings and video footage of the festival. The kids were not exactly as interested as I was in the museum but it is lively and offers enough digital experiences and booths where they could touch maps and hear stories that they stayed much longer than I expected. Truthfully, I could have spent an entire day immersed in what is truly an incredible love letter to what most people would call the greatest festival that ever was. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkJllcuNXOM/UktOku__hAI/AAAAAAAAAvY/dLrktQkuJAo/s1600/IMG_7773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bethel Woods" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkJllcuNXOM/UktOku__hAI/AAAAAAAAAvY/dLrktQkuJAo/s400/IMG_7773.JPG" height="300" title="The kids loved the peace signs in the Museum" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids loved the peace signs at Bethel Woods </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNLJ_sYj8Q4/UktOlGOoS4I/AAAAAAAAAvc/dTweLbPJjmc/s1600/IMG_7777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNLJ_sYj8Q4/UktOlGOoS4I/AAAAAAAAAvc/dTweLbPJjmc/s400/IMG_7777.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie driving the bus whose front windshield is a documentary about the difficulties of getting to Woodstock. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xac6VPnvU9Y/UktOomTEMpI/AAAAAAAAAvw/66B7AGBToA4/s1600/IMG_7841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xac6VPnvU9Y/UktOomTEMpI/AAAAAAAAAvw/66B7AGBToA4/s400/IMG_7841.JPG" height="300" title="Orange County Chopper Bike Bethel Woods " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange County Chopper Bike made for Bethel Woods</td></tr>
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My favourite part of the museum was a small enclosed case that held some of the notes and letters festival goers taped to the information booth during that fateful weekend in order to attempt to find their lost friends and travel companions. I've included a picture here of a note left on a paper plate as it struck me as what might have been one of the very first incarnations of the now well-known <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missed_connection">Craigslist's missed connection post</a>. I for one would love to know if these two ever met again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn5llXGfqMo/UktPij9ia7I/AAAAAAAAAv4/-p0J5CdBfiA/s1600/IMG_7855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pn5llXGfqMo/UktPij9ia7I/AAAAAAAAAv4/-p0J5CdBfiA/s320/IMG_7855.JPG" height="320" title="Note on plate at Bethel Woods" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Craigslist post</td></tr>
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The museum and main building sit on the main site of Woodstock and once you have seen the inside, you should take the time to also tour the grounds outside. Although I have always been interested in Woodstock, I wouldn't in any call myself a fanatic but standing on the top of the hill looking over where this historic festival occurred, I must admit I had chills. Oddly, its as if you can still feel the excitement and energy in the air. There is a plaque at the base of the hill located near where the stage sat and it is fun to go see the site and this land marker.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zStdJ5NtgyY/UktQJwb-odI/AAAAAAAAAwA/PRAPa-bxsFE/s1600/IMG_7789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zStdJ5NtgyY/UktQJwb-odI/AAAAAAAAAwA/PRAPa-bxsFE/s320/IMG_7789.jpg" height="320" title="Original site of Woodstock" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Charlie and Will checking out the original site of Woodstock</td></tr>
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On a final note, do not skip the gift shop. The t-shirts are epic and there are many neat souvenirs that are worth picking up. Admission to the museum is $15 for adults, $6 for children and children under 3 are free.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RyhEt6zzO54/UktQjhW_DvI/AAAAAAAAAwM/biHdAlWgxD4/s1600/IMG_7852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RyhEt6zzO54/UktQjhW_DvI/AAAAAAAAAwM/biHdAlWgxD4/s320/IMG_7852.jpg" height="320" title="Woodstock Tshirt" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couldn't resist a Woodstock t-shirt</td></tr>
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Once your tour of Bethel Woods is done, you will be hungry. Luckily a short drive from the museum we found one of Bethel's best treasures-- <a href="http://bigkevsbbq.com/">Big Kev's BBQ</a>. I am not quite sure if the location of the BBQ changes (or if its even technically in Bethel) so check the above link before going or follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bigkevsbbq">their Facebook page</a> to be sure. They also travel to BBQ competitions and you may be able to catch them closer to home one day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMycjzaUkzo/UktQ8XbhdgI/AAAAAAAAAwU/-njtNrsrkbQ/s1600/IMG_7809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMycjzaUkzo/UktQ8XbhdgI/AAAAAAAAAwU/-njtNrsrkbQ/s400/IMG_7809.JPG" height="300" title="Big Kev's BBQ" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Kev's BBQ</td></tr>
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Big Kev's BBQ is literally a shack-on-wheels on a country road with a few port-a-potties and picnic tables. I have travelled extensively in the US and have eaten a whole lot of BBQ and this is some of the best I have had. The kids dug into the ribs and pulled pork and absolutely loved the atmosphere as bikers, construction men, and locals all poured into the parking lot to order lunch. The two men working in the shack were kind and funny and this is a definite not-to-miss lunch spot for anyone interested in some melt-in-your mouth deliciousness. Order the kids a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade and they will make it on the spot for you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNR0ATzE73o/UktRV4eVk1I/AAAAAAAAAwc/H2JumXgKYnY/s1600/IMG_7810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNR0ATzE73o/UktRV4eVk1I/AAAAAAAAAwc/H2JumXgKYnY/s400/IMG_7810.jpg" height="400" title="Ribs from Big Kev's BBQ" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie loving the ribs</td></tr>
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Seeing the Woodstock museum was a little more for me than Will and Charlie, I was really excited to find something I knew they would love- <a href="http://www.upperroomfarms.com/">Upper Room Farms</a>. Located near Bethel at 186 Airport Road in Mongaup Valley, the farm features a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house, and horse riding in the most serene environment imaginable. They are open all summer and on weekends in the winter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JwK2ral-lU/UktSBRYtUUI/AAAAAAAAAws/QexHIgSqlww/s1600/IMG_7833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JwK2ral-lU/UktSBRYtUUI/AAAAAAAAAws/QexHIgSqlww/s400/IMG_7833.JPG" height="300" title="Upper Rooms Farms" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picturesque Upper Room Farms</td></tr>
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We arrived at Upper Room Farms on a Friday not knowing the hours had changed and luckily the owner very kindly let us in. She gave us a few buckets of feed and we were on our way to the petting zoo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F69vmMdxZwQ/UktSf2S_WGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/8WYARSu1jFk/s1600/IMG_7817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F69vmMdxZwQ/UktSf2S_WGI/AAAAAAAAAw0/8WYARSu1jFk/s400/IMG_7817.JPG" height="300" title="Petting Zoo at Upper Rooms Farm" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Petting Zoo at Upper Room Farms</td></tr>
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The petting zoo here is like most others but it struck me as different due to the fact that the animals are incredibly friendly and seem to be really happy. They came up to the kids whether or not the kids had food and were more than comfortable being pet. My favourite was a pig named Penelope who behaved exactly how you would expect a cartoon pig to the behave but not an actual pig. She was very dog-like in her demeanour and seemed to be waving her tail in excitement and jumping up and down a little. We loved all the animals and were glad we found the farm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpJBaQZBk74/UktS76LKH5I/AAAAAAAAAw8/W_-xvEB8Jg8/s1600/IMG_7824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpJBaQZBk74/UktS76LKH5I/AAAAAAAAAw8/W_-xvEB8Jg8/s400/IMG_7824.JPG" height="300" title="Pig at Upper Room Farms" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure who was more excited--Will or Penelope</td></tr>
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On the day we visited, most of the other activities were not set up as the farm was not open but we did get to freely walk the grounds and visit with the horses and ponies. Again what struck me the most was how incredibly happy they all seemed. I've never been completely comfortable with horses but the animals at this farm made me feel at ease immediately. As we were leaving the animals hilariously grabbed our attention by mooing and bleating what seemed like a sweet goodbye teamed with a hilarious donkey noise to top it all off. On a day where the farm is open, I am positive you could spend a few hours of pure bliss there. Admission to the farm is $4 for adults and $3 for children. Pony rides are $6 and feed for the petting zoo is $2.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHGS3F6leHE/UktTUvXd1EI/AAAAAAAAAxE/4gDukUsTkYk/s1600/IMG_7828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHGS3F6leHE/UktTUvXd1EI/AAAAAAAAAxE/4gDukUsTkYk/s400/IMG_7828.JPG" height="300" title="Donkey and Goat at Upper Room Farms" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The animals saying a sweet goodbye.</td></tr>
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I do want to see what it would be like to spend a week in the summer in or near Bethel, New York. Bethel Woods runs a concert series every summer and I am watching their website with interest to see what will be happening there next summer and looking for property near the lake to rent a cottage or condo. I even think I have convinced some neighbours who are music lovers to come with me and the kids and explore this area some more.<br />
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Hopefully my wish to return will come true and I can post more about this tiny town, that I simply fell in love with, in the summer of 2014!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Bethel, NY 12720, USA41.6837275 -74.87018510000001516.161693000000003 -116.17877910000001 67.205762000000007 -33.561591100000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-72366175646436416092013-09-20T21:02:00.000-04:002013-09-20T21:02:52.202-04:00The Disneyland Princesses<div>
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When I look back on our most recent trip to California, the images I will remember most are those of Charlie and Will with the Disney Princesses. Not every princess was great and not every moment was memorable but there were some select princesses and a few incredible fairies that really took the opportunity to help a 3 year old and 5 year old believe in fairy tales. Here are the moments best described by photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2POoOP8148/Ujuso-SATPI/AAAAAAAAAsU/rliU32zaLr0/s1600/1262522_10153235799095430_826378411_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V2POoOP8148/Ujuso-SATPI/AAAAAAAAAsU/rliU32zaLr0/s400/1262522_10153235799095430_826378411_o.jpg" title="Ariel at Ariel's Grotto" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ariel and Will</td></tr>
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Ariel was surrounded by little girls and the Disney photographer kept pushing Charlie into the pictures. Ariel without prompting surprisingly turned to Will and asked if she could meet him. He was thrilled and this picture is a great memory of her recognising that he needed attention too. Thanks Ariel! Tip: Ariel is easily found at Ariel's Grotto in Disney's California Adventures as well as in Fantasy Fair at Disneyland.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PLIlc0Jjeps/UjutRdYdgBI/AAAAAAAAAsc/whHE0DfbCA8/s1600/621196_10153235801515430_335403273_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PLIlc0Jjeps/UjutRdYdgBI/AAAAAAAAAsc/whHE0DfbCA8/s400/621196_10153235801515430_335403273_o.jpg" title="Tinkerbell at Pixie's Hollow" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and Tinker bell</td></tr>
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Tinkerbell was incredible with Will and Charlie. She talked to them about adventures and her fairy world and really made an impression on them both. She threw in a few hilarious princess comments for the adults in the crowd and generally was a gem in the Disneyland cast. Tip: Tinkerbell is found in Pixie Hollow which lies at the foot of the Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland. This area is not well marked and it is very deceiving as you cannot see her or anyone from the outside entrance. We stopped by a few times to say hello and found at least two fairies just waiting for visitors. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOHhS8xaswc/Ujut6R60Z8I/AAAAAAAAAsk/K99gRDQiNbo/s1600/736058_10153235801775430_148719932_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOHhS8xaswc/Ujut6R60Z8I/AAAAAAAAAsk/K99gRDQiNbo/s400/736058_10153235801775430_148719932_o.jpg" title="Merida and Disneyland" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Merida and Charlie</td></tr>
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Merida was one of my personal favourite princesses because she welcomed every kid she saw with a believable excitement. Her area was interactive with her three bear brothers behind her getting in on the action. She really took the time to talk to Charlie about the importance of being an individual and how neat it is to be a princess who does things for herself. She knew which Disney message she was representing and she played the part very well. She even taught Charlie to stand "tough" for the photo. Tip: Merida is found daily outside of It's a Small World in Disneyland.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belle and Charlie</td></tr>
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Belle was definitely the most traditional princess we met and Charlie was blown away by her. With the other princesses Charlie would chat and laugh but she truly didn't utter a word when she met Belle. As any good princess would know how to do, Belle filled the gaps and made sure they had a memorable meeting. Tip: Belle is most likely to be found in Fantasy Fair at Disneyland or at Ariel's Grotto for the princess lunch. We visited Fantasy Fair and a Disneyland cast member ran up to us and told me that Belle would be available later that day. I think he recognised Charlie's dress and thought we would like to know. I was touched by the gesture. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and Rapunzel</td></tr>
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Rapunzel won both mine and Charlie's heart by being the friendliest and most interactive princess I have ever met. She listened to Charlie's story and showed more enthusiasm than I thought any of these women could muster. She was fantastic and fun and asked a ton of questions and Charlie still talks about her incessantly. Tip: Rapunzel is found next to the Pinocchio ride at Disneyland. She also has her own show in Fantasy Fair. If your children are astute, be careful of visiting Fantasy Fair right after seeing Rapunzel or before. Will very quickly recognised that there were two Rapunzels within 30 feet of each other. </div>
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A big thank you to all the women pictured above for helping to add to our incredible Disneyland Adventure. Many people have asked if Charlie at 3 was still a little young to enjoy Disneyland and the reality was that although she wasn't tall enough for every ride, she was young enough to still believe in the magic the park offers. The best day Charlie had at Disneyland was when we went and met the princesses and its a day none of us will forget anytime soon.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Disneyland Main Transportation Center, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA33.809708 -117.917007000000018.2876735 -159.225601 59.331742500000004 -76.608413000000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1838339695558414954.post-5716400424624145152013-09-19T21:47:00.000-04:002013-09-19T21:49:56.058-04:00I lost 3 pounds at Disneyland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j96oYFRJ6IA/UjunznZfPHI/AAAAAAAAAsE/-NGD1JguZMA/s1600/1264515_10153235800195430_467085613_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j96oYFRJ6IA/UjunznZfPHI/AAAAAAAAAsE/-NGD1JguZMA/s400/1264515_10153235800195430_467085613_o.jpg" title="Mickey Mouse Disneyland" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie, Mickey and Me</td></tr>
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Why does my 3 pound weight loss in 4 days at <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/ca/">Disneyland</a> matter to the average travelling parent? Basically, it shows you how much has changed at Disney. This year, I went to Disneyland hoping to find a way to fit in healthy snacks between Mickey Mouse ice cream bars and turkey legs. Instead, I found a much more health conscious Disney than I had ever seen.<br />
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To begin, every restaurant we visited had a healthy kids menu which didn't mention fries at all. My kids love to read the menu for themselves and it never occurred to them to ask for fries instead of fruit or veggies. The restaurants also had great salads and mains for adults that were easily tailored to any dietary request you had.<br />
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Most incredible of all was that my fear of not having healthy snacks was defeated by countless booths in all of Disneyland serving fresh fruit. The kids were excited to buy fresh strawberries and pineapple and I was glad Disney chose to provide the option to them.<br />
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To top it all off, our hotel room was steps from a Jamba Juice so when we didn't need a big meal we got smoothies instead.<br />
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A helpful tip is that the staff at Disneyland will fill your reusable water bottle for you if you ask.<br />
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Kudos to you Disneyland! Its definitely a step towards a healthier vacation for all of us.<br />
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*DISCLAIMER: I did happen to eat two corndogs and a Mickey ice cream bar in one sitting but hey I walked a lot and don't we all deserve a little treat now and then.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17636071151318369939noreply@blogger.com0Disneyland Main Transportation Center, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA33.809708 -117.917007000000018.2876735 -159.225601 59.331742500000004 -76.608413000000013