Giving To Charity Never Smelled So Sweet: Great Wolf Lodge + Ronald McDonald House Charities

Every year as the holidays approach I try to think of some ways that our family can give back. We are so fortunate and privileged, and it's essential that our children grow up knowing that. Throughout the year we try to instil a sense of gratitude in our kids and actively help in our community where we can, but the holidays are a great time to reinforce this giving mentality. Whether it's small local initiatives or larger charitable organizations, we always pick a few to support. I often include these giving activities in our Christmas Countdown Calendar, interspersed with little gifts, treats and holiday family events.

So on December 1st I was very excited for the kids to open their calendar. Ben (who is an excellent reader) peeled open the envelope and as he read the card his eyes lit up and huge smile came across his face. The card said "We're taking a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge!!! While we're there we will be dining in a real gingerbread house, and making a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities to help families with sick children." Ben had heard myths of Great Wolf Lodge from friends and family, and desperately wanted to go, so this was huge for him. I don't think the kids fully understood the life size gingerbread house part, and honestly I think they thought I was lying to them, but they seemed very excited and curious to see it. Penny, on the other hand just wanted to eat the envelope ;)

When we arrived we were all in awe. The gingerbread house was absolutely gorgeous and the kids were mesmerized by it. Made with over 1200 eggs, 666 lbs of flour, 5 lbs of ginger powder and 40 Litres of Molasses (just to name a few ingredients), plus 165 lbs of candy, it's an impressive structure. The house takes over 700 hours to plan and make, and baking begins each year in September. Inside the house there is a working fireplace and a train running around the top of it. Plus the smell...oh the smell, it's absolutely incredible. It's like sitting in Christmas. The only issue was that Lucy wanted to eat the whole thing!

If you're headed to Great Wolf Lodge for their Snowland Event this holiday season I highly recommend checking out the 10th annual Gingerbread house. By giving a $20 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities, families can reserve this special table for a meal during their stay. It books up fast, so be sure to contact the resort in advance, or reserve online, because virtually every kid wants to eat in it once they see it. Our kids wanted to eat EVERY meal in it! 

I feel so fortunate to have 3 healthy children, but I know that their health can change at any time and I never want to take that for granted. Having a critically or chronically ill child is one of every parent's worst nightmares. Ronald McDonald House Charities provide incredible support for families with ill children around the world. Most of us have heard of their "home away from home" housing for families with hospitalized children, but I was totally unaware of the other amazing initiatives they have. These initiatives include: Mobile Medical Care in remote areas around the world, Family Rooms in hospitals to provide a safe and quiet space for families to rest, Grants for non-profit organizations that work in children's health, and Educational Scholarships. Donations from the Great Wolf Lodge Gingerbread event go to 3 local Ronald McDonald houses in Toronto, Hamilton & London Ontario, so you will be supporting local families when you donate. 

I'm so happy that we were able to do our little part to help out this year. A trip to Great Wolf Lodge was the icing on the cake...or should I say gingerbread house ;) 

- Carolyn 

*This was a sponsored trip, but all opinions are 100% my own. Although I wasn't asked to write more about our stay at Great Wolf Lodge, I'll definitely be sharing some tips for anyone planning a trip in a future post. Stay tuned!

**If you're not headed to Great Wof Lodge this season, but would still like to make a donation to local Ronald McDonald Houses, please follow the link.

Winter Babywearing Essentials

As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of babywearing. I babywear almost 365 days a year and don't know how I would survive life as a Mom of 3 (edited to note: now 4!) without my carriers. Although many people express shock and horror at the idea of trudging through the snow wearing a baby, I can tell you from experience that it's a lot easier wearing baby than trying to push a stroller through the snow on sidewalks and up snowbanks. I've had lots of questions recently about winter babywearing, so I thought I would share a few of my essentials for surviving the winter with a baby (or toddler) in tow.

Must Haves For Parent (Babywearer)

1. Flat Winter Boots with Good Tread

Babywearing is safe in most wintery conditions, but it's essential that you have good footing under you. A flat pair of properly fitting winter boots with a nice deep tread are ideal. You can also purchase boots with special grips or add traction devices to your shoes. I recommend that you don't babywear if there is an ice warning, it's a particularly slippery day, or if you have any injuries that could make you more likely to fall. 

2. Babywearing (& Pregnancy) Coat Adapter

Skip the snow suit and wear baby inside your coat! Bridge the Bump (Made locally by 2 West End Moms - See full review here) makes leaving the house with baby so much easier. All you have to do is dress baby in normal warm cloths (cozy pants, socks, a warm shirt, sweater, hat and booties - see below) and pop them in the carrier inside your coat with the insert zipped up. Having the baby directly in the carrier typically means that it will fit better (vs. if they have bulky winter gear on) and your body heat will keep you both warm. This is ideal for errands and trips where you will be going inside, as you can simply open your coat or take it off and baby can stay in their carrier without the dangers of overheating in their snow suit or trapping you in your warm coat. 

3. Slim Neckwarmer

Having the top of your coat open to accommodate a baby in a carrier can leave a gap around your neckline leaving your skin exposed to the weather. To cover up this gap and stay warm a slim fitting neck warmer is ideal. Be careful of large, bulky, loose scarves and neck warmers that could impede baby's fresh flow of air or cover their face in any way. This beautiful neck warmer from Bridge the Bump is a new fav of mine because it's super cozy but also slim, so it sits close to my skin and doesn't bother Penny. 

Must Haves For Baby

4. Winter Hat for Baby

When wearing our baby we always want them to be visible and kissable. Visible means we never want to cover baby's face with a blanket, carrier hood, or scarf, even in the winter months. Parents are very concerned about their baby staying warm in the cold weather, but when baby is facing in against an adult the body heat created should keep them nice and cozy. A winter hat, ideally something that covers the back of the neck, will keep baby warm, but not impede their fresh flow of air or block your view of their face. If you have concerns about your baby's skin getting chapped in the cold air you can apply a thick barrier cream such as Shea butter before heading out.

5. Winter Booties for Baby

Since your baby won't be in a snow suit in their carrier I recommend some cozy booties to keep their toes and legs nice and warm. There are tons of great booties out there, but I recently found these locally made ones from Mimitens and absolutely love them for little babes who aren't walking yet. They're thinsulate, water resistant, and have a leg warmer attached. This is key for me, because they are less likely to fall off and be lost on treacherous winter walks. It's never fun to realize you've lost one bootie from your favourite pair. I think these might actually survive a whole season!

The real winter weather has yet to arrive, but I know when it does Penny and I will be ready. I hope I've given you some winter babywearing inspiration. If you prep now you can enjoy a winter with your cozy babe in tow. *Don't forget to use code WITHCARE10 for 10% off Bridge The Bump.

- Care

 *This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or products/services for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with companies, services and institutions that I genuinely love and want to recommend.