Ride 'em Cowboy!

There were so many great family activities this past weekend. The Delta Fair, The Spencerville Stampede, McKenna's Dream in Lansdowne and Wheels A'Churnin in North Augusta, to name just a few.

 On Saturday, we chose to head to Gananoque to the splash pad, as the kids had been begging to go back since seeing it when we were there last weekend, at the Gananoque Pirate Festival. We headed home for a special dinner that our friends were making for us. It was a treat to have authentic Indian cuisine that my friend Monica prepared. She is such a talented cook and Indian food is now one of my new favourites.

Sunday, we were up and out the door early. Our children were excited to see the stampede that Spencerville was hosting for the first time this year. It was sunny and hot and the perfect day for it. The event's website mentioned a mechanical bull and pony rides for the children, so both Nick and the kids were looking forward to this. Unfortunately, upon our arrival, we found out that these attractions weren't happening. Nick was more disappointed than the girls were. The day turned out to be a ton of fun regardless. We had great food and so much fun watching the talented "Stampeders". Great job Spencerville, we hope to be back next year!


Here's a collection of snapshots from our busy, fun and local weekend.

Pride and pirates- what's not to love?

Saturday morning was Nick's day to sleep in. Without fail, my three year old was up at 7:00 a.m. "Momma, I'm awake- it's time to go downstairs" she yelled as loud as humanly possible. I stretched and crossed my fingers that she would grab a book and snuggle back in bed for even five more minutes. Then, came the " I have to go pee!!!!" so, out of bed I jumped and the day began.

We had yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast, followed by cartoons of course. We let daddy sleep until 9:00 a.m. and then all started to get ready for the day. I make it sound like Nick is being spoiled, don't I? I forgot to mention that I had a pedicure at my favourite spa in Brockville, Aquala, booked and he would be taking over parent duties for an hour or so. While I was getting pretty toes, the Annual PRIDE Parade had started on King Street. There was a great turnout and a positive vibe all around. I saw some familiar faces in the parade, such as our local NDP candidate, Matthew Gabriel showing his support to people in our community. Although not a political event, I wanted to touch base so I investigated where some of the other local party reps were. I reached out to our other local politicians and found out that they had prior engagements and regrettably couldn't be there. I was happy my family could attend and show our support of equality for all. Congratulations on another job well done Brockville!

We then headed to my parents house where they were hosting their annual friends and family BBQ. My sister was in charge of setting up the kiddie pool and, as always took her duties very seriously. Ensuring the temperature was just right for all those wee tots, it turned out to be a huge success. With everyone bringing their favourite dish, my parents slow roasting both beef and pork on a spit, plus beverages galore, it was a delicious and fun event.

When Sunday came, we were ready to have a quiet day at home. Some of my friends were headed to Ottawa to take in a baseball game and had asked that we keep their two year old for the afternoon. As she is absolutely adorable (and well behaved as all children are when their parents are not around!) we jumped at the chance. Gananoque was holding a waterfront Pirate Festival, so we packed up the car and headed out. When we arrived, it was packed. Bouncy castles, inflatable pirates, fortune tellers and music on the main stage- it was a great event for the whole family. Nearby was the splash pad and beach. I had never been to that part of Gananoque before, and truly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. We will be back to take the kids to play in the water.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and got out to support our local events! I love our community!

You're among friends here

Every weekend, my family and I set out on a different adventure. Last weekend, it was heading to the National Arts Center in Ottawa to see "Wicked" and hosting a birthday party for our two year old. This weekend started out with a day trip to the outskirts of Cardinal where four of my favorite people live.

At 9:30 a.m. my great friend and "toddler doula", Steph pulled up out front. We had planned a fun day at the MacJoustra farm, a small oasis that our friends have recently bought. The kids were excited to run free in the country air, but I think it was us ladies who were more excited to catch up and relax.

We arrived to an array of chickens, ducks, peacocks and a bunny. The kids headed over to the ducks, then decided to go for a swim. With the sun shining down, a warm breeze and the laughter of the kids in the pool, this was the best Friday I've had in awhile. We had delicious coffee, fresh veggies and sandwiches for lunch and the house filled and then emptied with kids. The entire day seemed to fly by.

Brockville and all of the small communities around have plenty of family fun to offer, but today brought me back to the real reason I love this area; the people. Our family is surrounded by some of the nicest, funniest and most genuine people around and we are happy to call them friends. Thanks for showing a gal a fabulous Friday!

Food, wine- and family!

Congratulations to Brockville Tourism for another job well done at the Third Annual Food and Wine Festival. Held at the Memorial Center on June 22 to June 23, the venue was packed both Friday and Saturday with foodies and wine enthusiats alike.

Recently, my mother became part of a new business venture, A Mano Import inc. Currently importing wines from various Italian regions, I knew that inviting her to the Food and Wine Show would be a hit! Not knowing too much about the different varietals, I knew she would be helpful. Joined by my sister as well, we took to the show Saturday afternoon. Upon arriving, the parking lot was busy but not yet packed. We bought our tickets and headed into the arena. Greeted by the wonderful smells of dishes the food vendors were preparing and met by an array of wine booths, this festival was visually appealing.

Making our way around, we stopped to sample some local wine as well. Blue Gypsy Wines, located in Oxford Mills was one of my favorites. My sister and I both tried their cranberry wine, while my mother tasted the maple wine. We were all very impressed.Given some different ideas on what to incorporate with the cranberry, some info on the winery and just a great chat overall, I felt this company knocked it out of the park! I will be popping in to have another tasting sooner rather than later.

As we continued our way around, we noticed the Brockberry Cafe had a table that was serving an appealing dish. It was tequila-infused watermelon and herb salad. Not only was this visually stunning but in the warm temperature, the refreshing taste was just what was needed. After speaking with the Chef, I look forward to my next date night with Nick, as we will be heading downtown to the Brockberry to check out their summer menu.

As the afternoon went on, the arena continued to filled up. The temperature also continued to heat up, thus was our cue to head home and have a family dinner. It was a fabulous "girls day" with my mom and sister and an event I hope Brockville Tourism continues to do for years to come.

MORE INFORMATION

A Mano Import Inc.
www.amanoimport.com
Lori@amanoimport.com


Blue Gypsy Wines
www.bluegypsywines.com

Brockberry Cafe
www.brockberry.com
Josie@brockberry.com