Driving into summer with the Ford Escape

This spring I had the opportunity to test drive a 2018 Ford Escape, as part of a super fun "Escape into Spring" weekend. We planned out our day trip to Fulton's Pancake House, as I was looking for a road trip/fun destination combo for the kids.

Full disclosure that I already drive a Ford Escape, albeit a 2006. So I'm probably a little biased towards this car, and towards Ford Canada in general. Ford seems to run in our family's blood ;)

After driving around town in my ageing vehicle, stepping into the Escape was pretty magical. I breathed in the new leather smell, and immediately hooked up my phone to the SYNC-3, with a super easy-to-use touchscreen. I excitedly called my husband: "Guess what? I'm talking to you and DRIVING!!!" There's also the FordPass app, which I didn't have time to set up, but would have allowed me to start the car remotely, locate my parked car, or check fuel remotely!

I was driving the Titanium Sport, which I had to admit, had a great little kick to it. And with the Auto Start-Stop Technology, the car quietly shut down every time I came to a red light. Gas mileage was OK, but it IS still an SUV, and you would need to take that into consideration - especially with current gas prices!

My husband was excited to try the Enhanced Active Park Assist, which literally takes over your car to park for you. I think it takes a little practice to figure out though, and I have to admit I freaked out a bit when it started to turn the wheel for me.

The hour (and a bit) drive to Fulton's was so smooth and easy, and the kids were very comfortable. They (of course) shouted out constant requests for stations on Sirius, and the Disney station was a favourite. MY favourite thing about the highway drive was the Adaptive Cruise Control - it actually slowed down automatically for me when I was approaching a car in front that was going a slower speed. 

Other really cool features? The Lane Keeping system to stop you from drifting, as well collision warning. Not that I'm not paying 100% attention all the time while driving, but we all know how quickly things can change when you're distracted by a screaming child or fighting siblings. And finally, the capless gas tank - I LOVED this!! My cap always seems to stick, and with the capless system you just stick the nozzle in and pump away!

The final, and best feature, on this car was the Foot-Activated Hands-Free Power Liftgate. What exactly does that mean? When you're trying to carry 500 grocery bags to your car, you can give the back bumper a gentle kick, and the trunk will open automatically! Check out the video below:

Although we're not ready to purchase a new vehicle this year, I'd definitely recommend this car to any friend or family member who may be looking for a larger vehicle - it's so perfect for those long summer road trips. It's spacious, easy-to-handle, and let's admit it - pretty sweet to look at!

Disclosure: in exchange for sharing my experience, I was provided a 2018 Ford Escape from Ford Canada for one weekend, along an all-expenses covered day trip. All opinions are my own.

A Family Weekend in Montreal

KITC would like to welcome guest blogger, Stephen Johnson to the blog. Stephen Johnson is an Ottawa writer who loves to write about family travel.  During the summer, you will most likely find him and his family at a local fair or festival.  During the winter, a beach in Mexico is a likely bet.  

Our family literally reached new heights on a recent trip to Montreal. We achieved this by riding a new Ferris wheel, taking the funicular up Olympic Stadium and visiting La Ronde amusement park. I was holding my breath the entire time!

The adventure started at La Grande Roue Ferris wheel located in Vieux Montreal. Our son, David, spotted it last summer while appropriately taking a zipline. He had been asking my wife, Sandy, and I all winter when we could take a ride on it. The day had finally arrived. I have never been one for heights but was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the cabins and the smoothness of the ride. David was taking photos like it was the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The glass compartments made taking photos easy. I must admit to being somewhat uneasy when David told me it was the largest Ferris wheel in Canada, especially when we stopped at the top, but all was well.

After we finished at the Ferris wheel, we decided to check out the nearby Montreal Science Centre. David enjoyed all of the interactive exhibits. He particularly liked the exhibit about the human body. We spent a couple of hours exploring the museum. Once we were done, the spring weather was still doing its impression of hide and seek. One hour it was warm and sunny and the next was cool and rainy. We decided to wait out the damp weather with a tasty meal at Les Trois Brasseurs. Soon enough, the weather cleared and it was time to head back to our hotel.

The following day, we were ready for more high-flying fun. We headed to Olympic Stadium to visit the Montreal Tower. It is the tallest inclined tower in the world at 165 meters and a 45-degree angle. To reach the top we took a two-minute funicular ride that was stunning. Once at the top, we had a panoramic view of Montreal and surrounding area. Staff at the tower said on a clear day, it is possible to see up to 80 kilometers away.

Once done at the tower, we were ready for an out-of-this-world visit. I’m not talking about a ride aboard an Elon Musk or Richard Branson rocket ship. We saw a show at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium The presentation was about the aurora borealis. The colours were truly spectacular and the presenter filled us in on the science behind the aurora borealis. We were also taken on a tour of all the constellations and planets we could see in the night sky.

After our celestial entertainment, we hopped on the Metro and made our way to Old Montreal. We decided to visit the Queens of Egypt exhibition at the Pointe-à-Callière museum. The exhibition was world class. It featured many different objects including monumental statues, frescos and even a mummy!

We wrapped up the day doing one of our favourite activities, just wandering the streets of Old Montreal and enjoying the ambiance. Street buskers and musicians just added to the atmosphere.

For our last day in Montreal, we fittingly scheduled more high-flying fun. La Ronde amusement park is one attraction we have never visited in Montreal so we were excited to go. To my knowledge, it is the only amusement park that can be accessed by metro in North America which I find cool. Upon entering the park, David wanted to find the highest ride. The Super Manège roller coaster fit the bill. My wife, Sandy, was brave enough to accompany David. I was given camera duty and was happy to snap away while Sandy and David had fun flippin’ and flyin’.

The next ride on deck was the Bateau Pirate. The boat delivered up many thrills with it reaching extreme heights. David seemed more energized by every ride while Sandy bowed out after the Bateau. Next up, David decided to try the Goliath roller coaster. Afterwards, I read online that the ride went 110 km an hour (never shared that detail with Sandy!)

For his final ride, David chose the Ednör roller coaster. It was a fun way for David to wrap up the day as the ride spun around and even went over a small lake. For the rest of the time, we walked around the grounds enjoying the sights and sounds. I liked the fact the park delivered many rides in a relatively compact space.

We had a comfortable stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown. It is located very close to the Peel metro station making it easy to get around all of Montreal. The hotel also had a delicious breakfast to start off the day.

We are already our next trip back to Montreal!

For more information about Montreal, attractions and events visit, www.mtl.org/en.

Tourism Montreal assisted David with attraction passes and hotel, but all views, etc. are his own.

Family-Friendly Activities for Canada Day in Ottawa

photo courtesy of connie paris

It's #Canada151 this year and we have everything you need to know to plan a memorable Canada Day with your family. 

Parliament Hill

On Canada Day, dress up in red and white and join thousands of other Canadians in downtown Ottawa on Parliament Hill.  It’s the place where Canada Day festivities officially kick off (usually with the raising of the flag at 9 a.m. and the Changing of the Guard at 9:30 a.m.) and it’s the place to be if you want to listen to dignitaries and ceremonies commemorating Canada Day (this usually takes place from about noon to 1:30 p.m.).

If live musical entertainment is what you’re looking for, visit Major's Hill Park but return to the Hill in the evening as live bands countdown the fireworks display that typically goes off around 10 p.m.

Major’s Hill Park

Photo courtesy of Jenn Beyak

photo courtesy of cynthia mar

Major’s Hill Park is the hubbub of family-friendly Canada Day activities in Ottawa’s downtown core. Visit the park for face painting, live musical and cultural performances, pop up shops, exhibitions, and so much more. This year the Tim Horton's stage will feature rising Canadian artists Elijah Woods and Jamie Fine! At the end of the day, this is a great spot to watch the spectacular display of Canada Day fireworks over the Ottawa River.

The National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre (NAC) opens its doors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Canada Day offering various free activities, including music and dance performances, as well as kids crafts! If you’re hungry, join us for burgers and hot dogs at our Canada Day BBQ from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jazz Festival – Confederation Park

Photo courtesy of jenn beyak

Located right across from City Hall, Confederation Park on Canada Day is home to food trucks, activities and is your ticket to some of the world's most recognized jazz artists, presented by the TD Ottawa Jazz Festival. If your family enjoys good music, Confederation Park is a must-stop on Canada Day and the entire weekend!

Mackenzie-King Estate

Mackenzie-King Estate is in the heart of Gatineau Park and makes for great photos any time of year. If your family loves the outdoors, take a walk through the wooded paths or gardens, visit historical ruins from the early 1900s or enjoy a cup of tea at the Mackenzie King Café and Tearoom. 

Photo courtesy of Olivia Lamarre.

Ottawa Champions Baseball Game

Take your kids to a ball game! The Ottawa Champions have a game at 1:30 p.m. on Canada Day. Enjoy ball game food, cheer on the local team and sing with the mascot! Seats prices are economical and it’s fun for the entire family, regardless of age (or whether or not they like baseball).

Scotiabank Canada Day Road Races

If you and your family love to run join Run Ottawa for the Scotiabank Canada Day Road Races at Walter Baker Park as part of the official Kanata Canada Day celebrations. There will be fun and friendly running events, including 5K, 10K, 1.5K Fun Run for kids aged 5 to 11 and a 100 Meter Tow Trot for kids ages 4 and under. A fun and healthy way to start Canada Day!

Visit a Museum!

Most museums in Ottawa have free admission to their general exhibitions all day July 1st and many have special events taking place just for Canada Day! This includes the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian War Museum, the Canada Space and Aviation museum, as well as the following museums:

Photo courtesy of Lida Wellman.

Canada Aviation and Science Museum

Over 20 organizations and special guests will be celebrating Canada Day at the Canada Aviation and Science Museum, and many visiting aircrafts will be flying in for Museum visitors. There may even be a chance to speak to the pilots! Admission is free all day on July 1, but donations are welcome.

Canadian Museum of History

On July 1st, the Canadian Museum of History will host a variety of indoor and outdoor activities with guest, Parks Canada. Get free airbrush tattoos, play trivia, and join General Patente for board and chain reaction games.

Bytown Museum

Located on the Lower Locks of the Rideau Canal, the Bytown Museum is a great little museum that also has ice cream, freshly squeezed lemonade, souvenirs, and more available in their café and boutique. Admission is free on Canada Day.

Canada Science and Technology Museum

Rain or shine, kids and adults alike will have fun exploring the newly renovated Canada Science and Technology Museum. There is always something to see and  Canada Day is a great day to check out their fantastic new special exhibition, The Art of Brick. 

Canada Agriculture and Food Museum

In addition to the animal barns and incredible play structure, the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum will offer visitors the chance to learn about Canadian agriculture and learn about different Canadian breeds of livestock. There will be games, a craft, ice cream making and tasting, as well samples of the Canadian classic: Nanaimo bars.

Canadian Museum of Nature

If you haven’t been to the Canadian Museum of Nature in awhile, Canada Day is the perfect chance to do so for free. Visit dinosaurs, mammals, minerals and sea life, the Canada Good Arctic Gallery and their new special exhibition Brain: The Inside Story.

Photo courtesy of Lida Wellman.

Celebrate Canada Day in Your Community!

If you are looking to avoid the huge crowds of Canadians in downtown Ottawa, but still want to celebrate Canada Day with others, there are plenty of community events across Ottawa, including:

Barrhaven

Sponsored by Mattamy Homes, join your Barrhaven neighbours at Clarke Fields, 93 Houlahan for a midway, food trucks, live music, amazing fireworks and much, much more! For more information: http://www.canadadaybarrhaven.ca/

Carp

Celebrate Canada Day at the Diefenbunker from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.!  This year they are excited to offer Little Ray’s Reptiles, reptile show from 11:00 to 12:00. There will be lizards, snakes, spiders and more! They will also have a BBQ with hot dogs and veggie dogs. As well as frozen treats and drinks for an affordable price! For more information: https://diefenbunker.ca/events/event/happy-canada-day

Orleans

Canada Day at Petrie Island is BACK, and East end residents are excited! Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Orleans, the beach opens at 11am, and party-goers can expect games, children's activities, entertainment and so much more! For more information: http://www.orleanskiwanis.ca/CanadaDay/

Kanata

Canada Day in Kanata take place at Walter Baker Park in Kanata and includes live entertainment, a large family fun zone, live bands and more. Crowds of over 30,000 are known to attend this popular west Ottawa Canada Day celebration! Fireworks start around 10 p.m. For more information visit: http://www.canadadayinkanata.com/

photo courtesy of cynthia mar

Osgoode

Celebrate Canada Day in Osgoode Village at the Osgoode Community Centre starting at 2 pm on July 1st. Events include a parade, entertainment, kids activities, and fireworks! For information: http://www.osgoodevillage.com/?page_id=743

Riverside South

Join the community of Riverside South at Claudette Cain Park as they celebrate Canada Day with family-friendly activities for all ages and of course, a fireworks show to finish off the day! Stay tuned to the website for information: http://riversidesouth.org/calendar/canada-day/

Stittsville

Hosted on the grounds of Sttitsville’s Sacred Heart Highschool, Stittville’s family-friendly Canada Day celebration gets bigger and better every year with activities and fun for the whole family including fireworks! For more information: http://www.stittsvilleva.com/canadaday/

How to get around on Canada Day

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALISON  JETTE

Regardless of where or how you decide to celebrate Canada Day in Ottawa, OC Transpo offers free transit all day long and after the fireworks. STO offers free transit after 10 p.m. Check out their website for more information and remember to leave lots of time for travel and to have fun – Canada Day with kids make for some great memories.

How does your family traditionally celebrate Canada Day? Leave a comment and let me know!

From child to tween: girls at age 9

Terrible twos, threenager, the f’ing fours – there are many hilarious nicknames for all the stages of development our children go through as they grow. Let’s be honest – no stage of parenting is easy. Yes, your physical work diminishes over the years as your child learns to eat, dress and use the bathroom by themselves. But emotional, academic and social challenges emerge that sometimes seem more complex than a simple wipe of the bum. 

As my daughter approaches nine years of age (nine!! How did that happen??) I am beginning to see the first signs of pre-teen attitudes and behaviours. Many friends have warned me about this stage in childhood development, and I’ve been observing the ways that girls at around 8-9 begin to change (as a Brownie leader, I have the unique experience of being able to witness these changes in a large group of girls!)

Many of these changes apply to boys as well, but alas, I only have the female side to experience. My own research has helped me understand that:

• This stage is a “transitional” stage, marked by a shift from young childhood to the tween (pre-teen) years
• Peers gain greater influence, and children begin to assert themselves more as to dress style, room décor and accessories (for example, my daughter recently asked for a plain black backpack, instead of her brightly illustrated one – apparently it’s too babyish)
• Children develop a strong conscience and can easily determine the difference between “good” and “bad” behavior
• Girls become more aware of their bodies as puberty approaches
• Independent thought is important in this stage, and children will try to assert this independence

The following tips are what I've been learning along the way when dealing with our pre-tween. I'd love to hear from other parents going through this (or have gone through this) as I'm learning as I go! Leave me a comment below!

Parenting your nine year-old

After dealing with a fairly rational and happy-go-lucky kid, you may be surprised by the sudden shifts in mood from your nine year-old. One minute they'll be playing a fun little game, and the next they're throwing the game on the floor and stomping to their room. Very early signs of puberty are starting to show, and emotional shifts go hand-in-hand with those hormonal shifts! (and the eye rolls...oh man, the eye rolls!!)

Another challenge in dealing with budding independence is that your child may begin to contradict you or disobey you depending on whether they believe what's being asked of them is right or wrong. This goes along with their deeper understanding of values and morals, and how they see their place in the world.

As parents, we have to provide a lot of guidance at this age, so that we can continue to build a strong emotional bond with our child that will carry forward into the teen years. Here's a few tips!

Keep spending time with your kid

Seems simple, but once they've reached a certain stage of independence, parents are dealing with the busy-ness of family life and we often leave our kids to their own devices. Try to set aside time each day that you are fully focused on them, even if it's just reading a story together at bedtime.

Take time to listen

I find it's easy to resort to a "I'm the parent, you're the kid" attitude when our pre-tweens are giving us flack. This only fuels the fire, and usually ends in one of us stomping off and slamming a door. Try to recognize that your child's defiance is a healthy stage of their development, and take time to truly listen to their arguments.

Often I find arguments stem from one of us wanting to gain control, and the easiest way for me to deal with that is to step back from the situation and ask a lot of questions.

Example: the other morning my daughter refused to walk the dog when I asked her to, as I was running late and trying to get my five year-old ready for school. We got into an argument and she stomped off in a huff (to walk the dog, thankfully.) I took some time to reflect and approached her later when we had calmed down. I found out that she was feeling tired that morning, and not up to a big walk - I could have instead asked her to do a "mini walk." I also chatted with her about the importance of the whole family pitching in with chores.

Set clear expectations

Using the same story above, what would have been even more helpful is if I had "assigned" her the task of walking the dog on a regular basis, so that it became part of her regular routine. Kids who are busy playing or reading don't always respond well to requests to do a chore, but if she had exepcted it in the first place, I would have been met with much less resistance. 

Be a "yes" parent

Being a "yes" parent has nothing to do with leniency. It doesn't mean you don't have clear rules and expectations (see above!) It DOES mean that you stop and think before saying "no." It's so easy to be a "no" parent, because it's less work for us. Usually saying yes involves a lot of guidance, support and help with cleaning up. A kid that has a brilliant scheme for building a robot out of things in the recycling bin is probably going to leave a long trail of mess behind them. As parents, it's important to allow creativity to unfold (within limits) while also teaching our children the responsibility of following through (and cleaning up!) At the end of the day they've created something they're proud of.

How have you found age nine? Any challenges or positives? Share in the comments!

What to do in Ottawa for Father’s Day

On Sunday, June 17th celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds, and all the father figures in your life with quality dad time. To help you plan ahead here is a list of things to do and see in Ottawa on Father's Day.

Billings Estate National Historic Site - Vintage Car Show

Check out the antique cars on display from local exhibitors and don’t miss out on viewing the Billings’ 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville! Enjoy a guided tour of the museum and explore our latest exhibition — City in Motion. Kids can take up our scavenger hunt challenge and our compass building activity is sure to be fun for the whole family! Cash BBQ and snacks will be available for purchase. Cost: $6.50 single; $10.75 pair; $17.25 family

Fairfields Heritage House - Father's Day BBQ: From Grain to Grass

Bring the family to the Fairfields heritage House for therr Father’s Day community BBQ! Explore the history of beer and how it is made. Taste wort (unfermented beer), learn about the various kiln levels of barley, and smell different strains of hops. Brian Gunther, a silver and bronze medal winner in Beau’s 2017 brewing competition, will share his knowledge on beer production. Cost: $6.50 single; $10.75 pair; $17.25 family.

Cumberland Heritage Museum: 'Pop' Culture

Explore all things ‘pop’ culture at the museum this Father’s Day! Learn to dance the Charleston and the Foxtrot, print your own newspaper advertisement, and more! Cost: $7.50 adults, $5.50 seniors and students, $19.25 families (2 adults + children), children 5 and under are free. 

Pinhey's Point Historic Site: Settler Survival

Head to Ottawa's far west end this Father's Day and find out if you have what it takes to survive the ‘Ottawa Trail’?. Take up the challenge, gather your provisions, and navigate scenarios that will recreate some of the historical challenges and turns of fortune faced by early settlers like Hamnett Pinhey as they made their new homes in the Ottawa region. Cost: Cost: $6.50 single; $10.75 pair; $17.25 family

Canadian Museum of Nature Father's Day Brunch

For the price of Museum admission plus the cost of brunch for each guest, you can treat the dads in your life to delectable breakfast fare, followed by a tour around the museum’s galleries. Don't forget - the Museum's new special exhibition Brain: The Inside Story will also be open! For more information and to book your spot, click here!

Ottawa Fringe Festival

On from June 14th to the 24th is Ottawa's Fringe Festival - a unique festival that brings artists and the audiences together. Find out if this is something your dad might enjoy here: http://ottawafringe.com

2018 FCA Ottawa Ferrari Festival

This annual festival takes place over Father's Day weekend and is a must for any Ferrari fan! Take a look at 75 Ferraris and keep your eyes out for the HRH Prince Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia of the Italian Royal Family during the festival. 

Italian Week Festival

Father's Day lands on one of the last days of Ottawa's Italian Week. Head down to Preston Street and Little Italy for celebrations, great food and more!

Carivibe

Ottawa’s biggest Caribbean beach festival is back on Petrie Island from June 15th to the 17th. Join thousands of people of all ages enjoying non-stop entertainment and plenty of Caribbean cuisine.

Ottawa Beer Festival

Celebrate Father's Day on Friday, June 15th or Saturday, June 16th at Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne. Share a craft beer with your dad or learn about beer at Beer School. There is also the National Capital Home Brew Competition, fantastic food and music.