Anything but Traditional

Today marked the tail end of Winterlude's opening weekend here in the National Capital Region. So we woke up early, packed a snack, herded all three boys into the van and.... avoided downtown like the plague (well, we drove through it, but didn't stop)...

I know that saying this could be construed as near treason to other locals, but I really don't like Winterlude. I like the idea of it, but I don't enjoy the actual event at all. On the surface it has elements I could really sink my teeth into, such as ice sculptures, children's activities and food. But dig a little deeper and you'll uncover some unpleasantries: crowds, cold weather, and expense. I love Beavertails as much as the next person, but not when the price is so overinflated you would think they were sprinkled with gold and not cinnamon. I enjoy outdoor activities in reasonable weather, and in places where my five-year-old doesn't have to wait in line for 20 minutes to use a port-a-potty.

After several stressful, expensive trips to large events like this, we've decided we're a family that enjoys a lower-key lifestyle. Generally speaking, we prefer movie rentals instead of theatres, local parks instead of amusement parks, hikes in the forest instead of organized sports, and, as was the case today, a nice brunch out followed by a trip to the Canada Science and Technology Museum (which was fairly quiet, I can assume, because everyone was at Winterlude). What catches a boy's fancy more than trains or rockets? They have a brand new exhibit called Beyond the Trees, which is about how Canada is attempting to protect and manage its forests. I highly recommend it.

We love our local museums and go at least once or twice per month. It's a great way to spend an afternoon, and everyone walks away having been enlightened to some degree. In a world of game consoles and reality television, museums offer much needed brain exercise and family time.

I sometimes wonder if the boys will feel they missed out on something by not joining a hockey club or going to the Super Ex every year. Maybe, but I'm willing to take that gamble. Because, while they're denied a regular influx of cotton candy or goalie gear, they're also missing out on all the stress meeting those expectations would cause.

Besides, our outings are great because... well, we're on them! I hope when our kids look back on their years growing up they'll overlook not riding that big roller coaster but remember that we were together and happy. Very happy.