Category: Family Time

We’d heard alot about Center Parcs through friends but each time we’d had a look it had been just too expensive through the summer holidays. Luckily with the boys school they go back a week later than most and the price had dropped loads so we decided to give it a go.

Day 1: The journey there was pretty quick, only taking us just over an hour. We parked up the car and headed off to get our cycles. I haven’t ridden for years and even when I did have a bike I really didn’t enjoy riding. I had one when I lived abroad and my house was at the top of a hill and it was torturous riding home, it really put me off since. But…and this is the great part….I managed to hire an electric bike at Center Parcs. Omg it’s my new best friend.  I could – not definitely – but could be tempted to looking into one for home. Anyway, for there it was amazing and gave me a chance to explore with the kids, feeling happy and at ease with the bike. So, we got to grips with the bikes and cycled the 20 mins or so to our accommodation which we found without too much trouble. I have a habit , which I don’t know is good or bad but when I go on holiday I sometimes shut off whole aspects of wanting to take charge. I let my OH sort directions and what we are doing as I can’t face being the decision maker while I’m on holiday. I’m pretty much in control within my job and am normally that way at home so I love shutting off and taking a complete step back. The accommodation was great, it doesnt really look it from the outside but it was new, comfy and warm.

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Day 2: Saw rabbits jumping around outside the lodge. Full fried brekkie which I’m sure still seems alien to my OH, his normal german breakfast is pretty far removed from mine at the best of times. We then went on a treasure trail as a family activity on the bikes, great fun hunting for the clues which led to different boards with letters on them. The boys were good but kept having little arguments over nothing which got a bit frustrating. They are like moths to a flame the pair of them, they can’t bear to be apart, but when they are together they are constantly bickering. We saw another family that we knew and when I said hi what a great time we were all having it quickly fell into hearing that her kids had been doing exactly the same! It always gives me reassurance that we are not alone when I see it happening with other families who normally look as if they have got it sussed. Swimming was enjoyed by all of us and the water slides rounded off the day. I went down the rapids which were very good, choppy and thrilling, another thing I loved there.

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Day 3: And I started to feel the effects of all the biking, exercise and water slides – feeling battered and really tired. We had pottery painting which we had pre booked and had a lovely large table to spread out on and let our creative flair go wild! It was a really relaxing activity, we all settled into a comfortable silence painting away for a good half hour before little G started to get fidgety. As he was painting his train the lady there came across and said that it was the first train in their new range and she would give it to him for free! That was a real bonus as each piece we picked were between £15-£17 each. After that we were starving so we treated ourselves to lunch in the pancake house where we refueled before heading back to the lodge for an hour of den building while the OH went and had a bit of quiet time walking through the Red Woods. Early evening saw us back down at the pool and this time big M was allowed to go down the rapids with the OH and I in turn. He was chuffed to bits as he was desperate to go on them and I’d been a bit nervous about it until I’d done it myself to check it out. He was fine and I loved going down them together with him.

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Day 4: saw us having a lazy morning and another big breakfast followed by a bike ride down to the beach area they have on site. We had brought with us a set of Boules which we played in the sun. It got very competitive and in mummy style I fought until I won!  The boys then had a quick play in the park and went back to our lodge to finish off the den. We were all back at the water park later to finish the holiday with more slides and rapids.

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All in all a great holiday for us…..glad to get home aswell for the rest:)

Have you tried any of the holiday parks around, did it go well? I’d love to hear about them, you can share some of your best…or worst in the comments.

My other half arrived home with a tent the other day which he had borrowed from a work colleague. The boys had never camped outside in a tent and he decided that now was the time to change that…..

Each year since the boys were little we have always had an annual holiday in a caravan or static mobile home at a camping village. Even though we have done this the boys have never actually camped outside in a tent. I wasn’t aware of this but it had obviously been going through my other halfs head and this is what resulted in him returning home from the office with a two-man tent under his arm and a grin on his face!

When I asked my other half what he was thinking, he said  that he was honoured to introduce the boys to the excitement of back garden camping!
I could almost hear the beating of fists on chest as he said it!

The scene at my house – fact!

The boys were beside themselves with excitement and it was one of those moments you want to bottle so that you never forget the scent of those great family moments. They kinda help when you have those days when you’re left pulling your hair out and exhausted when it hasn’t all gone as planned!

So off they went into the garden around 9pm and I didn’t see them until Big M came into my room in the morning around 8am buzzing about the night outside, he was so chuffed. It was wonderful! The night went without a hitch. I’m amazed that they slept at all considering the ground is beaten down to hard earth where the boys play football, there’s hardly a blade of grass to be seen.

The next night it was pouring with rain so Little G couldn’t go and do the same but had to contain his excitement for a further 24hrs which isn’t particularly easy for him, but he managed brilliantly. The night came round for him to make his leap into camping firsts and just before he goes outside….his wobbly tooth comes out – talk about timing!! We decided to put the tooth under his pillow in his room as we agreed that the tooth fairy might get confused if it wasn’t there and not know where he was!

Once again off they trotted and this time I was more concerned that he might want to come back in or that at some point the dark might spook him. There was nothing to worry about, the boys are growing up and my other half is guiding them in ways that are helping them to become rounded individuals. Little G, like his brother, came running into me in the morning, bouncing on the bed raving about his night out.

The biggest excitement was being allowed to wee in a bucket in the middle of the night…even though the house is only 20 steps away!! Men!! I can’t wait until that little gem comes out in the middle of the supermarket!

2016 has been a great year so far, I wanted to take a snapshot of 5 of my favourite 2016 moments. Some of those things that I wanted to celebrate and share what has made us happy.

I realised when I started writing that actually there are many many more…this could easily be a weekly post! But here are just a few to start with.

It’s a year for roses and the other day my eldest son ‘M’ and I went around each of our roses and spent time to smell the scent of the different types. The look on M’s face as he really took to the moment was pretty incredible. The experience struck me as I was stood there with him and I am so thankful to have this beautiful memory. The garden has been a great source of fun and relaxation. Little ‘G’ also did his first vlog outside.

AFC Bournemouth brings joy to all of us, the club had its first year ever in the premier league and its rags to riches story was well publicised when they went up. As a family we have been attending for years and even have a brick on the ‘cherry brick road’ at the front of the club. For us it’s a family affair with 3 generations attending our home games as season ticket holders. The great crowd and friends make it a very special club.

My birthday ring from Tiffany & Co! I was so so pleased to receive this gorgeous ring which I had hoped one day would come my way. My partner brought it for me and  I love it!

Burns night at mine with the girls – we had such a great evening and threw ourselves into celebrating this great Scottish tradition. I love spending time with my girlfriends and letting our hair down. I feel blessed to have such great friends and family.

Enjoying our holiday to Spain with the boys and my mum. We’ve found a great place to holiday that suits all of our needs and we enjoy having this trip together year after year.

Thats a few bits and bobs which spring to mind. Mainly we are lucky that all of us are fit and healthy and are together enjoying the year and all that it throws at us.

How are you enjoying your year so far?