Dripless Popsicles

1 package fruit flavored jello
1 package kool-aid
2/3 cup hot water
2 cups cold water
1 cup sugar

In a large pouring pitcher mix together : jello, koolaid, sugar and hot water, until dissolved. Then add cold water. Pour into Ice cups. Freeze and Enjoy!

Will not drip!

Makes 20 ice cups.

1st Annual Water Festival

"When is the next holiday?" Ben asked me.

"Saturday and Sunday."

"That will be the Water Festival!"

"Water Festival?"

"Yup. I'll start a list. Mama, how do you spell streamers?"

And that's how it began. We spent all Sunday delivering Ben's hand-drawn invitations to neighbors, making the welcome sign, water balloons, setting up the two pools (thanks Katherine & Shawn) and the Slip & Slide. Ben was the "manager". He said you need a manager to "get things done."

So, its official - the 3rd Sunday of July is now Water Festival weekend.

Kids CBC Sid & Patty

Kids CBC had another great show in St. John's! Special thanks to Patty, Sid, Bo and George (Kristen & Stef too!).

This morning when I asked Ben his favourite part he said, going backstage and seeing Patty & Sid.

Ben: But George & Bo were inside their costumes.

Me: Why do you say that?

Ben: Because I could see their zippers!

Perry's Cove

Summer is all about making the most of it. Squeezing it in, knowing that time flies by too quickly. And when you have kids that goes double. Last weekend we took a trip to Perry's Cove. Tons of great finds out there - spectacular coast line, swimming in Western Bay, Hogan's ice cream and fantastic friends.
Thanks again P&G.

Brigus Lighthouse - 1 down (almost) 51 to go.

The kids were with Nana & Poppy, so we took a detour and did (most of) of our first hike from the 52 Hikes book. It was a fantastic day and the view back down into Brigus was amazing. The inukshuks did a good job of marking the trail until, after about 1 hour,when we crested a hill and couldn't figure out how to get down to the lighthouse. I opted to go back (also I big blister - note to self , if you're going to do the other 51, get better shoes!). That said, it was beautiful and we'll definitely go back.

Joe Batt's Arm

Road Trip Survival

When I was a kid summer vacation meant one thing - road trips!

We'd pile in the station wagon or better yet, the top bunk of the truck camper and my parents would head west. Jack's Pond, Terra Nova, Eastport, Stephenville, Codroy Valley.

No portable DVD players for my sister and me. So, on a Canada Day road trip to Fogo Island, PL and I did as our parents did. Here's a few must haves for pre-schoolers.

Make a mixed tape er... CD -- ours was called "Wake me you before you Fogo" and included some of our favourites and a few new ones. Check out They Might be Giants "Alphabet of Nations" Memorizing this kept them busy from Clarenville to Gambo.

Sticker & colouring books - always a hit. We also picked up kids magazines like Chirp and Nick Jr. I added new markers with attached caps to boot.

Snack bags - a few Smarties (thank you Hodgie) never hurt anyone.

Games - I Spy, 20 questions, Quand je vais au marche..., name that tune work well for pre-schoolers.

Sing a song - or two, or three.

New toy - for FG it was Belle Polly Pocket. For Ben it was Spiderman. Leave it in the packaging and let them open it. That's half the fun.

Life is a highway. Have fun on the road this summer.

What's your show?

While driving past the CBC building

Ben: Mama, what's the name of your show (Note: he thinks everyone at CBC has a show).

Mama: Mama doesn't have a show.

Pause.

Ben: Well, what are you doing in there then?