Category: KIDS, NATURE & OUR HERITAGE
There and Back Again – Heading Back To B.C.
If you’d have asked me a few months ago if we would be packing up our lives and heading back to B.C. when Ken’s 1-year contract wrapped up I would have told you that it wasn’t even up for discussion. Nova Scotia and I had been living out a torrid love affair and I was [...]
Postcards from Nova Scotia – Slow-Poke Spring (By My Standards)
Dear Mom, It’s Spring here in Nova Scotia, so they say. I realize now that after 6+ years of cheering the first day of March – normally coinciding with the first yellow blossoms – with having survived another dark B.C. winter, the rest of the country must really lack an appreciation for West Coasters posting [...]
Postcards from Nova Scotia – Urban Wilderness
It’s March. For us, that usually means first trips of the season out to the beach to see the herring run or catch a glimpse of the sea lions down at Fanny Bay. This year, the snow on the ground still lingers with more on its way. The -19 windchill burns our faces on the [...]
Celebrate Canada Outdoors | The 2013 Get To Know Contest
Calling all youth 19 and under! Get outdoors and connect with nature! Head to www.gettoknow.ca to submit art, writing, photography, video, or music inspired by your outdoor experiences and you could win some wild prizes! It may only be the beginning of March. But, you can start cracking on your outdoor awesomeness and get it ready to [...]
Postcards from Nova Scotia – It’s Maple Syrup Season
Note from OBE Publisher Robin Rivers: In June of 2012, we packed up our family home in Comox, B.C. on beautiful Vancouver Island and made the journey to Halifax, N.S. In that time, we have explored and adventured across The Maritimes, learning the history, charm and way of life that the people of Atlantic Canada [...]
Happy Parents Make Happy Kids – Play Groups Are Good For The Soul
It started off just like any other day. Woke up late. Slammed some breakfast. Launched ourselves out the door two minutes after the school bell had already rung. Average. Normal. We’re cool with that. Then, as we are speed racing to get in the car and get one to school, one to work, and two [...]
Old Skool Winter Fun For The Whole Family
Ask anyone just about anywhere – Canadians are winter. Winter is Canadian. While beaches and cottage afternoons, the smell of Spring in the forest or the sight of leaves cluttering the walk at an urban public garden in fall are lovely, there is something about the frosty chill in the air, spotting kids hauling their [...]
Postcards From Nova Scotia – Open Farms Day in the Annapolis Valley
I love fall. When the sticky heat of summer finally breaks and the sky turns a magically bright shade of blue against the golden fields my heart soars to a bit of a magical place. This year we have traded many of our favorite traditions like watching the salmon run along Morrison Creek near downtown [...]
Digging In The Dirt: Helping Kids Grow Their Own Garden
“ Might I,” quavered Mary, “might I have a bit of earth? Fans of “The Secret Garden” will recall orphaned Mary Lennox’s timid request of her uncle for space “to plant seeds in – to make things grow” on his huge English estate. What started with an ivy-covered door, revealed by a friendly robin to [...]
Across Canada in 10 Days, Day 10 (A Little Late) – Feels Like Home
Editor’s Note: Thanks for waiting for this one. Once we got to Halifax, we found ourselves without many services and getting this last post done took more time than I’d hoped. This trip was amazing and we loved having you along for the ride. Now, for the arrival at our new home. We knew the [...]
Across Canada in 10 Days, Day 9 – Congestion in Quebec
Exhaustion – it’s official. Quarter after 9 in New Brunswick and everyone’s eyes seem sealed shut. I ordered breakfast for 8 a.m. and the warm, understanding gal from room service scared the hell out of me when she knocked on the door to make the delivery of eggs and newly-fallen-in-love-with croissants. I figured by 8 [...]
Across Canada in 10 Days, Day 7 – The Tao of Pooh
Chilled to the bone, both from the air conditioning left on too long and the reality that White River, Ontario in the morning is just plain cold, we shivered our way into our jeans and sweatshirts yesterday knowing we were headed for a classic piece of the story of Canada. In this no-Tim-Horton’s town (did [...]
Across Canada in 10 Day, Day 6 – Natural Disasters
If there’s one thing that you cannot anticipate, plan ahead for or build contingencies in for, Mother Nature has cornered the market. Despite our personal rationale that June is the perfect month to travel anywhere in Canada – no snow, not too hot, rainy season drying up, on and on – the lack of control [...]
Across Canada in 10 Days, Day 5 – A Bug’s Life & Lake Country
When we finally got out to the truck after a sleep-in at the lovely Lakeview Inn and Suites in Brandon, Manitoba on Monday, the four of us spent a long while admiring the new look the Xterra earned during the night. No graffiti or break-ins (thankfully), but more of a Mother Nature moment. We had [...]
Across Canada in 10 Days, Day 4 – Saskatchewan, The Land Where No One Rests
Crossing over into Manitoba at about 11:30 p.m. last night, it was as if the heavens had opened up and delivered us to the porcelain gates. There it was, glimmering in the not-so-far off distance, bustling with life. That is where we saw, for the first time in a day where we logged more than [...]
Across Canada in 10 Days, Day 2 – A Magic Carpet Ride in the Rocky Mountains
As I ran out to the Xterra on Friday morning to collect some clothes for the kids, the rain beating against the ground in Chilliwack matched with the smell of working farms reminded me of late Spring days in my mid-20s when I worked as a reporter in a small Illinois town. That was the [...]
Across Canada in 10 Days, Day 1 – Getting Off The Rock
When we finally rolled in to the Chilliwack Travelodge at about 1:15 a.m. this morning, we knew we had done the right thing. A stopover so close to Vancouver definitely hadn’t made it into the planning book. But, then, neither did leaving Comox at 7 p.m. yesterday either. I tend to think of myself as [...]
May Long Weekend Adventures – Family Gardening
Editor’s Note: While going through old posts this morning, I found this sweet gem about gardening with kids. What better time to get out into the back yard and get digging with the tiny people in tow? This was originally posted on Comox Valley Kids in May, 2007. Enjoy. While I watched the tiny person [...]
The Summer To-Dos – What’s On Your Bucket List?
It’s the first Beach Days of the season with my wee kids and the effects on me and mine were wonderful. With all three of us at the tail end of a sniffly/sneezy bug, the salt air and sea breeze were just what we needed. My 5 year old is pumped following his morning soccer game and although my [...]
Take An Early Bird Peek at Books For Treats™ Canada
While making the leap all the way to Halloween may not seem quite possible in the middle of May for most folks, the crew here at Our Big Earth has made 2012 the year of goblins and ghouls (and Alphie The Bat, see our new pal below). In fact you can pretty well bet that [...]
Our Big Earth’s Robin Rivers to Lead National Initiatives in 2012
Her love of books and creativity drove her five years ago to launch ourbigearth.com. Now, Our Big Earth’s Robin Rivers has been tapped to take that passion to the national stage as she leads two projects that will roll out across Canada this fall. Rivers has inked the papers to head up the development teams [...]
Spring Break Plans – Get Out and Go Geocaching
Editor’s Note: Today, Martin and Lisa Pedersen from familynavigation.com are here to inspire us all to get outside and spend some time on a treasure hunting adventure. Geocaching is one seriously popular pastime and there are tons of geocaches all over Vancouver Island. I’ll let them share their adventures and get you excited about this [...]
Rediscovering Our Neighbourhoods – Natural Neighbours
Along the pathways through local neighbourhoods you can stand and watch for a moment as young kids wander by. Their eyes are fixed on things adults don’t even realize have joined them on the walk. They spot the tiniest of hops, the most faint of a buzz and a change in the direction of a [...]
Rediscovering Our Neighbourhoods – Safety In Knowing
Albert Einstein once said that “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” Turning a blind eye is the pandemic of a disconnected society. It is so easy to move from the safety of our house to the safety of [...]
Rediscovering Our Neighbourhoods – A Foot’s Eye View
We’ve driven to school a thousand times. It’s fast. We get past things that would cause us to linger. We get to where we are going without distraction and our busy lives can progress without a hitch. Then, this past January, we made a commitment – rain or shine – to walk to and from [...]
Rediscovering Our Neighbourhoods – Making Maps
Giving our kids a sense of direction begins with helping them connect to the world around them. It sounds like a huge undertaking, showing them the world. But, for the tiny feet of tiny people the world around them is simply the people they know and the places that become safe, fun and familiar routines [...]
Rediscovering Our Neighbourhoods – The Shop Around The Corner
There we were, so long ago, me and my sweet 18-month-old who had the charm of a movie star. Her delight with just about anyone made people we saw on the street stop and comment. Her smile ran from ear to ear and beyond. Mine was a bit less pronounced. Still struggling with being the [...]
Rediscovering Our Neighbourhoods – Getting To Know You
When it comes to being all about local, there’s no one better to turn to than young children. They are all about the here and now, living in the moment in ways that adults day dream about bringing back into their lives. Thankfully, we have those sweet tiny souls to show us all how to [...]
Don't Chicken Out On Nature Just Because It's Cold
We’ve all done it a million times, taken a look out the window on a dreary January day and decided that the walk in the woods, trek around the park or hike to the beach we had planned is canceled due to weather. Then, inevitably, the kids spend the day inside screaming and arguing, running [...]
Have Yourself A Merry Local Christmas
Good Morning. As the holiday season inches closer (less than 2 weeks left), doing that shopping for some sweet gifts under the tree is definitely on the list of us parents and grandparents out there. While the kids will give you their laundry list of Santa goodies, getting that special treat for under the tree [...]
Bundle Up For The Downtown Courtenay Santa Parade TODAY!
The rain and wind has subsided just long enough for Santa to come to town today as the annual Santa Claus Parade marches through Downtown Courtenay starting at 2 p.m. this afternoon. The Comox Valley Christmas Parade has become so much more than a parade. From kids’ entertainment at the Sid Williams Theatre to a [...]
Santa's Coming to Town in Comox This Weekend
As I sit in my pajamas this morning rolling pine cones in lard and bird seed, threading them with string and preparing them for a celebration I get excited just thinking about the Winter holidays. With a bite of cold in the air and a warmth inside, it’s time to get the season of bringing [...]
Rememberance Day 2011 Services In The Comox Valley
It is with humility and gratitude that we honor the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who have gone before us in defense of our way of life as we celebrate Remembrance Day tomorrow. The Comox Valley will pay respect with services throughout the region today and Friday with families welcome to take [...]
A Season of Generosity from Two Local Businesses
The spirit of giving throughout the year is something that I truly love about the people of the Comox Valley. But, as the Winter holidays settle in, they bring out some extra magic and sense of generosity in folks. Two local businesses have teamed up this year to make sure that kids who might not [...]
2011 Community Halloween Events in the Comox Valley
It’s Halloween weekend in the Comox Valley and 2011 festivities are sure to be great fun community-wide. There is everything from fun dances to museum haunted house and the annual downtown costume parades. Read on to see what is going on in your neck of the woods. – The Annual Courtenay Recreation Halloween Parade and [...]
Happy Thanksgiving, Canada
The happiest of Thanksgiving wishes from the Our Big Earth crew to your clans this season. May your lives be filled with health, warmth, love, acceptance, forgiveness and gratitude for all of the goodness in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving.
Join Us Sunday for The Family Pumpkin Patch Party
As October just about settles in, that means it’s time to bust out the black and orange, start thinking about what you’re going to be for Halloween and – of course – head out to the pumpkin patch. OBE has always hosted a fun weekday Pumpkin Patch Party for the under 5 crowd. But, this [...]
Blackberries, Apples and Bears – Oh My!
As the chill in the air sets in, I love getting ready for snuggling up and settling in to Fall myself. This is a wonderful time for harvest celebrations and every year the Village of Cumberland gets things started off right with its fall fair – Blackberries, Apples and Bears. The day long celebration of [...]
Out & About – Learn Your Community on Foot
If anyone took a straw poll on who loves their car, I would be waving my hand in the air like a crazy person. Since I got my driver’s license at the tender age of 16 I’ve been in love with the open road. Getting behind the wheel and heading anywhere gets me super excited. [...]
Creative Kids – Fall Nature Collections
On the eve of Fall, I am feeling the energy inside me turn from summer beach nights to warm and cozy. You can see it in the kids too. They begin the process of preparing for Winter, even foraging and storing things up like the animals in the forest. It’s fun to see the collections [...]
Kids Not Sleeping Well? Get Them Outside
I‘ve been reading a lot lately about how to help kids sleep better as I’ve been trying to figure out if it’s even possible to get mine on a somewhat matching – or at least complimentary – schedule. There’s everything from relaxation techniques (which so aren’t working in this house) to the old read-em-a-story trick [...]
Fall 2011 NeighbourWood Walks Registration Is On
August has just about called it quits. So, that means that our annual month of staycation is nearly over, it’s just about time to get the older kids back to school and – one of my favorite parts – OBE’s Fall 2011 NeighbourWood Walks series is soon to begin. Every year we head out on [...]
Head Out Today for the Strathcona Wilderness Festival
It’s a gorgeous day outside, perfect for heading out for a bit of an adventure to celebrate the gorgeous wilderness and natural parks of Vancouver Island. The Friends of Strathcona Park have the perfect day planned for you as they invite you to come out to the Strathcona Wilderness Festival. This great day filled with [...]
Top Family Favorites to Take Camping
I‘m in serious wind-down mode. August in our house every year generally consists of turning off all electronic devices (including the phone) and checking out for the four weeks of sunshine we may or may not have. This year is particularly sweet since the grandparents are in town and we are planning a long series [...]
Art & Community Raise Money to Help Local Bakers Fighting Cancer
When it comes to supporting people, the Comox Valley community is second to none in the heart department. I have always deeply loved and admired the soul of this place and the willingness of people to step up and lend a hand or make moments truly memorable. So, when Shelley and Kevin at Mad Chef [...]
Get Your Tickets for The Big Time Out
Music festivals and summer are what Vancouver Island is all about – especially in the Comox Valley. Come August, the weather should be a whole heckuvalot better and it’ll be time for some serious outdoor concert good times. Getting your tickets now means a guaranteed seat at this year’s Big Time Out, serving up some [...]
Top 10 Summertime Ways To Spark Kids Natural Creativity
Now that we have survived June-uary here on the West Coast and the kids have made their formal exit from the classroom there is only one thing to do – wonder how we are going to fill the next 12 weeks. Summertime can be a great break and one heck of a grind in terms [...]
It's Summer, Let's Get Outside, Learn, Garden and Eat with the Kids
Good Morning. As these first days of summer break set in and the kids are looking for something fun to do we have the perfect solution for kiddos of all ages – come out to the Lake Trail Community Garden every Monday in July starting today and hang out with the crew. The Comox Valley [...]
Oh Canada, It's Time to Celebrate
The first long weekend of the summer of 2011 is upon us and there is nothing like a great celebration of community, family and country to get things kicked off. It’s Canada Day weekend. There is so much going on around the community and the region. But, the big celebration is down in Courtenay’s Lewis [...]
Planning for Family Camping
While we spend a heckuvalot of time outside, it would be a bit of a stretch to call us a camping sort of family. Lots of our friends are avid tent pitchers and small RV lovers and we LOVE to meet up with them around the campfire, at the beach or on the lake – [...]
Bike to Work Week Isn't Just for Commuters
It’s time again for the annual celebration of life on two wheels as Bike to Work Week kicks off on Monday, encouraging folks of all kinds to bust out the tire pump and the bike helmet to hit the road. While commuters all across the region will be leaving the car keys at home, replacing [...]
Helping Families Create Lasting Memories in Tough Times
A few months ago our family made the trip over to Children’s Hospital in Vancouver for a long-awaited appointment at the pediatric plastic surgery clinic there. Our youngest daughter was born with extra fingers and we were thrilled to have the surgeon here refer us to the top pediatric surgeon in B.C. She specializes in [...]
It's Victoria Day Weekend – Time for the 2011 Empire Days
Hey, the sun is out! That in and of itself deserves a major party. But, it’s also the May Long Weekend and that means it’s time to dust off the pop-up tent, stock up on roasting hot dogs and head out to celebratory events in Cumberland. We’ve made Empire Days a family tradition – with [...]
Celebrating the Environmental Stewards of Tomorrow
Editor’s Note: Good Morning. Today, the folks from Comox Valley Land Trust have stopped by to talk about a wonderful program for kids who are the future stewards of the Earth. Check out this unique way of honoring the spirit of children who see the natural world and caring for it as their passion. Have [...]
Family Fun – A Marionette Extravaganza
I remember watching The Sound of Music for the first time more than 30 years ago and wondering how I could get behind the curtain to become the puppeteer. Those songs and fun performances were one of the most magical parts of one of my favorite movies and I’ve always loved live puppet theater. Now [...]
A Little Earth Day Inspiration
Tomorrow is the big day and it’s supposed to be GORGEOUS outside for the annual Earth Day Family Festival (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Simms Park in Courtenay), hosted by Vancouver Island MusicFest, World Community and Our Big Earth Media Co. (us, wheeeee!). While we are spending much of our time getting everything ready [...]
2011 Easter Events in the Comox Valley
We’ve been so wrapped up in all things Earth Day that it wasn’t until this morning that I REALLY remembered that it’s Easter this weekend. I love this sweet Spring holiday for all of it’s sunshiney smiles, flowers and gorgeous pastel colors. The Comox Valley is buzzing with annual Easter traditions over the next few [...]
Setting A Record with Diapers
Some days you may think that you’re about to set a record with the number of dirty diapers you change in a given 24 hours. But, this Saturday you can be a part of some real history as Podlings and Pantuso Dance host the Comox Valley location for the Great Cloth Diaper Change. At 9 [...]
Join Us for the Annual Earth Day Family Festival
It is with tons of excitement that we invite you to join a huge crew of folks down at Simms Park this coming Saturday (April 23) for the annual Earth Day Family Festival. This year promises to be one of the best ever (as long as Mother Nature graces us with a lovely day) with [...]
Learn About Where You Live at the Day of the Estuary
When you think about the iconic features of the Comox Valley, you think the glacier and the estuary. We see them, drive past them every day. But, rarely do we take the time to learn about how the incredible landscape of our region effects and shapes our lives. This Saturday, we can celebrate, learn about [...]
Ten Signs of Spring in the Comox Valley In Photos
It’s been a long, long Winter and I still feel like Spring is fighting hard to stay in hibernation mode. But, yesterday I was reminded of the little gifts of an hour of sunshine and a turn of a corner that reveals that undeniable sign that Spring has arrived in the Comox Valley. Here are [...]
10 Easy Ways to Love Spring Break with Your Kids
Parents have a love-hate relationship with the next nine days. While Spring Break is great if you can head out of town or log some solid family relaxation time, having a week off with the kids at home can be more of a daunting task than a fun break. So, we checked in with OBE [...]
Socializing On A Budget
Is that pocket book feeling a bit thin these days? Are you in serious need of time with friends and not sure how to make that work on a tight budget? Well, you are definitely not alone. I checked in with my crew of mom friends to see what they think are some of the [...]
Celebrate Spring at the Brant Wildlife Festival
There’s a sparkle in the ocean and a scent in the air. Spring, it’s coming, and nature knows it. With the onset of March every year comes the herring run and the incredible display of wildlife that comes with the arrival of food. That also means it’s time for the annual celebration of the Spring [...]
Relay for Life Rally In The Comox Valley
When my daughter made three wishes recently, her first was that no one would ever get cancer. That beautiful wish is one I make every day. Watching friends and family battle this heartless disease makes every step we can take to find a cure so much more powerful. This week, The Canadian Cancer Society will [...]
Out and About – It's Time for the Eagles
As the snow drops and crocus start popping up at the Filberg and we start getting out of the house more again, one creature that we notice seems to always be out with us are the gorgeous Bald Eagles that make their home by the hundreds in the Comox Valley. Throughout the rest of the [...]
Join The 2011 Great Backyard Bird Count
Take a peek out your back window. This time of year, what you will more than likely spot in the maple trees or the cedar hedge is a fantastic collection of birds from Chickadees to Northern Flicker that spend their winters snacking their way through the Comox Valley. Our mild climate that sees little in [...]
Winter 2011 NeighbourWood Walk Registration Begins Today
\ After a festive holiday season, it’s always tricky to get the family motivated to get back on a schedule, head out to regular events and plan ahead to spend time with friends new and old. That’s why we like to kick off the Winter session of our NeighbourWood Walks each year at the beginning [...]
10 Ways to Enjoy a Rainy Day Outside
Lately my commitment to getting the tiny persons outside for at least an hour a day has gone the way of the dodo. I’d blame it on the holidays or the mad rush of company that invaded our house the last few weeks. But, since the holidays were actually pretty chill, and we had no [...]
Top 10 Tips for Boxing Day
It’s Boxing Day around these parts and that means one thing – SALES! I had big plans to be out the door by 7 a.m. this morning in search of the deals of the century. But, a pierogi hangover (those things are brutal in the food coma department) left me less than energetic and I [...]
Holidays 2010 – The Comox Valley Nutcracker Tradition
It’s that time of year again when Comox Valley children return to the stage. While planning all of the fun watching the faces of children as they open up their Christmas gifts, the joy and the excitement are like gifts back to the giver. You can join in this joy through the story of The [...]
Get Your YANA Christmas Crackers & Support Local Families
I‘ve made my own, even considered picking up the heavily discounted ones at Winners after the holidays. But, really, nothing beats Christmas Crackers for a good cause, which is why we here at OBE want to encourage all of you to score some cool crackers from the Comox Valley’s own YANA (You Are Not Alone) [...]
Santa Claus is in Town
As kids of all ages are starting to get down to the business of making their lists for Santa this year, it also starts to become imperative that we as parents know when and where Santa will be hanging out this year in order to make delivery of said lists possible. Not to mention, there [...]
Sunday Morning Walks – Fungus Amongus
Moving into these last couple months of the year can be kind of a drag as the weather turns cold, gray and blustery and we start thinking more about hibernating rather than spending lots of quality time outside. But, it turns out that late Fall and Winter on Vancouver Island are actually the most fantastic [...]
Lest We Forget – Remembrance Day 2010
Editor’s Note: On this blustery morning let’s all take a moment to honor those who have served and continue to serve in the Canadian military across the globe. May we never forget the men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives to protect Canadians and people all over the world. For your bravery [...]
Comox Valley Halloween Family Events Round-Up
This weekend is all about the spooky good times around the Comox Valley. Here is a listing of some of the great family-friendly Halloween events happening across the region. It’s such a fun time, with all of the great costumes that kids come up with and smiles. The region has lots of safe spots for [...]
Rural Recycling Comes to the Comox Valley
If you live in most rural areas of the Comox Valley, one of the most obvious lack of public services folks have long had to contend with is a lack of curbside recycling options. In fact, most rural residents have to haul their recycling in to town on a regular basis or have to make [...]
Happy Thanksgiving from OBE to Your Family
We’re taking the day off to enjoy this lovely holiday season of gratitude and warmth with family and friends. It’s been an incredible year of love, surprises and changes which make life so very sweet and remind us how precious it is. From Ken and me as well as everyone here at Our Big Earth, [...]
Sunday Morning Walks – Fall Seed and Leaf Walks
With misty October mornings, a bit of a chill and gorgeous sun breaks settling us all into the Fall season, nothing seems more lovely and even a bit cozy than taking a walk through the forest or along a local creek with the family. The colors of the season, which are just now starting to [...]
Join Us for the Annual OBE Pumpkin Patch Party
Good Morning. Fall has settled in and along with that, October. What that means in our universe is that it’s THE BEST TIME OF YEAR! That’s because we here at Our Big Earth have developed a soft spot in our heart for one Comox farm that puts some serious spooky fun into our annual ritual [...]
Movie Review – Legend of The Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Editor’s Note: Happy Monday. OBE Design Director Ken Henderson is here this morning with his review of the latest release from Animal Logic Studios – Legends of the Guardians, The Owls of Ga’Hoole. Ken is an entertainment industry veteran with more than 20 years working as an animator, art director and concept illustrator for film [...]
Learning Crafts – The Nature Alphabet
When it comes to making learning more accessible around the home, there’s nothing that we’ve found more effective than making projects that take basic skills like alphabet and numbers and turning them into creative adventures. We’re homeschooling for kindergarten this year and one of the big things that needed to be in place is an [...]
Comox Valley Weekend Planner – KidsFest 2010
The end of summer is officially here. Yes, the weather is gorgeous and the sun is bright. But, I always know that those laid back days on the beach and in the park are winding down because it’s time for the final family festival of the season – KidsFest. Mark your calendar and get your [...]
Back-to-School 2010 – Important Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe
Editor’s note: We take a break from the giveaway madness this week (it’s been so fun) to talk with StreetSmart Kidz Canada Managing Director Steven Baird this morning about keeping your kids safe as they head back to school. Helping your kids and yourselves feel confident about their safety on the walk or bus ride [...]
Register for the Fall 2010 NeighbourWood Walks
Good Morning. As you start planning your Fall schedules, it’s time again to think about heading out into the forest, giving your kids some time to explore outside and log some quality adult contact too. It’s time to get your family registered for the Our Big Earth NeighbourWood Walks as we are getting things kicked [...]
Comox Valley Gems – Anderton Therapeutic Gardens
Editor’s Note: Tucked away behind the Anderton Nursery just north of Comox is one of those incredible, peaceful yet vibrant gems of the Comox Valley that is a great place to spend a morning at, pack a picnic for and explore. We have often wandered the garden paths and poked around the hundreds of varieties. [...]
NeighbourWood Walks – Join OBE for A Week At The Beach
With all of the busy fun of the season, it’s been challenging to get a Summer NeighbourWood Walk series pulled together. Now it’s gotten all the way to August and organizing our normal 8-week walk series seems nearly impossible this year. But, that doesn’t mean we have to skip the fun all together! In fact, [...]
Summer Kids Crafts – Pressing Flowers
The whole Comox Valley seems to be in bloom right now. I don’t know if it was the cold spring or the incredibly hot temperatures of the last week. But, that wow of color and scent is off the charts. For the tiny person, she’s in heaven searching for ways to talk me into picking [...]
Five Easy To Find, Wildly Delicious Edible Berries
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Jocie Ingram is here taking a look at the bounty of edible berries that are readily available to enjoy along the trail. Tasty. Here she is: On my daily morning stroll with the kids, something bright red and shiny caught my eye in the green shrubbery lining the trail. It was a perfect salmonberry, [...]
Hook Up with the 2010 Local Food Challenge Today
Happy Canada Day! While we are “taking the day off” to celebrate this fantastic country of ours, we just have a quick programming note to let you know that Ken and I will be at the Comox Valley 30-Day Local Food Challenge booth during celebrations at Lewis Park today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [...]
Get Ready for A Spectacular Canadian Celebration
Oh, Canada. It’s nearly time again to celebrate this great country of ours with a great day of parades, park, food and fun as the Comox Valley 2010 Canada Day celebrations kick off tomorrow at Lewis Park. It’s a great time to come together and enjoy the sense of community that is so much a [...]
10 Things To Plan For Your Kids Summer Break
The school year has nearly wrapped up and even for those of us who have yet to wonder what’s going to happen for those months when the kids aren’t in the classroom, there’s still a bit of dread that sets in about what to do with the family during the summertime. With preschoolers – really [...]
Make Plans to Hit Comox Lake for BC Family Fishing Weekend
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on Marcie’s great post about teaching your kids how to handle it when other kids are mean to them you can read it HERE. Now, here’s the scoop on BC’s family fishing weekend. Ah, Father’s Day weekend. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and we can all enjoy some relaxed [...]
Sunday Morning Walks – Head Out to the Farm
Editor’s Note: If you missed out on this morning’s post regarding high arsenic levels in the Quinsam Watershed, you can read the story HERE. Now, here’s Robin with a look at a few fantastic farms in the area, so get yourself ready to head out to the farm. It’s about this time every year that [...]
Your Grandma was an Environmentalist
Editor’s Note: Good morning! Gayles Bates is on site with a look at connecting your family to the past by incorporating a less disposable way of life. Here she is: The family is where we learn the values and beliefs that we either adapt as our own as we mature, or use as a launching pad [...]
Discovering Nature as a Young Naturalist
Editor’s Note: Good morning! Naturalist Jocie Ingram is here with a look at membership with the Young Naturalists’ Club… “A growing body of evidence confirms that when children spend time in nature they are healthier, happier and smarter.” – YNC web site My little ones are growing and changing so fast, and they are already [...]
Get Ready For Bike To Work Week
Get ready, set, bike! It’s time again to get re-inspired for life on two wheels as we celebrate the annual Bike To Work Week festivities this coming week throughout the Comox Valley. Besides the eco and fitness value of hitting the pedals, it’s also great fun to get outside and enjoy this time to year. [...]
Celebrate the May Long Weekend at Empire Days
Ah, Victoria Day weekend. How is it possible that nearly half the year is already over and we are working our way into a summer of long weekends? I’m a particularly big fan of all of the fantastic festivals that mark the sunshine season here in the Comox Valley and Empire Days in Cumberland is [...]
Nature Journal – Finding Art In Nature With A Camera
Editor’s Note: Good morning. Jocie Ingram is on site today with a look at getting creative with a camera outdoors and tuning into your artistic side. She has some great tips for us. Enjoy. Here she is: I’ve always been drawn to the arts, be it visual art, music or literature. My other passion (which [...]
