A FUN GAME

Monkey is addicted to playing board games. His current favourite is Orchard: the card game. The concept is simple -- try to collect all the fruit cards before the raven reaches the orchard -- so it was easy for him to grasp the game. It is also portable, which makes it a great game to take along on family trips. Now, if only Little Bean would stop picking up cards when it's not her turn!

MINI MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

The moment the kids have been [somewhat] patiently waiting for has arrived. Yesterday, we put together a play structure for them to climb and explore. Monkey is hooked on planting the flag and, although she doesn't get far up the mountain, Little Bean likes peeking through the little crannies and giggling.

THE LITTLE MOUSE KIDS LOVE

Maileg is a Danish design company that creates sweet and whimsical children's toys that delight every age group. For Christmas, Little Bean got the Big Sister mouse in a box. She loves taking her mouse in and out of the box, and sometimes the box even ends up being her bracelet. Monkey was quite enamoured with the little mouse so he recently got Big Brother mouse, which he totes around everywhere. With additional accessories and friends to collect, the opportunity for imaginative play with these little characters is boundless.

REUSE IT: TREE STUMPS

Hurricanes Gonzalo and Fay uprooted trees all over the island, leaving small mountains of debris at every turn. A large Royal Poinciana tree (also known as Delonix regia, Flame tree and Flamboyant tree) came down in our friends' yard, which was an unfortunate sight because with its vivid red flowers and bright green foliage, it was an incredibly beautiful tree.

The tree stumps that Monkey is climbing on here came from this grand old tree. The kids love using them for climbing, jumping, rolling or just sitting and having a chat. It makes for a natural and creative outdoor play area.

Thank you to Glen and Valerie for sharing with us!

AN EVENING AT THE MIDWAY

We went to a small Midway this past weekend in Waterloo. It was such a fun evening complete with ice cream treats, kiddie rides, games and even a prize for Monkey. I don't remember the last time I laughed as hard as I did while spinning around on the Tilt-A-Whirl. Little Bean couldn't help but squeal with delight as she watched from the sidelines ...

A MORNING AT THE AQUARIUM

Monkey, Little Bean and I recently took a trip to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. This place was made for kids. Little Bean was fascinated with the vibrant colours while Monkey spotted sea creatures of all shapes and sizes (including the largest lobster I have ever seen) and explored the many interactive exhibits. Here are a few snapshots of our morning at the aquarium ...

A quick tip ... Busy does not begin to describe this place. If possible, go on a weekday and be first in line or time your visit after 4 p.m. once the school trips have gone.

TIME FOR PLAY: A TENT

What a sweet little tent to create a reading nook, play house or corner store for Monkey. It folds up neatly too -- a must since space always seems to be at a premium at our house.

GAME: CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY

Have you heard of the party game Cards Against Humanity? Our friends recently brought it over and it was hilarious to play. It's a simple, uncomplicated game perfect for playing after a dinner party. For each round, one 'question' card is played, players then choose one of their 10 'answer' cards to put down, and the funniest answer wins that round. There were times I laughed hard, and there were times I squirmed in my seat. Prepare to be amused, shocked and disgusted when you play.

The game is available online or you can download it for free right off the Cards Against Humanity website.