Registering on-line is an excellent way to enrol you or your family in one of the thousands of programs available through Parks and Recreation. Taking part in community activities is a great way to improve your health and quality of life.

Meet and learn from each other, interact with staff, learn about child development and have fun with their children.  These free programs are in your community and are open to all parents, grandparents and caregivers with young children up to the age of 6 years.

• Expert advice on parenting
• Information on developmental milestones
• Organized programs and activities for parents and children that focus on literacy and development
• Support and resources

But, there are even more reasons to visit an Early Years Centre:

• It’s free!
• You can arrive and leave when you are ready.
• You can stay, play, read and sing with your children.
• You can enjoy a snack together.
• There are interesting toys and activities for each age.
• New programs are introduced frequently.
• You can borrow quality books.
• There are 21 convenient locations.
• The centres are welcoming, safe and clean.

The City of Windsor has a list of spring hours for OEYC throughout Essex County.

I have been to the Drouillard Place location a couple of times now.  Everyone there is very friendly and there are loads of toys to play with.  It’s nice that there are a lot of group activities and songs that go on and high chairs were available for the babies when it was time for snack (provided free of charge).  This location also has a food bank and clothing bank so you can drop off or pick up necessities.

This is a great way to get out of the house and get in touch with other parents.  The fact that it is free doesn’t hurt either.

Birds of Prey show at Sanson Estate Winery

If you’ve never been to a Sanson Estate Winery open house then you are definitely missing out.  Along with free food (the owner is a professional chef) and complimentary wine sampling, there are family-friendly activities included so you can bring everyone out.  Last year was the first year that a birds of prey show was added; it was amazing to see all of these majestic birds up close.

Try Sanson’s all-natural beef burgers and hot dogs before you buy.  Other tasty treats will be available as well.  Don’t forget to stock up on some of your local favourites in the retail store.

See you there!

Saturday, June 19th marks our 5th summer celebration. This event is held in cooperation with Essex County Stewardship Network. Please join us from 12pm to 4pm under the tent as we welcome the season and some special guests.

Our resident nature expert Dr. Dan Loncke will offer a rare opportunity to visit some of the winery’s 38 acres of protected land. Dr. Dan, a retired veterinarian and avid birder, will share his knowledge about our unique habitat and the different animal species that have made the farm their home.

At 2:30pm the Canadian Raptor Conservancy will feature a Birds of Prey flying display. See hawks, owls, and falcons up close.

Enjoy the outdoors, complimentary BBQ, and sample our newly released award winning wines. The 2008 Baco Noir Reserve will be joined by a limited release of our 2007 Syrah and our all new Autumn Harvest Vidal which is sporting a brand new bottle and cap!

This event is for the whole family. Rain or Shine.

Safecycling.ca says:

Some families have put their child in their car seat into the trailer. This practice has not been officially safety tested, but if the child is securely strapped in to the car seat and the car seat properly strapped in to the trailer, it may be the best option for transporting a young infant.
Trailers are not necessarily designed for this car seat adaptation, but bicycles also do not get up to the same speed as cars. Caution and care are paramount in this situation.

Here are two moms talking about how they use their bike trailer:

• http://sealegsgirl.blogspot.com/2008/04/car-seats-in-bike-trailers.html
• http://www.myra-simon.com/bike/riding-with-baby.html

We have just started putting the baby seat in the bike trailer now that she is 8 months old.  Our first ride was a leisurely ride through a park with no traffic and all was good.   How do you ride?

You can view the full recreational swim schedule here.

I let the owner know our concerns and he got back to me to let me know that the problems were being fixed and that the high chairs would be checked regularly.

Don’t underestimate the power that you have by merely letting your concern be known. If the owner cares, they will help make your stay an enjoyable one; after all, you’ll return if the experience is a pleasant one, won’t you?

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