The key to a relaxing vacation

I think the key to a relaxing vacation is to plan nothing!  We have made no major plans thus far and have spent a heck of a lot of time just lounging around the house and yard and if we do end up going out it's a last minute decision and therefore causes no stress.  We do what we feel like when we feel like it.  The kids seem to enjoy themselves no matter what is going on.  They are content playing water balloon wars ($1 for 1000 at Dollorama) or just running through the backyard sprinkler.  I discovered this on my recent cruise where we had chosen open dining and chose not to pre book our excursions.  Again we ate when we were hungry and we took out time exploring each port on our own terms.  We did end up booking a few excursions but did so the day before and knew we were up to it.

So now that I have discovered the secret I am enjoying myself much more. We are loving Sarnia so much that we have informed the grand-parents that we will purchase their home when they are ready to move into the retirement home.  No rush though. The weather here has been fantastic this week, sunny skys, warm winds and the humidity has been relatively low.  Today and tomorrow it is supposed to creep back up to 31 with a humidex bringing it to 40.  We plan to keep cool at the water park and pool down at Tecumseh Park, the local swimming quarters, $3.75 for the whole family.  It also has a skate park and play park attached. 

Canada Day was a fantastic celebration here in Sarnia.  The day began with a short drive and long hike down to Cantera Park where we grabbed a great spot under a big tree and set up camp for the morning.  The Canada Day Parade came right by us and ended in the middle of the park at around 12 noon.  I couldn't get over how many of the town folks came to watch, the streets were lined for blocks!  In the park they had a large field set up with booths selling crafts, clothing, jewellery and more as well as a wide variety of foods from around town.  We wandered a bit until the kids came across a Henna Tattoo booth and we ended up waiting while they all got temporary tattoos by a local artist.  Cantera Beach is right in the park so we headed over to play in the sand and surf.  The waves are HUGE and the kids enjoyed body surfing for the remainder of the afternoon.

They ended the day with fireworks down on the shores of the St Claire River just after the sun had set over Port Huron.  I hadn't planned on going as I was more than exhausted from our day in the sun but I am so glad we did as it was an spectacular display of lights.

Last night we took a walk down by the Bridge.  It's a lovely park with a winding path along the river banks and under the Blue Water Bridge (takes you to the USA).  You can plant yourself on one of many park benches and watch the sunset, or the kids can let loose on the playground, feed the Trout at the fish hatchery or indulge yourself with an order of famous "chips" from the chip truck.  If you are feeling really gutsy you can join some of the local youth and take a swim up river.  They jump in at the opening to the river and the very strong current carries them quickly down the river where you must swim hard to get yourself back to shore.  Perhaps next visit I'll try :)

That's all for today, remember less planning, more relaxing.

Summer in Southern Ontario

Complete and utter relaxation.... ah this is the life.  Yesterday we took it easy with a trip to the local play ground in the morning and a visit to the charming downtown area in the afternoon.  The kids enjoyed shopping at the local mall too.  We are quickly becoming adept at getting around this lovely town. 

Today we spent the morning at the Mike Weir Beach Park just north of town.  The temperatures have been really mild since we arrived and I thought the kids quite brave when they ventured into the lake.  I made an attempt but it felt like someone had thrown a bucket of ice cubes over me!  But when the sun came out it was beautiful and we all had a great time.

One of the best things about being on vacation at Grandma and Grandpa's is that free babysitting is provided.  We took advantage of this fantastic amenity and my husband and I had a romantic date night tonight.  Our gift card from East Side Mario's was put to good use finally.  We've been hanging onto this birthday gift for over a year as there are no East Side Mario's in Winnipeg.  It was a delicious dinner, Chris had ribs and I the scallop fettucini carbonera and then we finished off with the Chocolate Vesuvius (lave cakes with ice-cream).  It was a clear and warm evening so we headed down to the Bridge for a relaxing stroll along the St Claire River and Lake Huron. 

I am excited about the festivities planned for tomorrow, Canada Day.  The day begins with a parade from downtown to Cantera Park where there will be ethnic foods and goodies served and crafts for sale and rides for the kids. 

Safe Journeys everyone.

Summer Vacation in Sarnia

I rode an elephant today, right here in Southern Ontario, no need to even leave Canada! We are having a great time here in Sarnia, arrived after a 4 1/2 hour drive from Mackinaw City yesterday.  And I have to say there is just nothing like home cooked meals after a few days on the road!  Grandma Ellis is such a good cook, homemade jams, fresh apple cake, yummy chocolate chip cookies...I am going to have to get up early each morning and take the dog for a 10 mile hike to keep the weight off!

We had to drive into Burlington this morning, about 2-3 hours by car, to pick up the children.  And after googling attractions in Southern Ontario we decided the African Lion Safari Park between Burlington and Cambridge.  It was a bit pricey, $30 per adult and $24 per child plus $5 each to ride the bus around instead of taking our new van.  Monkeys tend to take souvenirs such as wind shield wipers and bumpers from your vehicles.  But it was totally worth it as you can see by the pictures.  There is a 45 minute drive through the wild animal park where we saw lions, giraffes, rhinos, monkeys to name a few.  We also managed to take in the miniature train ride and a boat ride to visit various monkey species on these islands through out the park.  Time didn't allow us to see the Elephant Show (they supposedly play soccer) or the Birds of Prey show, but we did get to ride the elephants and that was a highlight.

We are back now at Grandma and Grandpa's and have just finished a delicious meal of chicken fajitas and apple cake with ice-cream.  The weather has cooled down and we are now able to sit outside without melting.  The humidity is over the top here most days! 

Tomorrow....the Beach!