Ambrosia Pastry

caneles de Bordeaux from http://ambrosiapastry.com/

On the hunt for Kitchener-Waterloo's best croissant, we stumbled across Ambrosia Pastry.  The search is over.  We have a winner:  Ambrosia Pastry.  Once a week on Saturday between 10-3, they have a 'pop-up pastry shop.'  I am in big trouble.  HUGE!

First of all, the croissants are life changing.  This week I only tried the chocolate croissants, but will be going back for the butter ones next Saturday.  Buttery, melty, flakey goodness.  And did I mention that Ambrosia specializes in handmade organic bean to bar chocolate?  Again... life changing.

The surprise find for me were the Caneles de Bordeaux (photo above).  It looks like it should be some sort of chocolatey delight.  However, Caneles are "A small French pastry  with a soft and tender custard center and a dark, thick honey caramelized crust."  It's like a mini creme brullee in a pastry.  Does it get any better than that?

I also tried a savoury brioche with carmelized onions that was amazing.  The kids had some sort of stack of macarons and cream that looked redonkulously good as well.

I will definitely be going back to Ambrosia.

Grand River Rocks!

We are constantly looking for fun family activities that are free, or relatively low cost. 
6 children = expensive outings.  If you have a larger family and are looking for family fun on a budget.... I highly recommend Grand River Rocks.

photo from Grand River Rocks

We have taken the kids there a few times, and are seriously considering becoming members in the future.
Family Pricing for one day is $40 (for us that works out to $5 per person).  Anyone can come to Grand River Rocks, sign a waiver, have a little safety lesson and you're good to go for bouldering. 
Bouldering is climbing this crazy 13ft tall structure that is dotted with little hand and footholds.  All our kiddies loved it!  Hubby and I enjoyed it too... but MAN it is hard work!

With a little more money, and a little planning.... you can do Top Rope climbing (harnessed climbing up a wall).  You need to take a lesson to learn how to belay (intro lesson $55 per person).  Info. for first time climbers here.

Five of our six kiddies participated in this summer's Climb, Dive, Bounce camp through Grand River Rocks.  They learned rock climbing, springboard diving, and trampoline skills.  This camp was a winner!  Everyone had a ball!  They adored the instructors!  More info. on camps here.

photo from Grand River Rocks