In my last blog, I talked a lot about my Grandchildren coming to visit. Grandma had some adult colouring books that they took over. I had gone to Dollarama and purchased some coloured pencils & pens. I could readily pull out a page for them as they were perforated. This is one of the simple things that required very little monetary input yet gave hours of fun. My adult colouring book was gifted to me by a friend when I was laid up after surgery a few years back. It was great to see it being used!
The first visit from the Grands, Charli & Kennedy was at the end of February with their Mom. It had snowed a LOT. They decided that they wanted to go sliding on school property across from us. It was a Saturday so no other children were around. The property had a fairly big hill facing our home. Charli & Kennedy asked if Grandma had a sled or two. No such luck, however, I did have two things.
Before hitting the slopes they coloured the box in many intricate designs. It turned out that the box did not fare too well in the sliding department. The red bags on the other hand had them rocketing down the hill. They tried it with snow in the bags to make it more comfy; however, they were unable to get these bags up the hill. They did try though!!! Back to sitting inside the bags as they continued to have fun! Kennedy would push her older sister so she got even more speed. They were out there for hours only returning to Cra Cra & Grandma’s when they were cold. Their cheeks were rosy!
I remember as a child using pieces of cardboard or plastic to go down the hills right beside my public school named Roding Public School in Downsview. I am sure there were a few injuries, but boy did we have fun. It was even better when you found a piece of cardboard left by another child.
During the Grands second visit in March with their Dad we went to Port Stanley. We walked along the pier. The waves were crashing on the rocks. The entrance to the lighthouse was locked. It didn’t stop the kids from gathering wood and throwing it into the swell of waves. Some got stuck in the rocks, while others were washed away towards the shore. They wanted to retrieve their prizes but would have been totally soaked while doing so!
After this, we went over to Mackie’s, open during March break, for burgers, fries, and orangeade! We got the family-sized fries which we again had for supper. My son Jay met with one of the owners of Mackie’s, who he had gone to high school with. They had some fun catching up to do. My kids had their teen years in Port Stanley so it was great for Jay to bring his kids here. This is such a favourite place that when Shea was down in February she took the kids here as well. Places like Port bring back wonderful memories.
I remember going on long walks on the beach towards the cliffs where the cliff swallows lived. Boy was that magical to watch them. My son told me he had camped out on the beach just below the swallows. Not sure if that would be allowed today, but I was glad he had that experience.
In Port, my favourite thing is the sound of the waves. It can be a cloudy or sunny day, but the rhythm of the ways is so soothing for the soul. I am sure some of you have seen the wild pictures of Port Stanley waves in winter. So hard to believe they are real. You have to appreciate nature in all its glory.
We played some games, especially Uno. We also watched some children’s movies. Of course, we had popcorn too.
There are so many places around London to visit, however, we opted for places that were not only inexpensive but also educational and fun. Who knew a heavy plastic bag could bring so much joy?
Last blog I mentioned going to see the swans in Aylmer. Look around your area for places and things to do that are inexpensive, yet can enrich yourself or your children/grandchildren. I know for a fact that the Children’s Museum in London is very reasonable for the whole family. I know budgets are tight for everyone right now. Ask friends where they would take their children that were a reasonable price. Word of mouth is often pretty helpful.
Please let me know of any experiences you have had that were so much fun, and yet reasonably priced. I sure can use these ideas for the next visits with our Grandchildren.
I hope you treasure the adventures you have had. Perhaps some of our adventures you too can use if not this year, then next.
Here’s to adventurous souls!
Sue