Monday, August 28, 2017

My first festival

For year I've been asked if I would like to go and see bands but that sort of thing never really took my fancy. However, Vic and Hol asked if I would like to go to Bingley festival as my birthday present and I jumped at the chance, not necessarily because I'm into music, but because it is chance to get away for a few days and have a girly time.
Should be good as there as actually bands on who I have heard of and even know I song or two. The line up included the Manics, Feeder, Wombats, Badly drawn boy and Kaiser Chiefs.
I jusy need to sort out what I need to pack. I don't pack light and need lots of stuff as you never know what the weather is going to be like and I like my comforts.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Big Whoops. Naked Facebook pics.

Got out the shower and Penny wanted me to take a picture of her in her new party dress and shoes on a horse. No problems. She then wanted to show Grandma her dress but as Grandma lives away we decided to post it on line. Isn't the internet great?

However, what I didn't realise until I had downloaded it to facebook and wanted to add a comment, was that there was me fully starkers reflected in the mirror. Delate Delate. I'm hoping I was quick enough.

Here is the photoshopped version.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Gloworm festival

Ages ago I order tickets for the Gloworm childrens festival at Clumber Park. We loved it. We managed to get day tickets for £40 for the family and once inside most things including fairground rides, workshops and activites were free. We had a slow start getting into the festival, it was a bit disorganised but once in it was great.
We headed off to the outdoors area where James tried out his caving skills. He was wasn't keen on it, but stuck it out. We had a go at football, holding chicks and mice made a den and a bug house. After that and befor lunch we headed for the rides. These were a great hit with my three. They were only little ones but ideal and no queues. Even Izzy had a go. This was followed by lunch while listening to some bands. Afterwards we had a wonder and the kids went on 2 soft play buses, donkeys, and giant play equipment. Then we dashed over to the dizo zone and saw a real T-Rex with his owner. James even got to strike him, though he did roar at him and knock him off his bale. I managed to see a bit of The Chuckle Brothers who were fab and entertaining. Then more rides until home time.
The place didn't seem very big when we first arrived but we barely saw any of it, not that it mattered. There were planty of well tended, clean toliets which was also good.
Needless to say we will be definitely going back next year, maybe with the view to camping ang staying the weekend, as there are bands on in the evening.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Warwick castle (camping part 2).

After a goodnights sleep we set off to Warwick castle. It was great the kids loved it. It is quite pricey so 2 for 1 vouchers are a must and the car park is a trek from the castle and cost £6.
Apart from that we really enjoyed it. There was lots to do and the weather was good for us.
We headed to the Princess story time bit first, which you have to book. It was ok. There was a bit of story with a mystery which the children had to solve to help the Princess get her Prince. Next we headed to the civil war jousting. It was difficult for the children to see as we arrived just as it started and the place was heaving. We all ended up with kids on our shoulders. Again it was really good the actors got the kids excited and yelling for Lancaster or York depending what side you were sitting. It had fighting, sword play and horses and if you listened to the story it was quite informative. Just as that finished the Horrid Histories play started, this I loved. It was two actors telling the history of Warwick Castle. It was funny for both the children and grown up with songs, silliness and slapstick. Loved it. Then we had a look at the birds which Iz liked. We also saw the trebuchet in action, followed by the birds of prey.



Then a tril to the shop for Princess dress, tiaras, swords, bows and arrows and shields. Pocket money spend there was time for them to sword fight for a bit. Then round the castle. I wish I could have spend a little most time in here. I love history but the kids only have a limited patience and why be inside looking at paintings when you could be outside fighting with your new toys. Penny was funny, she was wearing her Princess dress pretending that it was her castle showing me around.
Then while Dad had a break we climbed the towers. Gosh there was some steps. Penny had to strip the Princess dress off as she couldn't climb in it. The views were impressive. 
Finally, we did the horrid histories maze which was a good ending to a very tiring but brillent day.


Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Camping success.

Last weekend we ventured out on our first camping trip as a familt of five. Armed with our new to us six man tent and a carfull of camping papaphernalia off we went to Milton Keynes.
Arrived at the campsite in the pouring rain and it didn't stop. John and I got soaked getting the tent up. Col and Marley arrived just as we were putting the last few guy rope on. I swear they were parked up somewhere watching us the get the thing up.
The place we stayed was called Grove Lock Marina. It was ideal, plenty of space for the kids to run, they allowed ball games and best of all there was a little shelter complete with fire, picnic table, chairs, wood and coal with a note saying help ourselves, which we did. Dad and Lynsey turned up later to their caravan.
We tried the contain the kids in the tent but in the end it was easier to suit and boot them in waterproofs and wellies and let them run off steam which they did for most the evening. The shelter and fire was a Godsend and we made the most of it. Cooking our tea of hotdogs and soup followed by hot chocolate and toasted marshmellows. Apart from me thinming I would squash Iz on the airbed and the air bed having a hole. We all slept well.





Bletchley Park was the plan for the next day. So Col and I managed to cook a cooked breakfast for everyone on two ringed stove. The weather seemed better, so we packed a picnic and off we went.
Bletchley was ok, but it was dull for the kids. Marley is really into war and there hardly anything that interested him. There was lots of reading but it didn't relate tot he children even though we told them the interesting bits. There wasn't a lot of sfuff to look at either. It was disappointing.





Friday, August 04, 2017

Take a breath

As much as I love the children being at home and me not working, the novelty is starting to wear off. I think it is the noise and the mess. We have never been a completely tidy house, but the toys scattered around at the moment. I have imposed a nightly tidy up before a film then bed.
Heading camping next week which will be a change of scenery. I do love them being at home and spending time with them, I just could do with a few mintues of peace.

Wednesday, August 02, 2017

Stanwick Lakes

On Sunday before we picked up the tent we visited Stanwick Lakes, near Kettering. It wasn't a place I had heard of before,but we would definitely be going again.
It start off with it is free, apart from the car park charge of £5.50, which is great. There is an enormous wooden play area, with a little stream running at the bottom of it, which had stepping stones. There is a water play bit, with pumps, puddles, pipes and dams. As well as that there is a small sand bit for younger children. There are also tunnel slides which if you go down you end up in a big puddle at the bottom.

Before we ventured into the playarea we took a short walk area the lakes. Blackberries were ready so the kids picked and eat them as we went. We came across some interesting scuptures as well as a some assult course. Even though there is a cafe we took a picnic and despite the rain, had it under a tree. Than had a go on the assult course which was a lottle big for my three. After we headed back to the play area and after a much need coffee and ice cream the kids dived in and splashed about until they were almost unrecognisable and covered in water, sand and mud. Taking spare clothes is a most, as are wellies for parents if you are not a fan of getting your feet wet.