Thursday, August 26, 2010

A New Year around the corner!

With the last few days being so cool, it kind of feels like fall already. With one last week of camp - which is going to be a mash up of all the themes, it is guaranteed to be a great week. Then we are back into the Fall programming with Nursery School and the Before / After School program getting under way and a few weeks later the Play classes will also begin.

It is also a time of goodbye's and welcomes when it comes to staff. I am very sad to say that Kelly will be leaving us after 4 years. She is moving on to a new full time position and I wish her the best of luck. Kelly has been a wonderful addition to A Gym Tale and has touched many children's lives. She has helped A Gym Tale grow and transition to meet the needs of our community. A Gym Tale will also be losing some of the best party hostess's that we have ever had as they move on to University and I also wish them great success. At the same time, I would like to welcome the new party hostess's onto our team as well as welcome back Chrissy who is returning from her mat leave to teach in the Nursery School program.

It always feels like a fresh start each year with new intentions and resolutions. I am very excited about the new program ideas that are being put into place for both the Nursery School and the Before / After School program. We will be introducing many new themes and new activities into both programs.

The most exciting part of the new season is getting to know all of the new children and families to A Gym Tale and welcoming back our 'old' guests after a summer hiatus. We have big plans for this year at A Gym Tale and we are very excited to get it underway!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Give Away - Gift Certificate to The Mill Tavern

A fantastic new restaurant located on Main St. in Manotick has just opened up this summer. It is a British styled Pub with really great pub food ranging from the best fries I have ever tasted to steak pie, fish and chips, and best of all for dessert - a deep fried Mars Bar - incredible!

The decor is simply beautiful with a casual dining area and bar downstairs and then a cocktail lounge and wine bar upstairs. A patio on both the main floor and upstairs overlooking Manotick Main St. Live music on Thursday nights and Karaoke on Wednesday nights - both nights you are sure to have a great time!

The Mill has graciously offered a $50 Gift Certificate to be won in a draw for all individuals who visit their website to check out their menu and then post on my blog about what dish you would like to try. Visit www.milltavern.ca - they have some really great authentic British dishes.

The Mill has become one of my favourite restaurants this summer - great food and an equally great atmosphere!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

When will my husband ever grow up?!

So the past week has been absolutely chaotic - I now feel like I have 3 babies! Between toilet training the puppy AND Ewan - Alan has gone and broken his thumb! Now this does not sound like a big deal, however, when you break your thumb, you need a cast right up to your elbow - can you believe it? So Alan can no longer pick Ewan up, write, type or do much of anything it seems.

Now ask me how Alan broke his thumb.

Our special guest - Spiderman - was unable to make a guest appearance at the camps last week, so Alan decided that he would fill in. He already had a spiderman costume and he loves entertaining children or anyone really. So Alan decided to make his grand entrance by climbing on top of the Pirate Ship and once he had the children's attention he jumped off - 14 feet down - and landed just like spiderman. ALMOST. Except that he landed with his thumb first before his feet. The result was that he shattered his thumb. He did, however, go on to do a one hour performance that the kids are still raving about.

So, where does this leave me? Well, with my plate more than a little full!!

On the upside, toilet training the dog is going really well - he now goes to the same spot (on gravel) each time he is in the back yard - in order to save our grass, and hasn't had an accident in days.

As for Ewan, yesterday he had only one accident - today was not quite as successful, but he is out of diapers and into training pants now!!!

And Alan, well he is still whining about his thumb - and that he cannot go near water for the rest of the summer. Will he ever grow up?