Bingley Music Live 2017

Fantastic weekend. Only just unloaded the car. Here are a few pics from the weekend. The theme was blue.

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.

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.

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.

Let the camping begin. Thank to Shpock

So the camping bug returns. John and I did it loads, but a few trips with a baby grumpy James out us off. Apart from in the garden or at other people houses.
However, I've been itching to get a tent and try and again.
This is what we have brought. Vango, Colorado 600. It is a monster. I managed to get it for £50 from Shpock seconded. We pick it up on Sunday, I'm hoping it is in good nick. So looking forward to our trip.