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Last Friday, just before my vacation was up, we decided to take the kids to Heritage Park for the day. I’ve concluded that, yes, I’ve been spoiled. I’ve had the opportunity to visit the park in the past with Media invitations. Mind you, when I’ve gone in the past, I never took the time to get on the rides. (I’m a chicken when it comes to rides).

This last visit was different as I just went with my family. My two boys and my husband. I was surprised at the cost! Wowzers! I should have looked online first to see what I was getting into. Heritage Park is a ton of fun for the whole family, but I recommend getting the seasons pass if you think you’ll go more than twice. After purchasing an individual ticket for the train ride, we decided that we needed to upgrade to the whole day bracelet. But they wouldn’t give us the discount for the train ride towards the bracelet, saying that is would screw up their system. Oi! So if you head out, get the bracelet first… so you don’t damage your wallet!

There IS a lot of fun for the whole family… and yes I even went on the Farris Wheel… (not telling my son I wanted to puke…) The Carousel was also a winner. I could handle that more than the wheel! Plus the animals were fun to watch!

But buyers beware; check the cost before you go!!! Here’s a link to their pricing page Heritage Park.

Bouns Code: PARK

Packed up the car and headed out to Mt.Kidd in Kananaskis. We braved it with two small children and a dog. I say “braved it” because we don’t normally tent it! BUT we picked up the world’s largest tent… a 13 man tent! My girlfriend who came with us said it was a Tent Mansion! Ha!

My boys had a great time playing in the dirt! Which is something they don’t normally do… being city boys an’ all! Well, my oldest anyway, he’s the clean one. My youngest on the other hand is a bit of a muck. Okay… not a bit… a lot! I think he loves to be dirty. He also loves to just wonder off! We spent most of our time running off to catch him.

Other than the breath taking views… Mt. Kidd is really an amazing place to bring the whole family. Not only was there a park for the kids to play in, but a wadding pool AND flushing toilets! That made the whole trip more enjoyable! Oh… and HOT water in the washrooms, plus showers when you’re feeling too grubby!

I was pleased that the weather was perfect too. At night, other than the crazy howling wind, it was rather warm. We also had power at our site, and brought along a heater (just incase).

You have to reserve at Mt. Kidd in advanced, but well worth the money! On your next camping adventure, go check out what’s already in our back yard. Take the short drive to Kananaskis and enjoy what Mother Nature has given us!

Bonus Code: CAMPING

Communicating with a baby or a child can be difficult. Especially when there’s other issues, and it’s just not them listening to you. Our friends at Calgary’s Child Magazine take a look at the ability to hear when it comes to our children.

Communication Begins at Birth

Children learn by listening to those around them. The ability to hear affects how a child understands, talks and learns. Hearing loss can affect the development of language skills, social and emotional growth as well as behavior

Here are a few signs that may indicate your child may have a
hearing problem.
•Does your child complain of earaches and rub or pull on their ears.
•Do they hear better when watching the speaker’s face.
•Are they unable to tell where voices and other sounds are coming from.
•Do they often ask you to repeat yourself.
•Do they talk loudly and turn up the volume on the TV or radio.
•Are you concerned about any delay in language skills.
•Has their teacher noticed any unusual fatigue in the classroom.

If you suspect that your child has a hearing loss, contact your school
health nurse, doctor or pediatrician. Early identification and intervention can minimize future complications.

For more GREAT tips and helpful ideas visit Calgary’s Child Magazine.
www.calgaryschild.com

BONUS CODE: HEAR

It was a quick decision, but my husband and I decided to go camping this past weekend. We went down to the Crowsnest to fish at Lost Creek and Carbondale River. This area suffered a fire in 2003, but mother nature always has a way to make itself beautiful. Crowsnest Fire.

And proof that I was there… a picture of my boots!

The perfect way to wrap up a day of hiking, fishing and photography!

BONUS CODE: FISH

We’re starting to hear “Back To School” commercials… you’re almost there parents… but there’s still 3 plus weeks to go… Now what! Here’s some list of Youth Activities to keep you running on full. Thanks to our friends at Calgary’s Child Magazine.

Youth Activities

The City of Calgary Youth Pool Parties. Hang out with friends, meet new ones, have a few free slices of pizza. Youth 12 to 17 can enjoy a DJ spinning some tracks and play Wii. For more information, contact 3-1-1 or visit calgary.ca/recreation.

3 to 6pm; Free Summer Youth Bus. Join The City of Calgary for activities like laserquest, skateboarding or going to the pool or the movies! For more information, contact 3-1-1 or visit calgary.ca/afterschool

Youth Central offers meaningful volunteer experiences for 12 to 18 year olds. For more information, visit youthcentral.com

Fridays, 8 to 11pm; Teen Night at Village Square Leisure Centre. Youth ages 12 to17 (ID required) can hang out in the youth room with friends, compete in Nintendo Wii, play games and sports in the gymnasium and swim in the pool. General youth admission applies. For more information, contact 403-366-3900 or visit calgary.ca/leisurecentres.

August 26, 7 to 9pm; Good Bye Summer Youth Party at Highwood Outdoor Pool. For ages 10 to 17. DJ, games, prize wheel, mini golf, giant Wii screen and hot tub. For more information, visit highwoodoutdoorpool.com.

Bonus Code: AUGUST