GCGC Gymnastics

For a while I only knew them as GCGC Gymnastics. I recently discovered that GCGC stands for Gloucester Community Gymnastic Challengers. Tucked away in an industrial park in Gloucester, this unassuming Gymnastics centre wow'd us with their programming.

I took both my girls out to a Saturday morning Kindergym, and they were in awe of the 12,500 square foot facility. The children started off with a warm-up on the floor with fun music (who doesn't love running around in a circle like a mad person?) The kids were then separated into groups based on age and skill level. An instructor led each group over to various parts of the gym, and the girls got to practice on the balance beams, trampoline and bars.

My youngest (18 months), was just a teensy bit too young, although she certainly had a good time. By the time the class was over, I was in a full sweat from chasing her around everywhere. My 4.5 year-old got a lot out of the class, and I was so proud to see her confidence in trying new skills.

There are a lot of gymnastics options out there for parents, and it's hard knowing which one to choose. I like GCGC because there are both recreational and competitive options. Founded in 1976, the centre is in good standing with Gymnastics Ontario and bilingual coaches are certified with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). The ratios are very small, and my girls were in a group of only 4 children in total. It's great knowing that my oldest could start off in recreational programs and perhaps move into competitive programs as she builds her skills.

Summer camps are also open now for registration, so if you're like me and have procrastinated getting your kids signed up, there's still space! Take a look at their website for more program information. Also, head over to their Facebook page and give them a "like!" Supporting local businesses like GCGC is such a pleasure!

Summer is HERE: Ottawa Events Round-Up!

OK, so maybe summer isn't here for another four days, but we're close! It certainly feels like summer. And with only four days of school left (for the French Catholic board), my husband certainly knows that summer is coming ;) As a SAHD, he will be the one in charge of summer fun! With summer comes many great events in and around Ottawa. I've heard of SO many things going on this weekend that I just had to get it all written down and clear in my mind :) I think we'll only be able to pick one or two events to attend, but I'd love to hear about what you're doing!

Teddy Bear' s Picnic

Lemonade Standemonium

Ottawa Dragonboat Festival

Carivibe Festival

Ottawa Fringe Festival

Beechwood Solistic Stroll

Boomerang Kids Charity Strollerthon

Glowfair Ottawa

and of course, we can't forget the Ottawa Farmer's Market!

Phew, that was a lot....have I missed anything?

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I almost forgot the ice cream festival! Ice cream is very important :)

Boomerang Kids Charity Strollerthon

I don't know about you, but when my kids outgrow their clothes without ruining them I do a happy dance because I know I can either pass them on to friends or consign them and make some money. I always turn to Boomerang Kids when I want to consign. I like how easy it is - I drop off the clothes I want to consign, look around for new clothes for my kids, and get credit for the clothes that sell. It takes the stress out of getting rid of the outgrown clothes, and gives me credit when buying more. It's perfect. Something I didn't know about Boomerang Kids is that they're celebrating their 20th anniversary this August. They have 7 locations across Ontario and Quebec. Another thing I didn't know is that they love to give to charity. A popular program at Boomerang Kids is their free strollercise classes. These 1-hr classes let you get out with your baby or child, meet other parents, and get some exercise.

To celebrate Boomerang's 20th anniversary, they are combining strollercise with charity by hosting a kids charity strollerthon. In 2004, they set a Guinness World Record for number of people pushing a stroller in one location. They want to break that record this year and they need your help. They are hoping to have more than 746 people register, which you can do right on their website. If you register before June 15th you'll be entered into a draw to win a $100 gift certificate for Boomerang.

The Strollerthon takes place from 10am-12pm on June 22nd on Parliament Hill. The entry fee is $10 and that gets you a Me to We wafiki friendship bracelet and a coupon for Boomerang Kids. All money raised goes towards Free The Children's Sacred Circle program. For more information and to register, please visit the Boomerang Kids website.

Running with kids

A great way to teach your kids how to be active is to run with them. When you're ready you can sign them up for race. There are many events around the city with distances suitable for little ones or if you have a jogging stroller you can take them that way.

My oldest did his first race in the stroller when I was pregnant with the youngest. Last year was their first race - a 1K in my neighbourhood. It doesn't sound far, but when you're 2 and easily distractable, it is!

Both kids crossed the finish line (the oldest in the pack, the youngest was the absolute last one to finish) and collected their medals. You should have seen their faces - the sense of accomplishment and pride. I will admit to shedding some tears.

This year we've already done one race with them - a 1 miler - and have signed them up for another 1K later in June.

There are so many options in Ottawa - from walking and running races to triathalons and more. A great program is Somersault which does all sorts of types of races and distances, but most big runs have a short family one as well. The Ottawa Running Club lists all the local races.

I encourage you to try out a race this summer. See if it's something your kids enjoy and maybe spark a love of running. If nothing else, you'll get out one day for a fun activity with your kids.

Have you signed your kids up for a race?

Summer of Awesome

I love Summer of Awesome posts! My friend Amanda from Little Lotus Yoga recently posted hers, and reminded me that I needed to get my butt in gear. Summer is fleeting, and before I know it, the winter boots are being pulled out and I'm lamenting all the activities I missed over these warm months. Well not this year, Summer! This year, I'm taking charge.

My husband is currently a stay-at-home Dad, and I think he's looking forward to the summer like he looks forward to an appointment with the dentist - so, not very much :) He's a bit nervous at the thought of my oldest at home full-time. She's a tad high energy, and needs a lot of stimulation. So I figure this Summer of Awesome post is helping Daddy as much as it's helping me. I'm sad I'll be stuck in the office while they take part in some of these activities, but we're saving the best stuff for the weekends!

So without further ado, here they are, not in any real order (except obviously some festivals that have specific dates):

Petrie Island

CHEO's Teddy Bear Picnic

CHEO's Great Canadian Lemonade Standemoneum

Mosaika

Canadian Agriculture Musuem

Museum of Nature (Creatures of Light)

Bluesfest

Gatineau for a hike

Old Chelsea for ice cream (after the hike of course)

Day Trip to Lac Philippe

Bon Echo (camping!)

MS Bike Ride to Cornwall

Navan Fair

Folk Fest

Swimming! Anywhere, and everywhere (splash pads included)

It doesn't seem like a lot, but the summer weekend calendar is filling up fast. Time to get planning!