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Wow, Its mid May, it’s warm out and the birds are having babies.

I love Spring and everything that’s new and fresh.

This past weekend we attended my son’s playschool Graduation and I can’t believe he will be going to kindergarten next fall. So I have all sorts of feelings going thru my head; I want this to be the best summer ever, I want to be sure to teach him the things he needs to be ready, I want to let him (and I) sleep in more. I got a scrapbook from the teacher and it is amazing how much he has grown 9 months, how his speech and spelling has improved, his thirst for wanting to learn to do new things – on his own.

I have to laugh at the conversation I had with another mom about school buses. We talked about putting 5 year olds on a bus and there was lots of feedback from the moms in on the conversation. She laughed at me and said, "You’re not putting him on the bus are you?" Then she said you have such a long driveway, why don’t you just drive him yourself your half way there when you get to the end of your driveway. You're surely not going to make him walk the driveway to catch the bus. So then, I asked my dad if he would help build a "school bus hut" for my son, he said, that’s a two year project, but I informed him he only has until August to get it done, so even he was surprised.

I can’t be the only mom thinking these thoughts, I almost feel like I’m menopausal. The one thing that I realized is that my daughter will be just starting playschool next fall so I get to do it all over again with her. Whooo…

Well we have found lots to do this week, so be sure to pack a lunch. Send us some summer photos, we would love to share them.

Time to Jam!
Musical Instrument Day - May 22nd
Do your kids love to make music? Most kids do whether it's with their voice singing at the top of their lungs in the grocery store, pots and pans on the kitchen floor, or real instruments you've either made together or bought at the store.

May 22nd is Musical Instrument Day and music is an important part of a child's life. Keep your child well rounded and either make a instrument together or purchase some of these cool instruments from your local Discovery Toys rep.

Discovery Toys also has some fabulous CDs you can purchase. The first one has some fun finger plays to enjoy with your little ones. The other two are bilingual and Spanish songs.

Mary Ann Forbes my Discovery Toys rep has supplied us with these pictures for you and is more than willing to help you out. Click here to see her website and many more educational toys Discovery Toys has to offer. Or contact her personally at 403.226.2282 .

Make Your Own Instrument!

Make a Fish Line Music Board with some odds and ends around the house and supply hours of entertainment.. this one really isn't that noisy. Click here to get full instructions on how to build this fun instrument from TLC's How Stuff Works.
If you're looking for something noisier, click here to see their other instruments crafts you can make at home.

Attention!
Home Schooling Parents

This is Alberta's largest Education Fair for parents, students, and teachers.

Join the Calgary Education Fair as they celebrate their 5th anniversary with resources for pre-school students all the way up to post-secondary students on May 29th from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Centre, 5600 Centre Street North.

There is something for everyone. Click here to see all the events of the day. Visitors can enjoy performances on the fair stage, take part in workshops, browse through a wide range of exhibitors, and much, much more. See all this and it's FREE!!

Click here to register for free admission.

Does Money Stress You Out?
Check Out This Book!

Money Smart Mom: Financially Fit Parenting is an invaluable resource for families of all types. You might still be on the fence, wondering how you'll ever be able to afford children. You might have kids already and don't understand why you're still living paycheck to paycheck like you did in college. Whether you have kids yet or are still in the planning stages, are in debt up to your eyeballs or just barely keeping up, this book can help. Author Sarah Deveau is the owner of one of our favourite consignment store, Cater Tot Consignment in Airdrie.

At just $24.95, Money Smart Mom makes a great gift for expecting parents and young families. Click here to buy it now! Or head down to Cater Tot Consignment in Airdrie at #101R, 2002 Luxstone Blvd.

Get Your Own Copy - FREE!!

I have a book to give away to a Mom or Dad who can send me their best parenting tip.
We will share these tips in our upcoming ezines.
Please email your tips to newsletter@momsdadsandkids.com.

Sad News!!
Cater Tot Consignment is CLOSING!
I am sad to inform you that Cater Tot Consignment is closing it's doors the first week of June. They are no longer accepting consignments items. If you have items you have left for consignment there it will be ready for pick up the first week in June along with cheques for any items that have already sold. You are welcome to request your clothing earlier if you wish.

Everything in the store is currently priced at 25% OFF.

Stop by and take in some sales and wish them good luck in their future endeavors!

Right In Our Own Back Yard

Travel Alberta Keeps Us Informed

Banff National Park has been ranked as the top Outdoor & Adventure Destination in Canada by TripAdvisor. The annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best Destinations Awards were announced today and Banff National Park also received fourth place in the Top 10 Outdoor & Adventure Destinations in the World.

Winners are determined by a combination of TripAdvisor's Popularity Index and through the unbiased opinions of millions of traveler ratings. The Popularity Index is a well-defined decision matrix that determines traveler satisfaction based on hotel reviews, travel articles and opinions found throughout the web.
"We are thrilled to be recognized twice in the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards as the top destination in Canada for outdoor and adventure and fourth overall in the world," says Julie Canning, president and CEO of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. "These awards celebrate the world's top destinations and it is an accomplishment to be ranked first and fourth in two different categories by the world’s largest travel community."

The results of the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Destinations reconfirms Banff National Park as one of the finest places on Earth, a dynamic destination with rare outdoor adventures, breathtaking mountain scenery, and authentic historical depth. To learn more about Banff National Park visit click here.

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Grade 8 Students are FREE
Any National Park in Canada

National parks free to Grade 8 students for 12 months.

Grade 8 students will have free access to Canada’s National Parks and historic sites until next spring. The My Parks Pass Program, sponsored by Nature Canada and The Historica-Dominion Institute, will start May 17 and provide free access to 400,000 students in Canada.

The program forgoes entry fees for the students to 27 national parks, including Banff, and 68 national historic sites throughout Canada. The passes will be distributed May 17 to all Grade 8 students throughout Canada. Starting in September, all new Grade 8 students will have free access, even without a pass, if they are part of a school trip. The passes will include coupons for families. "We look forward to seeing these students in class outings and with their family and friends in our national parks and National Historic Sites," Minister Jim Prentice said. "I invite all Canadians and our visitors to come celebrate our most treasured places where you can enjoy a personal moment of discovery and gain a deeper understanding of Canada."

The My Parks Pass program is an initiative to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Canada’s National Parks system (Edmonton Sun, April 22, 2010).

Getaway Sale!
Be Fast This Won't Last!

Do you need to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather? Book a room at the Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets in Banff between May 9th - 20th and May 24th - June 31st inclusive and receive 20 - 25% OFF!! There's no minimum night stay. It's available on full rates only.

Click here to book your getaway today or call them at 1.800.661.9267, don't forget to use the access code: SPRING!

Thomas Winners
Fun Was Had by All!

One of the winners of our Thomas contest was Sarah Mack, her son Aidan (right), her daughter Olivia (left) and of course their Dad Graeme. They were kind enough to send us a photo of their fun filled day for "almost" everyone :).

Enjoy the sun, read more books, and kiss them goodnight.

Kimberly
Moms, Publisher and Fun Finding Expert

P.S.: A warm "Welcome" to all the new subscribers who have joined our Moms, Dads and Kids community! I'm thrilled that you are on board. You're going to love all of the great stories, cool tips and fun-finding ideas!

P.P.S.: Are you on Twitter or FaceBook? Let's connect online! Visit us at www.twitter.com/busyfamilies or at http://groups.to/momsdadsandkids/