I admit it. I’m number one of four children, and I tend to be the leader. Call it natural inclination. As the big M-O-M, I tend to be the one rocking the plan together, making sandwiches and doing all that background goodness that gets things done. You see, I got inspired (and to be honest, slightly…
Get Outdoors: Hiking with Kids
Mother Nature has finally decided to give up the grudge on this winter. You can imagine my surprise this week when I looked out the window and watched the little temperature gauge creep into the “+”. This was especially great since I had literally stopped checking it because every day was below -20˚C. When you’re…
Camping in the Backyard
I’ve noticed the mornings have been chillier lately. I pulled out my fleece sweater to wear on the way to work. Most of the plants in the garden are done for the season, or have started bursting into flower to create seed for next time. The leaves from the trees are slowly turning yellow and beginning…
My Outdoor Roots Were Forged in Guiding (or Why You Should Enroll Your Daughter in Girl Guides)
We all have to start somewhere. For me, my love of camping and being outdoors were forged in tents, and on the shores of Lake Erie. From ages 7 to 16, I attended a Girl Guide summer camp for at least a week. These were not the type of camps we think of…
Mini Adventure: Marshmallows in the Backyard
Summer in my mind equates with good old fashioned mess. Squishy wet beach sand between your toes as you prance along without shoes. The tangy sweet smell of sunscreen on warm, tan skin fresh from the lake. Sticky, gooey and delicious campfire s’mores and burnt marshmallows squashed between your finger tips. Before you head off…
Bubble Play
Bubble Play Bubble play is at the top of my list for outdoor activities when the spring weather hits. It’s fun and it’s an easy way to engage kids of all ages and abilities. In fact, it’s my secret weapon for mornings when there hasn’t been enough sleep, afternoons when the kids are over-scheduled, or those evenings…