The Happy Crab Book Teaches Children to be Selfless with the help of a Shellfish - Review and Giveaway

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, we did receive a complimentary copy of this book for review, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to win one too! Enter the contest at the end of this post.

The Crustacean that is Crushing It!

As the story of The Happy Crab opens we meet a curious crab that travels the seas, finds treasures and makes new friends.  You could say this little crustacean is truly crushing it.  He knows that life is good.

Sometimes you come across Rocky Waters and decisions need to be made

One day the crab is mistaken for an empty shell and is pulled from the water by a young boy. When the boy discovers the crab inside he must make a big decision. The shellfish hopes that the young child will decide not to be selfish and instead be selfless and return him to the sea. He knows that is where he is happiest.

The Happy Crab Book Makes a Great Gift

With vibrant images and easy-to-understand lessons, The Happy Crab illustrated book will make a great gift this holiday season.  Your family will learn the importance of curiosity, the feelings of friendship, the security of home and how acts of kindness can make a big difference. This story is based on the true-life events of the authors Layla Palmer, Kevin Palmer and their son Steevenson

and what took place when they found a beautiful shell.  As you see in my Reel below, The Happy Crab has me feeling happy too!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls)

Enter to Win

Thanks to a partnership with Graf-Martin Communications, we are able to giveaway a copy of The Happy Crab to a lucky reader! Enter for a chance to win below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrate Christmas the way that the King Family would have at Woodside National Historic Site - Enter to Win

 

Right here in Kitchener Ontario Canada lies the childhood home of Sir William Lyon Mackenzie King. Yes, Canada’s 10th Prime Minister, who graces the Canadian $50 bill, lived in Kitchener! His home is known as Woodside National Historic Site.

 

During the Christmas season, they provide visitors a look into past holiday traditions. For this year, Woodside National Historic Site will be having its first-ever Outdoor King Family Christmas Adventure!

Celebrate Christmas the way that the King Family Would Have

The Outdoor King Family Christmas Adventure has something for everyone! 

Warm yourselves by the fire with some cozy refreshments as you enjoy, caroling, storytelling, games and more in this interactive adventure presented by members of the King Family household. Fun for all ages!

It will feel like you traveled to Christmas past. Find all the info at https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/woodside/activ/calendrier-calendar/noel-christmas-2021

Get Your Tickets Now

With limited time slot availability, you need to reserve your tickets now to avoid disappointment! The event lasts for one hour.

Tickets for December 11, 2021 

• Tickets are $7.80 per person, children 5 and under are free!
• Tickets must be purchased ahead of time.
• Timed slots are 6:00/6:30/7:00/7:30 and tickets are limited.
  
• For tickets please email at: woodsideontario@pc.gc.ca. Please include your name, how many tickets you would like and a contact phone number and Woodside National Historic Site will get back to you.

This is an outdoor experience so please dress accordingly.

COVID Protocols: This is an outdoor event and we have a limited number of tickets per slot. Social Distancing and mask are encouraged.

Enter to Win

We think this family event will be enjoyed by all! In fact, we are so excited that we have a FOUR PACK TICKETS to give away to one of our readers to attend the 6:00 pm timeslot of the Outdoor King Family Christmas Adventure. Enter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Lights, Holiday Events, Santa Claus Parades and More November and December 2021 Happenings and Stuff to Do

 

As always, we suggest you go through the links now, as some activities require you to pre-register, and often the info will change without our knowledge.

If you are new to our list, the top part is ongoing activities and the eBlast portion further down has date-specific events.  We have a great mix of outdoor and online suggestions for you.

ONGOING LIST

Looking for new things to do with your child? Do you think your child would enjoy participating in science? If your child is between the ages of 3-7, they are eligible to sign-up for an online study with researchers at the University of Waterloo. Participation is free and the studies are quite fun for children! Children get a certificate at the end and a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. A typical session involves a 25-minute Zoom video call with their researchers. If you would like to sign-up, please visit https://www.uwcoral.ca/sign-up. If you have any questions, please email developmentalonline@uwaterloo.ca

Early Years events on Zoom for registration info visit https://earlyyearsinfo.ca

YMCA Virtual Events https://www.thisisy.ca/

KPL Calendar https://kplca.evanced.info/signup/

WPL Calendar http://calendar.wpl.ca/eventcalendar.asp?lib=all

Region of Waterloo Library Calendar https://www.rwlibrary.ca/en/programs-events/virtual-programs.aspx

Cambridge Libraries Calendar https://ideaexchange.org/programs-events 

City of Waterloo Museum Activities https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/city-of-waterloo-museum.?_mid_=1764

Region of Waterloo Museum (DOON) events https://www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca/en/index.aspx#

Joseph Schneider Haus events https://www.schneiderhaus.ca/en/index.aspx

Woodside National Historical Site Self Guided Tours Thursday and Fridays https://www.facebook.com/WoodsideNHS/photos/a.797717783604573/4705277552848557

KW Adventure Walks https://kwescape.ca/games/

Kitchener Rangers Schedule  https://kitchenerrangers.com/schedule/70/10

ONE MONTH FREE TRIAL – MUSIC LESSONS

In this unique Preschool Music Program, we learn all about Rhythm & Melody, PLUS children learn how to read Bars of music, make their own Bars of music and read Notes in a Scale on the Staff!

Come try it out! One Month Free!

After the free trial, if you are interested in signing up, classes start from $350 depending on Program purchased, Program Time purchased and age of your child. Do you have questions? Book a free Zoom Call to ask all about it! https://calendly.com/anatworld/music-lessons-2021 

Are you ready to jump on in for the Month's Trial, Click here: https://anatworld.convertri.com/free-month-trial

 The Giggle Mat is a brand new children's show!

https://www.facebook.com/TheGiggleMat 

Come visit Dizzy, Mr. Purpleman, Miss Kate and Uncle PJ as they discover, explore and express themselves in the amazing world around them through stories, music, dance, crafts, juggling, magic, laughs and more!"Like" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGiggleMat/​​​Website: https://www.nuvoentertainment.com/the-giggle-mat

NOVEMBER EVENT LIST eBlast

HAPPY MOVEMBER! SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY DONATING AT https://ca.movember.com/mospace/519968

Now until January 

Marvel's Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2021/10/marvel-avengers-station-puts-you-in.html

November 8-December 10

Letters to Santa

Letters to Santa are back at Waterloo Public Library, and just in time for the holidays! From Monday, November 8 until Friday, December 10, you can drop off your letter to Santa at any WPL location and he’ll write back. Visit wpl.ca/santa for more details.

November 12-14 

The Seasons Christmas Show https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2021/10/seasons-christmas-show-returns-for-2021.html

November 13

Author event at the Ken Seiling Region of Waterloo Museum, at 10 a.m. About bees, book, there will be a craft, and it includes admission to the fantastic Amazing Pollinators exhibit.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/3wouWyM

Benjamin's Tree Farm opens https://www.benjamintreefarm.com

Gift of Lights at Bingemans begins! https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2021/11/bingemans-gift-of-lights-marks-start-of.html 

November 16

Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery Stroller Tour

Drop-in from 10am-12pm
Guided tour from 10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission https://kwag.ca/civicrm/event/info%3Fid%3D416%26reset%3D1

November 17-January 2

Castle Kilbride Christmas Events. Various dates and times https://www.wilmot.ca/en/living-here/Events-and-Exhibits.aspx

 

November 19-December 24

Santa at Fairview Park Mall. Pre-register at https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-fairview-park/news-events/e/santa-2021

November 20

Kitchener Reverse Santa Claus Parade at 10am info and registration at http://lionsclubofkitchener.com/1343-2/

Belmont Village Holiday Market https://www.facebook.com/events/4597896993600212

Merry Market Mayhem @ Steckle Farm Noon-5pm wagon rides (weather permitting), petting zoo (weather permitting), a family photo shoot area, a family Juggling comedy show at 2pm, many wonderful local vendors to shop with, and giveaways! https://www.facebook.com/hisandhermarketkw/photos/g.2369595749/207575448162485

2021 Cambridge Santa Claus Parade will take place on Saturday, November 20th, 2021. The parade will move onto Hespeler Road from Dunbar Road at 6:00 p.m. sharp! It will turn off Hespeler Road at Langs Drive. https://cambridgesantaparade.com/info/

November 21 

Movember KW at the Kitchener Rangers Game @ Community Corner 2pm https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10165665325570481&set=gm.969570690294555

November 24

EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE 6:30PM

Explore Your Future is a series of FREE events to help Waterloo Region youth learn about some career options. While geared towards the early stage research needs of grade 7 to 10 students, it is open to any youth and family that are interested https://www.bepwr.ca/blog/explore-your-future-working-with-words

November 27

Waterloo Reverse Santa Claus Parade at 10am http://lionsclubofkitchener.com/1343-2/

Movember Cornhole Tournament in Guelph https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159542907961000&set=a.10150324884236000

Holiday Carnival at Harmony Square in Brantford https://www.brantford.ca/en/things-to-do/holiday-carnival.aspx

November 27-December 23

The North Star Experience at Conestoga Mall. Pre-register at https://www.conestogamall.com/events/north-star-experience/

November 27-January 1

Wonders of Winter at Waterloo Park https://www.wondersofwinter.ca/

November 28

Kitchener Model Train Show and Sale at Bingemans 9:30am-3pm https://www.facebook.com/events/614023956696358

Looking Ahead to DECEMBER 

Christmas Fantasy in Victoria Park Kitchener. Info TBD https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/christmas-fantasy.aspx

December 1

NORAD Tracks Santa Online https://www.noradsanta.org

December 2-5

Christkindl Market is Various locations this year https://www.christkindl.ca/outdoor-festival/#gaukelstreet

December 3-4 
Drive-Thru Nativity in Paris Ontario at Braeside Camp http://braesidecamp.ca

December 5

Santa's Dance Party - For kids will be at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge, ON on Sunday, December 5, 2021.Doors Open at 9:00AM , and the Show Starts at 9:30AM . Santa's Dance Party - For kids includes Ballon artist and Hot Chocolate, Dance Party WIth Santa and His Elves, Photo with Santa, Photo on the Swing in Candy Land, Lettesr to Santa Activity Station, Candy Cane Christmas Ornament Creation Station, Pinata Zone, Bar for the Parents, . Tapestry Hall is located at 74 Grand Ave S, Cambridge, ON.

Tickets at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/39096/

December 11

Santa Claus Drive-Thru at Old Marina Restaurant. Info TBD https://www.facebook.com/events/1069993060497406/

Woodside National Historic Site - Outdoor King Family Christmas. Info https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2021/11/celebrate-christmas-way-that-king.html

December 16-28

Sparkles in the Park - Christmas Light Drive-Thru at Guelph Riverside Park https://rotaryguelph.ca/event/sparkles-in-the-park-2021/

December 17-19 

Miracle of 34th St in Paris Ontario https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pfp-presents-miracle-on-34th-street-tickets-196004604047

December 18

Children's Christmas Painting Party @ Crafty Crystal https://www.crafty-crystal.com/product/children-s-christmas-painting-party-saturday-december-18th-2021/1816

Bingemans Gift of Lights Marks the Start of the Christmas Season

Please note that I was gifted this experience by Bingemans, but that just means I get to tell you all about it and you get a preview of what took place

Lisa here, and as many of you know, I kick off the Christmas Season with a trip to Bingemans to see the Gift of Lights each year. It is a great way to get into the festive spirit at this magical time of the year. 

With the collection of Themed Displays, Sparkling Snowflakes and Glimmering Light Tunnels, there is something to delight everyone in your family. Get a glimpse of what I mean by watching my Instagram Reel!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls)

There are lots of ways to enhance your Gift of Lights experience as well. Tune into 103.3 FM to hear Christmas Classics as you journey through the bright and beautiful lights. Bingemans has Holiday Add-ons for take-home treats or extend your stay at Boston Pizza and Funworx.  I can verify that the Winter Snowball Pasteries are as delicious as they look. They were the first items eaten from my VIP Treat Box.

For more information about Bingemans Gift of Lights, visit these links

Website: giftoflights.ca or http://www.bingemans.com/giftoflights

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bingemans

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingemans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bingemans

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Bingemans

This year's Platinum Sponsor is You Gotta Shop Here WR

Get Your Tickets Now

   

Bingemans Gift of Lights opens to the public on Saturday November 13, 2021 so now is the time to grab your tickets. There are various packages available and there will be 3 special WALK ONLY nights with 50% of the ticket proceeds going to local organizations.

Whether you choose to drive-thru or walk amongst the Gift of Lights, you can find the ticket package that best suits your family at http://bingemans.com/giftoflights/tickets

Have you been to Bingemans Gift of Lights or plan to? Leave a comment about it below.

Disney is bringing the Magic of Encanto to the Big Screen This Month - Advance Screening Pass Giveaway

 

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” tells the tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift from super strength to the power to heal—every child except one, Mirabel. But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family’s last hope. The film features all-new songs by Emmy®, GRAMMY® and Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”) and is directed by Byron Howard (“Zootopia,” “Tangled”) and Jared Bush (co-director “Zootopia”), co-directed by Charise Castro Smith (writer “The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez”) and produced by Clark Spencer and Yvett Merino. “Encanto” opens in theatres November 24, 2021. 

 

Disney's Encanto is in theatres on November 24th!

For more info about this film, visit these links

Facebook: @WaltDisneyStudiosCanada
Twitter: @DisneyStudiosCA
Instagram: @disneystudioscanada

 

 

We are so excited for this film and have been given the opportunity to give away a 4 pack of passes to attend the advance screening in Toronto on Wednesday, November 17 at 7:00pm at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas!  Enter below for your chance to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Knowledge Kids is Streaming Free Halloween Episodes of Paw Patrol, Clifford the Big Red Dog and More Right Now

 

Recently we told you about the Knowledge Kids Fall Line Up and now we have more great news from Knowledge Kids! They are celebrating Halloween with 22 Halloween Specials streaming now until October 31st! See your favourite characters from Paw Patrol, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Wild Kratts and more celebrate Halloween with their "spooky" specials.

Knowledge Kids is a free app and streaming service available throughout Canada, made by Knowledge Network - the credible and trusted British Columbia public broadcaster. Streaming now until October 31st, look no further for all things Halloween!

Watch them right now at https://www.knowledgekids.ca/playlist/halloween-special 

Here is the full list of Halloween Themed episodes that are streaming on Knowledge Kids right now!

* Room on the Broom

* Hero Elementary: Pumpkin Palooza

* Clifford the Big Red Dog: The Halloween Costume Crisis 

* Clifford the Big Red Dog: Clifford's Howl-O-ween 

* Wild Kratts: Halloween Creepy Creatures!

* Paw Patrol: Pups and the Ghost Pirate

* Paw Patrol: Pups and the Werepuppy/Pups Save a Sleepwalking Mayor

* Paw Patrol: Pups Save the Trick or Treaters/ Pups Save an Out of Control Patrol

* Abby Hatcher: Trick or Treat Otis

* Molang: The Ghost's Castle

* Molang: The Haunted House

* Molang: The Pumpkin 

* Ella the Elephant Frankie's Perfect Pumpkin

* Kate and Mim-Mim Li'l Boo

* Floogals: Project Halloween Dress Up

* Kiva Can Do: Kiva Can Boo

* Genius Genie Whooo Halloween

* Genius Genie The Monster Halloween 

* Ruff Ruff Tweet and Dave A Pumpkin Adventure

* Doozers: Spookypalooza

* Dragon: Dragon's Halloween 

* Dragon: Dragon's Tricks and Treats

Catch them before October 31st.  It is a great way to get your family into the Halloween spirit!

Which shows do you plan to watch? Let us know in the comments!

Paw Patrol: The Movie is Now on Digital - Enter to Win

We have great news. Paw Patrol: The Movie is now available on Digital! Your favourite pups are back and ready to save the day in their first feature film adventure. Now playing a screen near you. Find it streaming or On-Demand right now!

When their biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes Mayor of nearby Adventure City and starts wreaking havoc, Ryder and everyone’s favourite heroic pups kick into high gear to face the challenge head-on.  While one pup must face his past in Adventure City, the team finds help from a new ally, the savvy dachshund Liberty.  Together, armed with exciting new gadgets and gear, the PAW Patrol fights to save the citizens of Adventure City! Joining the PAW Patrol in their thrilling first big-screen adventure are members from the original series’ cast along with Iain Armitage, Marsai Martin, Yara Shahidi, Kim Kardashian West, Randall Park, Dax Shepard, with Tyler Perry and Jimmy Kimmel and introducing Will Brisbin.

Enter for a Chance to Win a Paw Patrol: The Movie Prize Pack

We know so many families love to watch Paw Patrol together. Now we want to help them play together with the new Paw Patrol: The Movie toys! To celebrate the digital release of Paw Patrol: The Movie we are giving away 3 prize packs! 

One lucky winner will receive the Grand Prize of a Paw Patrol Mighty Outlook Tower along with Paw Patrol: The Movie Stickers 

Then two runners up will win a Paw Patrol Toy Set with Paw Patrol: The Movie Stickers

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and be sure to leave why you want to win this in the comments (it works best if you are logged into your google account when commenting).a Rafflecopter giveaway