Should We Move Halloween to the Weekend?

I don't know if you've noticed, but there are some rumblings picking up momentum to move Halloween from October 31st to the last Saturday of October.  People are creating and signing petitions to send to their local, regional, and national government officials.  To read more about this click here.

I used to have little to no opinion about this debate, but now having been a parent for eight Halloweens, I've decided I really like this idea of a moving holiday instead of a set date of October 31st.

Princess Leia

Pros

• It's on a weekend so more people will be off of work/won't need to leave work early and will be able to enjoy in the festivities with their kids/in their community
  

• Safety - there will be no rush hour traffic while kids are out trick or treating in the dark

• Bars restaurants and clubs will have two days right around Halloween to plan awesome celebrations with people in the mood to celebrate
  

• Kids can stay up later and sleep in the following morning from their sugar coma (and so can their parents)
  

• When schools celebrate Halloween on the Friday before the 'holiday' it gives time for parents to launder and repair costumes before they go out trick or treating the following night (Molly I'm talking about you and the chocolate you got all over your pristine white Princess Leia Costume a few years ago)

• Kids may be a little less keyed up about Halloween at school making lives a little easier on teachers, because it's still a day away (just speculating this one)
  

• Parents who have kids who constantly change their minds about what they want to be on Halloween will have a little more time to help put something together (the more I think about this one it might not be a benefit)
  

• As someone who loves to see many kids in my neighbourhood out and about in their costumes, there is nothing worse than the low level of kids out on a Tuesday Halloween compared to a busy weekend Halloween

Cinderella & Dr. Scorpion

Cons

• It messes with tradition
  

• It may take a few years to really catch on

One of the biggest kids of all, me! In My Princess Vanellope Wreck It Ralph Costume circa 2017

Just because we've always done something, doesn't mean that it's the best thing to do.  This goes for business, family, and holidays!  

Am I missing anything here?  Is there a concrete reason why it should remain where it is that I'm not getting?  What do you think fellow Halloween super fans and parents?  Are you going to sign or start a petition for your area?

Things My Kids Said (As Shared On Twitter)

We spend a lot of time with the minions and I'm fortunate enough to record the things that they say and do so I can look back on it and laugh.  Some of it makes the blog and other smaller moments don't.  One of the brilliant things about Twitter is how it's the ultimate parenting "elevator speech", because you have to keep it short. Below are recent Tweets, conversations, parental musings and things that the minions have done or said over the past month or two, for your reading pleasure that haven't made it to the blog.

1. J: yeah I know that guy. He’s a bully because he called me Marcus. Me: maybe he thought your name was Marcus. J: it’s not and I don’t appreciate being called a Marcus. Plus he said I didn’t have a bucket when I was totally carrying an invisible bucket. So there. #parenting

2. Me: You need to try harder in gym. J: Why? It's not like it's #math #kidlogic (He's totally right) #parenting #smh

via GifyCat

3. J: I have a really good idea for Top Gun 2. Basically it’s a lot of naked volleyball. And the soundtrack will be by Smash Mouth #smh #parenting

4. Every other child in #Toronto - GO #Raptors !!!! My kids: Why is everyone into #dinosaurs all of a sudden? #SMH #sportsfans

via Giphy

5. M: sneezes j: gross! M: the polite thing to say is bless you! J: sorry. Bless you. Ew gross!!! #twins #parenting #smh

6. J: Isn't it weird that #tarantulas & #scorpions are so cute with their little mouths but also so dangerous? Me: Sure? What about them do you find cute? J: Their tiny tiny mouths #perspective #parenting #nature

via Tenor

7. M: so are we going to a fancy restaurant tonight? Me: not really M: well do they have napkins?  Cause that’s fancy #parenting #thingskidssay

8. As J told me about his school talent show & his performance of 'the coconut dance' which involved a lot of drumming and chanting the word #coconut I realized he may become an experimental musician or #NapoleonDynamite & really I'm good with either #parenting #smh

via Film Daily

9. It's hot out, our #airconditioning is broken. Me: What would you like for lunch? M: How about some nice hot chicken noodle soup? #facepalm #smh #parenting

To see the last edition of Things My Kids say....Click here 

The Whole World Is Our Playground - Ravina Gardens

In order to prevent the kids from vegging out in front of TV 24-7 on summer days with me I try and get at least a little time with nature.  Another playground in our area has recently undergone renovation - and now has a brand new splash pad and wading pool, so I packed up the kids and Ted Theodore Logan (our dog) and walked over.

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me at multiplemomstrosity @ gmail.com .

A small but sweet splashpad under shady cover

Park Name:

Ravina Gardens Park 290 Clendenan Avenue

In the West end of Toronto, an 11 minute walk from High Park Station

Parking:

There is some free parking on the side streets, just be wary of the school limited parking hours on weekdays, during the school year. 

Theme of Park:

Shady Oasis

Ground Coverage:

The playground has ample shade coverage and has soft wood chips to cushion any kid related falls, along with wide expanses of grass to play on.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

Most equipment is designed for younger kids (three to eight years old), with smaller, but interesting climbers.  The splash pad has both a wading pool and sprinkler style water play area (something nearly unheard of in Toronto nowadays) and is perfect for toddlers and little kids alike.  

Enjoying the spinner (not sure the formal thing for this equipment)

Best Parts of the Park:

This park has a variety of equipment under ample shade coverage and so many shaded seats for parents, kids, and picnics (including umbrellaed areas by the splashpad).  There are more benches than I've seen in any park of this size.  There is a station to fill up your water bottle and a Portopotty for kids who need to use the facilities.  The park features several swings, including a wheelchair accessible one, and a clubhouse style play structure.  If you sit near the centre of the park you can view children playing at both the splashpad and the climbers. Molly says her favourite part of the park was the spinner structure, where she and a few kids worked to spin around, while Jack loved the new splashpad, and the ease that he could run from the splashpad to the wading pool.

How Long My Kids Stayed to Play:

We were at the park for just over an hour and left because the kids were hungry for lunch. We could have stayed a lot longer, particularly if we'd brought some other toys to play with (or a picnic lunch). 

Downfalls:

A couple of bigger, more challenging play structures would be good to allow older kids to play with a challenge.  Because this park is on a side street it's not really near any food or convenience stores unless you're willing to walk at least ten minutes away.

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 3.5 out of 5, mostly because I think my kids are going to 'age out' of this park within a year or so (but man would I have loved this place had it been built a couple of years ago).  

Plenty of space for Ted & I to hang out while the kids play

To view my playground review of the playground with the boat (Vermont Square) click here.

To view my playground review of Pricefield Road Playground click here.

To get access to the newest posts from Multiple Momstrosity and more on Facebook click here and follow today

Follow Multiple Momstrosity on Twitter @Sarabethbug

10 Ways to Save Money While on Vacation with Kids

For the past week and a half we've been away with our kids on a road trip to the east coast.  I wonder why we don't do this more often, then I tally up the costs associated with a vacation once were back and realize just how expensive it is.  That's why!

Now that we've been vacationing with the kids for years, we have some things down to a science.  This vacation in particular I feel like we've really aced some skills in money saving that I thought I'd share.

10 Ways to Save Money While on Vacation with Kids

Get a Hotel Room or AirBNB with a Kitchenette 

Or at least a fridge, microwave, and kettle.  This will allow you to make some of the meals while you're on the road from your room.  Even if you're just mixing up chocolate milk for an afternoon snack, it's going to be cheaper than buying individually packaged milk from the corner store.

BYOT or C

That stands for bring your own tea or coffee.  Trips to a local coffee shop add up, particularly when you have two little children demanding honey donuts and croissants.  This easily saved us $40 to $50.

Make the Kids Contribute

Molly and Jack were given some birthday money early from their grandparents to buy souvenirs on vacation.  We find that when it's their money they are a lot more choosey about how it's spent.  Like, when they both contributed $5 each to buy carrots to feed the deer at a wildlife reserve we knew they really wanted to.

Support Local Farmers

This is a fun way to explore where you're vacationing and to get fresh, healthy, good food for cheap.  We went to the Charlottetown Farmers' Market (open on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the summer) and picked up an amazing dinner and some fresh fruits and veggies for snacks, all for under $25.

Book a Room That Includes Breakfast

If there is a nominal difference in cost and breakfast is included, book there.  This will give you a good start to your day, in what's already the sunk cost of your accommodation.  We only managed this once on this particular vacation, but every bit helps.

Look for Deals

More and more companies charge more for 'at the gate' purchases of admission.  If you know you're going somewhere, check online for coupons, discounts for buying online advance, or even have a flexible Groupon or Living Social price that is somewhat flexible on when you can use it.  For the most part it's only $5 to $10 here and there, but when you're paying for a family of four it adds up very quickly.  We found out that kids get in free in National and Provincial parks this summer, so made sure we included those destinations on our itinerary.

The Best Things in Life are Free

Visiting 'the world's biggest' whatever is a fun, and often free, way to break up the monotony of a long driving day.  Local parks have playgrounds that let the kids wear off excess energy at zero cost.

Bring Your Gift Cards for the Journey

We often ask for experiences over things for gifts, and this means we often have passes for movie theatres and gift cards for chain restaurants at our disposal.  Bring these along on vacation.  If you hit some rainy weather an afternoon at the movies is the perfect escape.

Snack Before Supper

My kids are pretty good eaters, but we've found for the most part it's best to feed them a simple dinner (think hot dogs, sandwiches, fresh veggies etc.) before we go out and then we simply order them an appetizer to split, and if they're still hungry let them eat off of our plates. This way there is less wasted food, and less expense on food that for the most part they're lukewarm about.

Domo was a part of a lot of our vacation photos this year.  A game that Jack loved.

Bring Your Own Entertainment

Print out colouring sheets, bring some cards and board games, or a portable DVD player or tablet to avoid spending on a hotel movie.  When you're out make up a scavenger hunt or go geocaching, cause it's free.  Going to the beach?  Bring your own buckets and shovels, and maybe even a kite to fly. Remember what they're going to remember most of all is the time they got to spend with you.


Have other travel money saving tips?  Let me know!

Movie Review Spiderman Far From Home

Jack has been talking about Spiderman Far From Home for months, so we promised him we'd get out to see it within the first week of it opening at the box office.  Fun fact, my super twins share a birthday with Peter Parker and they're super stoked about it.

Note: There are spoilers in this review for Avengers Infinity War & Avengers End Game (but not the Spiderman Movie)

via The Collegiate

What's in it for the Kids?
Same old neighbourhood Spiderman, but this time in Europe.  This movie has stuck with Jack and he has continued to talk about for it for days since we watched it.  It's fun, fast, friendly, and mostly kid friendly (cause it's Spiderman).

Are There End Credits Easter Eggs?
Yes, two.  You'll want to sit through two sets of end credits to see what's next for Spiderman and the rest of the Marvel Universe.

What's in it for the Adults?
Fast fun dialogue, along with Samuel L. Jackson and other Avengers/ Agents of Shield Cameos.   As an adult I appreciated (SPOILER ALERT) the way Spiderman copes with imposter syndrome and his new role as a hero following the death of Iron Man in Avengers End Game. 

via Movie Web

Best Parts of the Movie
Good live action and it deals with some pretty great themes.  The kids were really entertained by the theme of a romantic rivalry between Peter Parker and another character to get MJs attention.  I really liked the detail explaining some of the questions left unanswered in a post Thanos world.

Worst Parts of the Movie
A solid movie, but some stuff that got predictable.  I was able to predict a few things before they happened, but the kids did not.

Are My Kids too Young to watch this Movie?
Parents who care about romantic themes or swearing, should note there is some of that, but in a very PG way.  There was one particularly scary scene involving a nightmare like sequence that could spook some kids. There are some scarier monsters in some of the fight sequences. Both Molly and Jack say you should be a brave six or seven year old before you're old enough to watch.

Overall Rating
The kids loved the movie and it got them invested/ excited about what's coming next in the Marvel Universe.  Molly and Jack both rated this movie a 5/5, whereas Chris and I saw it more as a 3.5/5.  A fun summer superhero movie to watch with the whole family.

See the movie? What did you think?

Hiking Murphy's Point Provincial Park

One of my favourite things about Instagram is the hiking ideas it gives me.  When I realized that Murphy's Point, a provincial park I discovered thanks to Narcity, near(ish) to Ottawa would make a great break on along driving day I was set.

When we go on road trips we try to find something fun and active to do every two to three hours (particularly on long driving days) and Murphy's Point was perfect.

Murphy's Point used to be an old mining community.  For $15.50 we bought a day pass for our family to the park (and because it was the weekend in the summer) our entry included actors in period clothes 'working' in the mine along our 2.5 km hike to explain about the area when it was a mine.  All of the ground along the hiking path is sparkled thanks to the Mica mined in the area.

 Taking the path to past entry points of the mine (Our handy hard hats were provided for us to borrow from Murphy's Point for our journey)

Heading into the depths of the mines.  This was the most challenging part of the hike.

Exploring the depths of the cave can be slippery and cool.  I'd recommend wearing running shoes even though we saw a number of people in sandals.

Learning how rocks were drilled, broken down, and removed from the mine for processing.  Kids started working in the mine as young as 14.  Before a 15 horsepower machine was used in this mine, a single horse would need to help miners haul giant tubs of rock out of the mine.

Back at the bunkhouse Molly rings the bell to let the miners know that it's time to go in for lunch. 

Murphy's Point Provincial Park participates in a program to help protect, tag, and track local wildlife, including snakes.  This gray rat snake was about a metre long and was found at the park.  He was brought in to be tagged so the next time they see him they can scan him and track his growth.  He should grow up to be about 2 metres long.

The park was a perfect break where we spent about an hour and a half of the day.  I'd recommend calling or emailing in advance to schedule your trip for when the actors are working and the mine is running because we learned so much.  People who want to stay longer and explore other trails can camp at the park in the summer.  There are grassy spots to picnic all over the park.  They also sell rocks which can make a perfect souvenir.  Jack bought a piece of Mica for $1 and Molly bought a quartz crystal for $3.  The park is just over an hour away from Ottawa city Centre and just over three hours east of Toronto depending on the traffic.  

If you have any hiking recommendations please share!  We'd love to try them out.

Together - Should I Keep My Twins In The Same Classroom?

Now that the minions are older one of the most common questions I get involving their 'twinness' involves classroom placement.

"Are they in the same class this year?" - NO

"Have they ever been in the same class?" - NO

 "Was it your choice?"' - YES, so far...

While every family is different when it comes to placing their kids, we've always relied on the opinion of the experts when it comes to where our kids end up classroom wise.  While, from what I've observed, parents in public school can generally request that their children remain together until around grade three.

When You Ask Them To "pose nicely'

The Early Years

When the minions were in preschool the early childhood educators (ECE) we worked with noticed a trend.  Both children (Jack in particular) did better at reaching their milestones when they were in separate groups.  In working with Jack through speech therapy, we found that Jack spoke more when he wasn't relying on his sister to speak for him.  We also discovered, the more he talked, that what Molly was saying Jack wanted or needed was often completely wrong.

Into Kindergarten

The transition into kindergarten can be huge.  This is particularly true for kids who have late in the year birthdays or have never been to formal daycare (outside of the arms of mom, dad, or relatives).  When we were asked about classroom placement for JK by the school we went by the advice from our Social Worker who helped with Jack's speech therapy, along with observations from the ECE staff who had worked with them for nearly three years.  One person made the comment that for Jack it was like he had a little mom or wife (insert Lannister jokes here) by his side all the time, and a break might be a good idea.  Another teacher noted that separating Molly from Jack would allow her to 'just be a kid' and not have to mother him, a role that she has always automatically taken on and one they both could use a break from.

To help with the early days of kindergarten the two were placed in classrooms beside each other.  For the first few months, and then later on if one was having a rough day they'd be allowed to have snack time together.  This provided both kids (Jack in particular) the support he needed without allowing him to lean on his sister too much.

Into Grade School

As a general observation, I find my kids are compared directly a lot less than identical or same gendered fraternal twins.  Just the same, by keeping the two in different classes teachers are less likely to subconsciously or overtly compare the kids and their academic performances or personalities.  They are also less likely to become competitive with one another, which was important to us.  The transition in our school board from a play based learning environment to an academic one from kindergarten to grade one was rough.  Kids who are placed together in kindergarten and likely to get stressed because of this change might benefit from being together until grade two for particularly tough transitions.

Some serious twinning going on here

Other Thoughts

There are several other sets of twins at school.  Some have always been placed together, but I noticed by grade two, most of them have been separated.  Since I don't really know their parents (cause I'm antisocial like that), I can't comment on how this has impacted them and their kids.  I can comment on Molly and Jack.  Because they aren't in the same classroom, they miss each other during the school day.  This means that when they get placed in the same summer camp, swimming lesson class, it's a novelty.  In the evenings and the weekends, they look forward to playing together.  On a school trip where I was volunteering this spring, a teacher asked me if the pair always got along so well when observing them at lunchtime. I was proud that my answer was 'Yes, most of the time'.  I think them being in different classes is a part of that.

Fellow multiple parents, what do you think? What's worked for you?  What hasn't?

To read the 10 things I hate about being a twin mom click here, to read about the 10 things I love about being a twin mom click here.

The Whole Worls Is Our Playground - Park Review Lithuania Playground

It's summer time!  This hopefully means less work and more play for everyone (me included), which will also mean more kid focused content in the coming weeks!  

This weekend we decided to explore a park near our home that has just been redone.

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me at multiplemomstrosity @ gmail.com .

Park Name:

Lithuana Park

In the West end of Toronto off of Keele Street, just a short walk from Keele Subway Station.

Parking:

There is some free parking on the side streets, just be wary of the school limited parking hours on weekdays, during the school year. 

Theme of Park:

Big Green, Play Machine

Ground Coverage:

The playground has ample shade coverage and has soft wood chips to cushion any kid related falls, along with wide expanses of grass to play on.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

Most equipment is designed for kids between 5-12 years old, but there are smaller play structures designed for smaller kids.  

This was the favourite piece of equipment for both Molly and Jack

Best Parts of the Park:

This park has a variety of equipment under ample shade coverage.   There are a fair number of swings including an accessible swing.  The park has a brand new splash pad which is nice, although very basic.  As a parent my favourite part of the park is that there is a great vantage point if you have multiple kids who want to play in other areas or structures.  There are some picnic benches. Both Molly and Jack agreed that their favourite part was climbing the tall spiderweb climber.  In the winter this park has an excellent toboggan hill.

How Long My Kids Stayed to Play:

We were at the park for an hour and 15 minutes, and we, the parents were the ones to pull the plug.  The kids would have easily stayed another half hour.

Downfalls:

Call me old fashioned but I miss some of the old fashioned wading pools, even though I know they require staff from the city.  This splash pad was basic, but nice for cooling off quickly  There is no washroom at this park.

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 4.0 out of 5.  The kids loved all the different structures to play on, and the shade of the trees was perfect for picnicking together.  In addition to being subway accessible you are also walking distance from a Tim Hortons so you can have a coffee while your kids play.  If you want to take your kids for a treat to cool off there is also a Dairy Queen just east along Bloor, as well as a 7-11 for Slushies.

To view my playground review of the playground with the boat (Vermont Square) click here.

To view my playground review of Pricefield Road Playground click here.

To get access to the newest posts from Multiple Momstrosity and more on Facebook click here and follow today

Follow Multiple Momstrosity on Twitter @Sarabethbug