Boxing Day Stomp

This Christmas I was let off the cooking duties as we were spending Christmas Day with my parents. Santa had left a large sack of pressies outside Callum's bedroom door over night ... and it took him over 90 minutes to open all the little presents. The first one he opened was a little car and was so interested in playing with that, he wasn't too bothered about opening anything else.

It was a really relaxing day though - Mum had put on a fantastic spread (although we did find the peas in the microwave the next day!) and Callum enjoyed it too ... especially the parsnips and the Christmas Pud. Thanks Mum!

Callum was spoilt rotten with loads of toys and pajamas, Jon got his Wii and mini remote control helicopter and I got PhotoShop Elements 6 and some gorgeous earrings from my parents.

Even though the weather was pretty pants during the day, there was the most gorgeous sunset.
We did managed to get out for walk across the common on Boxing Day. Blue skies and sunshine - not really what you expect at this time of the year! Loads of muddy puddles for Callum to jump in and wade through.

I have a Niece!!

Miracles do sometimes happen.

My brother has three boys ... so when he and Nicky announced #4 was on the way, we all expected Granny Jackson would get her fifth grandson to form the Five-A-Side Football team. Even they were expected another boy.

Anyway, when I got the phone call to say I was an Aunty again, I thought my little bro was winding me up when he said "It's a girl!". I think my reaction was something on the lines of, "Yeah right, what's his his name and how's Nicky and baby!"

Ooops!

I don't normally like buying pink for girls ... but this time I did, because I could!!

I don't think David and Nicky have to worry about buying clothes for their daughter - ever. Mum will certainly flex her plastic on their behalf as long (as she avoids buying frills :)) Also with three doting aunty's on the case ...

When Jon's in the US ...

Jon's been out to the US for a week and EVERY time he goes away, things inevitably go a bit pear-shaped.

He hadn't been out of the house for 24 hours when the boiler decides to play up. It misses Jon so much it decides to throw a wobbly and shut itself off. Shame this normally co-incides with a cold spell so Callum and I wake up freezing cold. Well, rather Callum wakes up with ice blocks for hands and feet as he hates being covered up by the duvet. This happened a few times and Jon must get the guys back as something is definitely not right.

The other thing that goes wrong is that Callum gets sick ... this time he picked up some form of sickness bug and couldn't keep any food down him. I was a bit worried about him so moved him into the travel cot in our room so could keep an eye on him ... 4 hours sleep in two nights is nowhere near enough for me ... and the next thing I know I go down with it and get even less sleep!

Poor Jon didn't know what hit him when he got home on the Friday. Just about made it downstairs ... threw Callum at him and went back to bed. I've never been so pleased to see him!

Whatever the bug was it was highly contagious as Jon went down with it on Sunday ... and the neighbours on Tuesday! Callum only just got back to eating a proper meal this week ... Jon managed to coax him round and so far, touch wood.

Back to Aidensfield!

Cannot believe how good the weather has been - just one rain shower last night, but nothing during the day but blue or cloudy skies.

On Tuesday we headed over to Masham to visit the Black Sheep Brewery - a fab ale that Jon's discovered in recent years. A lovely lunch was followed by a chat and quick tour of the brewery. Afterwards, we decided to set off for Aysgarth Falls (where the river fight scenes with Robin Hood and Little John were filmed in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) however, we didn't make it. Callum had eaten something that disagreed with him and was really ill in the car (luckily we did have a change of clothes for him). A quick mop-up job and nothing else for it but to turn around and head back to the cottage, albeit 90 mins away!! Thank goodness the cottage had a washing machine so we could sort his clothes and the car seat covers out (although trying to figure out how to disassemble and reassemble the car seat took a while!).

He was still a bit out of sorts as he wasn't really eating much on Wednesday morning, but decided to risk him in the car to visit Jon's parents as planned. We saw Jon's Aunty & Uncle and it was lovely to catch up with them and for them to see Callum. He did fall asleep for most of the time we were there but 10 mins before this, he was a whirlwind of potential destruction at their house having a really good explore around and opening all the cupboards and drawers!

Today we went back to Goathland as we thought it would be nice to take Callum on a Steam Train. However, when we arrived, they were just about to start filming a scene or two of Heartbeat so Goathland was no more ... it was Aidensfield! We watched a bit of filming - David and Aunt Peggy outside Scripps Garage ... but Callum started to become a bit vocal so headed off quickly before we got told off. It should appear in an episode next February/March.

In the afternoon we headed into Whitby for a wander and got to see some parts of the town I hadn't seen before. No queues outside the infamous Magpie Cafe (best place for fish and chips apparently), but it was too early for tea. Oh well, may be next time.

We stopped for tea at "The Board" in Lealholm. Fab little pub with a lovely fire roaring away. The steaks were huge and did feel a bit guilty as they were from the farm across the way ... and had been driving passed the cows for the last couple of days. Callum had Shepherds Pie and from the mouthful I had it was the best one I'd ever tasted. Very scrummy.

Last night tonight - heading home tomorrow.

Coastal Tours

Spent a lovely day today driving up the North Yorkshire coast. I am amazed just how wonderful the beaches are up here ... just a shame the North Sea is so damn cold!!

Beautiful weather again today although a little chilly when sat in the shade. Our first stop was Runswick Bay. At first we thought the car park was at the top of the cliff (a very high cliff!) ... but a short walk down the path we saw there was another car park down below so turned around and drove down.

The beach was gorgeous - something for all ages whether you want to build sand castles or go clambering over the rocks. Callum also discovered seaweed and for a moment we thought we would have to bring some back with us!! He was dragging it around the beach like a puppy.

Next port of call was the old fishing village of Staithes. This time we did have to park the car at the top of the cliff and a short walk brought us into the village. It's narrow windy streets with the narrowest of alleys branching off brings an eclectic charm, but for any modern day person, you'd have to be car-less as there is hardly any parking down the hill. We had lunch on the harbour at the Cod and Lobster before bracing ourselves for the short, but steep walk back to the car.

Heading northwards up the coast (and now in desperate need of a bank - very few places take cards!!), we ended up at Saltburn. We've driven through it on numerous occasions when visiting Jon's Granda in Easington but never stopped before. Saltburn Pier makes frequent appearances on Heartbeat! We found the most fantastic coffee shop that has the widest range of milk shakes you could imagine (and were very clued up on what was gluten free - Ollie would had been in his element - it's not often you stumble across this.)

Oh and if anyone can fill us in on why there are 6 mini-portraits of Brian Blessed painted on the sea-front wall, we love to know!

We needed to kill some time before tea, so drove home the long way 'round via Guisborough. We were too late to get close up to the ruined Abbey, so had to be content peering over the church walls. It would also appear that the map we are using has roads on that are non-existent. We headed home and ended up in a farm yard (no through road) and had to backtrack! Oops!

Found a lovely pub though for tea in Ainthorpe (nr Danby) - The Fox and Hounds. Very generous portions and the beef Jon had was so tender it kept falling off the fork!

Got back to the farm and discovered we weren't the only tenants in the cottage - we have a very friendly field mouse!! I went to grab a glass of wine and saw two little eyes staring at me from behind the bottle. Well, we are very rural and it is more his home than ours!!

A Touch of Heartbeat Magic!!

We've arrived in the North Yorkshire Moors for a bit of a break ... journey up was pretty good as we detoured a serious accident at East Ilsley by taking the country route. Traffic was queuing back up to the M4 so we would have been stuck for ages had we joined it.

We arrived at Nab End Farm in the middle of nowhere near Glaisdale about 5pm. It's a cottage on a farm Jon's ancestors farmed way back in 1841! It's very remote, very quiet, down very narrow lanes with steep inclines/descents to negotiate!

Had a leisurely day today. Went to Goathland ... where Heartbeat is filmed and the station there was also used as the Station for Hogwarts in the first Harry Potter film. Saw the steam trains arrive and Callum enjoyed the comings and goings although wasn't to keen on the noise as they started to pull away. Trains were very busy as there was a special event on, but hopefully we'll get to take him on a steam train later in the week.

Afterwards, we headed into Whitby to walk along the Cleveland Way to Saltwick Bay. A book in the cottage had a photo of a stunning wreck on the beach however the book was published back in the 1990's and most of the wreck has since disappeared. Lovely walk though ... and the views of Whitby Abbey were stunning.

Had tea in the Arncliffe Arms (the only pub in Glaisdale) ... Callum was brilliantly behaved as we had to wait 45 minutes before the kitchen started cooking. It's amazing how you can keep a two year old amused with a book and two toy cars - more luck than anything else me thinks!! Food was really good though and worth the wait. Jon had scampi - really light with the best variation on tartare sauce we'd tasted - had bits of seafood in it and Callum loved it more than ketchup!

Oh, Jon had a pint of Black Sheep Bitter and remembered the brewery was fairly close by at Masham. Guess I'll know where we'll be going later this week!

The Delights of Cold Callers - NOT

Horrible experience today - cold caller (a tree surgeon) decided to call around today and I ended up being verbally abused on my own driveway (and in front of my son too). He called and said he topped out conifers down a couple of years back and wanted to know if we wanted them cutting down again. He had never set foot on out property before - I told him very politely that he hadn't, to which he responded with a tirade of verbal abusive calling me a liar and all the names under the sun (in front of DS too). After he finished, he strangely assumed I would want him to cut back our trees and offered me a leaflet (brain addled or what).

I said I would take it but only to take the details and to tell everyone I knew NOT to use his company - so no, I didn't get the leaflet.

Still not sure whether to report this incident (to who not sure - he probably owns the company so no good would come of contacting them), as I would hate another person to be on the other end of this abuse. Apparently he did some work for one of the houses behind us, so may find out the name of the company.

Really shook me up - NEVER expected to be abused like this on my own driveway.

Anyway, the tree surgeon we used last time was a chap called Roger Molley and he did a fantastic job and would whole-heartedly recommend him to anyone out there.

Party Time!!

We had a little party for Callum and some of his friends on Saturday. Once again the weather was kind and the rain stayed away!! It meant that the kids had the full run of the garden ... and Callum got to play on the bouncy castle he got for his birthday. Great fun.

Callum was as thick as thieves with the little boy who lives across the close. It's amazing just how pally these two have become so quickly. Everything Callum did, Ryan followed and vice versa. It should be said that all the kids got on brilliantly together - no tears during the whole afternoon!

Yesterday (Monday), Beverley, Kate and myself ran the risk of going to Legoland. It had rained all night and first thing that morning so the weather didn't appear to be in our favour. However for most of the day, we enjoyed bright blue skies. One downpour in the afternoon is all we had.

Great day out - the kids all enjoyed the roller-coaster rides as all the two year olds were over 90 cms and Beverley and I enjoyed some of the bigger rides as there were no queues at all. Next year they should be there or there about the 1 metre mark so will be able to go on the bigger/faster rides.

Changing Call Sign: Life With A Two Year Old

As of today, this blog is officially changing call sign. Callum is TWO today. Happy Birthday!!

He woke up about 7am this morning and we sat in bed with a pile of presents. He managed to open two - two in an hour! He was very sweet as when he opened a present, he just HAD to play with it. And when he opened the box set of cars, no further presents were opened. Each car had to be careful taken out the box, stroked, smiled at, wowed at, brummed a little then put back in the box! 20 cars later ....

May be by the weekend, he'll have opened all his pressies. But then again ...

We just about made it out the house by 9am. Even though Jon was away, I still wanted to take Callum out for the day. One of my friends and her son offered to keep us company and we all had a fab day.

We went to Marwell Zoo - I had been there five years ago and wasn't overally impressed, but so much had changed. The viewing points at most of the enclosures had been hugely improved so kiddies in buggies could see in. There were even some walk through enclosures which were great fun.

In the Australian Walk-About section they had wallabies jumping about and also Kookaburras flying about. These were people-birds! Anyone that walked in got stalked by the Kookaburras ... they even tried to have Callum's toes for lunch!!

There's so much to see you really need the full day there. One our way out we passed the snow leopard enclosure. All three were out playing (and the viewing areas had huge glass panels so there was no wires to distract). They were stunning and gorgeous and we just had to take one home with us. Callum is now the proud owner of a Snowy!

We got back to a pile of parcels left on the doorstep, 5 answer phone calls of birthday messages, numerous text messages and a visit from one of Callum's godfathers (sorry Jim, Callum had zonked about about 20 mins before you arrived).

I've just downloaded about 500 photos on to the computer from the last two days (over half have been deleted) and I'm now trying to figure out if any are suitable for this module of the Painting With Light Course.

Legoland - It's a Hoot, Hoot!

On Tuesday Bev, I and the kids decided to squeeze in one last visit to Legoland before it closes for winter. We set off bright and early, and made good time to Windsor. All too good to be true as when we arrived, the barriers were down; the park was closed for two days!! Grrrr

Not to be defeated, we headed down to Paultons Park, nr Southampton. It was completely the opposite direction but what the heck; an hour or so later, we arrived in time for lunch!

Neither of us had been to PP before, but friends had recommended it as being great for young kids. We did have a lovely day in the end, especially as both Callum and Hannah could go on rides as they are now both over 90 cms tall!!!! Callum had his first ride on a roller coaster. He cried before we got on and when we got off, but not during the ride. Either he was too scared to utter a cry or liked it, I'm not quite sure!

Probably the thing Callum loved most was being able to run around. The park was really quiet (like in places there was no-one else around!) so it was very easy to keep an eye on the kids.

They seem to be adding more rides suitable for the older kids, so plenty to keep the whole family amused!

We had a great time though - thanks Bev!

Jon's currently out in India with work for a couple of days. We're going to miss him as he's away for Callum's birthday tomorrow - he turns TWO!! Just where have the last two years gone????

Here's my efforts for Week Three of the Painting With Light Photo Course. Quite chuffed this week as one of my photos made the Photographers Top Ten favourite shots of the week! I was getting a little despondent with this weeks module as we need to get in close. We don't have a macro lens for the Digi SLR so had to revert to the IXUS.

Here's the photo that made the top ten. As featured on a gravestone in St Mary's Churchyard.


Here are the others that captured the spirit of this weeks module (was getting desperate - even our BBQ tea made an appearance!

Nic's Getting Married!!

The news that we've been expecting for ages has finally arrived!!

Nic's getting married!! Nic met Aly on holiday in Egypt 18 months or so ago and ever since have been dating long-distance between England and Sardinia (where Aly lives). She went over for a long weekend last weekend. He proposed and she said "Yes".

All very exciting ... the wedding plans are well under way as the plan is to get married in Venice later this year!!

Back to the Usual Routine!

The schools have gone back this week so all the usual activities have restarted. We've had to move our Tumbletot session to a Friday morning as the new Wednesday timings meant it was slap-bang in the middle of playtime with some friends. However, Fridays are now crazy ... Tumbletots then swimming in the afternoon, then I try and go to Badminton in the evenings. I'm shattered before I even start the badminton. I doubt we'll be carrying on Tumbletots after half term as it's just too much for Callum in one day (and me!).

It was a much nicer swimming lesson today too. We've a new instructor who seems very nice who is now working alongside the nice swimming teacher from the previous terms. The "old" one, whilst I'm sure very well qualified, never smiled, never interacted with the kids and never got in the water. She didn't seem to enjoy teaching the children so we were not surprised when we had a new teacher. The lesson was much more fun - doing lots of different things in the water, rather than just been sent out to swim after ducks for most of the session.

We were back at Beale Park yesterday and it was lovely and quiet. Not many people there at all.


We wandered around after lunch and Callum got very excited as there were lots of fast planes flying overhead. Perfect timing - the Red Arrows were putting on a display. Tried to take some photos, but not that many came out well.

I've also completed another module this week and am much happier with the photos I've taken - weather was much kinder. Took loads of photos but most are ending up in the trash canThank goodness for digital photography ... if we were working with traditional film technology it would be costing me (or rather Jon!) a fortune!.

Here's the best of this weeks photos.

Birthday Season!

It's that fun time off year once more when all of Callum's friends have their birthdays. Cannot believe that they are all turning two!! So far we've been to seven parties plus a join birthday BBQ with one of the groups of mum's I meet up with ... we've another 3 to go plus Callum's birthday party.

Jon's parents and sister came over for the Bank Hols weekend. The weather was glorious although a little too hot on Sunday. Callum had lots of fun playing out in the garden with his Gran and Granda.









We've also completed the first module on the photography course. With having visitors over the Bank Hols, I couldn't get out to take too many photos. I did learn a lot - it's just a shame this wasn't reflected in my photos. It is something I know I will use again and again, especially when the sun is right!

I met up MJ and her son at Greenham Common on Thursday to try and take some more photos but the sun decided to do a disappearing act. We did however take some gorgeous photos of the wild ponies on the common. Oh, and Callum was introduced to blackberries and loved them.

We had a very relaxing weekend though. On Saturday we popped into town and called to see my parents on the way home. I finally completed the digi scrapbook album as a thank-you for taking us all on hols. They were both really chuffed although Dad did make a comment that he was only on one photo in the whole album!! He's worse than me for staying behind the camera.

On Sunday we went to Combe Gibbet (nr Inkpen) and to Wilton Windmill - I hadn't been to either place before and thought they might be some good photo opportunities.

Not too bad, but my better photos were non-module related!!

We're heading out with MJ on Tuesday to try and find a good location for photos ... fingers crossed the sun makes an appearance.

Painting with Light Photo Course

Have just signed up for a 10 week on-line "Painting with Light" photo course being run Cheryl Johnson. Really do want to learn how I can get the most out of our Digi SLR and take really good shots more often! Anyone that knows me, knows I prefer being behind the camera, but this means there are not that many photos of me.

The first challenge we've been set is to take a self portrait with your name in the frame (so you can't cheat and use an old photo!). Jon's flying out to Copenhagen today and Callum tucked up asleep so I ventured out into the garden to have a play.

I've left my mark in chalk around the garden in various places (hopefully the rain will wash it away!).

Don't think my efforts were too bad ... considering the subject!


We also had to choose our two favourite shots ... and two shots that didn't work as you'd hoped.

These are the two shots I have selected as my favourites ...

Taken in Las Vegas in 2001 with an IXUS 300 - it's my arty interpretation of the Paris Hotel on the strip.


This sunset was taken in Hawaii in 2002 (Canon S40) and was quite pleased I managed to capture the colours and get the foreground as a silhouette.

Now for the ones that didn't quite work ...

The monkey photo was taken at London Zoo last month with our Canon EOS 350D - the monkeys were moving so quickly and am disappointed I couldn't get the focussing right.


I love taking photos of Callum and this shot is one of my favourites ... although I am not happy with the lighting. Captured more by fluke as the Canon S40 has a bit of a delay in taking the photo!

I popped along to MJ's All Day Crop yesterday too whilst Jon kept Callum entertained! Managed to get three scrapbook layouts done, lots of gossiping and fair few cups of tea drunk (and we don't mention the chocolate cake and biscuits eaten!) . It's a great bunch of ladies and everyone always great day. Most will be mad enough to last the 12 hours it's on ... I left them to it about 5.30pm. Thanks a mill for a great day MJ!

Shooting Stars and Space Stations

We had fantastically clear skies in the evenings this weekend ... and I got to see my first shooting stars (and second, third and fourth!). We also saw the International Space Station pass overhead (with Space Shuttle docked) ... well it was more of a "star" moving across the sky but we can still say we saw it.

The last couple of weeks have been pretty hectic - as the weather was so good, we've been out and about. We headed over the Finkley Down Farm in Andover with a friend and her two children and had a lovely day. Lots of farm animals so Callum feed a few goats and also groomed a horse. There's also a pretend cow you could milk too. Big hit with Callum were all the diggers and tractors you could play on.

Children say the sweetest things though. I was driving and the Sat Nav was on. My friends son suddenly piped up and asked "What are Road Bears". I looked at my friend, she looked at me ... both confused. Then the Sat Nav chirps up "Road Bears Right in 500 yards". He'd been looking left and right and couldn't see any. Bless.

We've also been to Beale Park a fair few times, making the most of the season ticket. It's so much busier in the school holidays and you need eyes in the back of your head to keep track of where Callum and his friends are. Dressing them in the brightest possible clothes helps pick them out quite quickly.

We're also well into the rounds of birthday parties for all Callum's little friends. They are all turning two - I really do not know where the last two years have gone.

The Aftermath

We awoke this morning to blue skies and sunshine - hard to believe that less than 12 hours ago much of our estate was underwater.

We took a quick walk through the estate this morning and most of the water has somehow drained away. It's awful seeing people coping with the aftermath. Some have been lucky and the water only got into their garages. For others, water had got into their houses and they were having to rip out carpets and furniture. Very sad indeed to see this happening on your own doorstep.

Keep your fingers crossed that the rain forecast over the coming days is not heavy.

Nice Weather ... if you're a Duck!

I never in million years thought we'd see rainfall as we've seen today. It's been awful. It started raining last night about 10.30pm ... and it didn't stop until 3pm or so this afternoon.

We have been EXTREMELY lucky as we're tucked away in a corner of the estate. The fact that we are on a slight slope and our cul-de-sac is slightly higher up than everyone else has saved us from flooding. Sadly not everyone on our estate has been so lucky.

At 1pm the rain had eased so I had walked to the end of our road. Well, Agricola Way was a river. Water was gushing from Station Road, through fences and gardens into Agricola Way and flowing quickly towards Pipers Way.

At 3pm, I had to go to the Post Office, and wandered over to the shops (had to come back and put my wellies on though as water was very deep). The local shops had a close escape. Water had come right up to the doors but thankfully stayed there. The car park by the doctors surgery was under inches of water.

Station Road was flooded and water was pouring down from here heading towards Agricola Way and Wheelers Green Way. But there was no where for it to go. The drain system was so full, water was pouring up and adding to the problem.

Callum needed to get out of the house so Jon and I took him for a walk. We were shocked at the sights we saw. The water appeared to be receding at our end of Agricola Way, but further down it was a complete mess. The road was waist deep in places and lots of houses were badly flooded. The aerial views of an estate in Thatcham on BBC News are of this part of our estate.

You couldn't walk down Betteridge Road to get to Wheelers Green Way - water was up to the tops of the car tyres. Walking by the shops, it became obvious that WGW was impassable too. There were people trying to get through, but the wake they were creating was causing more misery for those people trying desparately to bail water out of their houses.

We then walked down Station Road to the the Station(!), and the roundabout there was underwater with cars stranded mid-road. The Swan Pub carpark was flooded and chances are the pub hadn't escaped either. Pipers Way wasn't much better with vans and cars abandoned in the water.

Jon walked around to Pipers Way. There's a flood plain just around the corner that must be 8 feet below road level and used as a playing field (massive - must be the size of several football pitches). Well, Thatcham now has a boating lake - you couldn't tell the road from the "lake" in places.

Paths had been washed away. Cars and vans abandoned on any dry bit of land. I've never seen so many people out on the estate EVER (not even for Thatcham Carnival!). Those that weren't affected were taking photos and just gob-smacked by what they saw. Those that had been affected were trying their best to clear up.

Mum and Dad had a narrow escape. They live at the top of a hill (so you'd think they'd be safe) but the water came up to the damp course level but thankfully didn't get inside the house. The garden was completely flooded too but the bloomin' rabbits are still having a whale of time splashing about. They are eating my parents out of house and home. Anything they plant, the rabbits eat! Bucklebury Village has been badly hit - the church is under 3 feet of water.

Thatcham as a whole seems to have been hit quite badly. The water pouring off Henwick fields was a waterfall and houses along the A4 were waist deep in water. It was quicker to wade than drive today!

Hardly surprising but our last swimming lesson was cancelled ... more water in the car park than in the pool! We were meant to be meeting up with friends for a meal and to see the latest Harry Potter film tonight. No chance, we can't get out of our estate. Hopefully they'll make it though.

We've Been Cloned :-(

Not a happy bunny today - our car number plate's been cloned!! I got a notice through the post saying we hadn't paid the congestion charge for last Wednesday (our car was sat on the drive all day) but the photo included was our number plate.

It's been reported to the police (not a lot they can do) and we've been warned that we'll be stopped by the police as our number plate will be flagged from now on.

Grrrr!

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On Saturday we went to London Zoo and had a lovely day out. As well as my Dad's Birthday, it was Jon's mam's birthday and as Margaret & Ray were staying in London with Nic for the weekend, the Zoo would be the perfect place to go.

None of us had been there before (apart from a Christmas Party ages ago), but I was pleasantly surprised. They have a fab walk-through Monkey enclosure and a Rainforest exhibit (with more monkeys close up). The penguin feeding time was great fun to watch (especially the Rock Hoppers).

Some parts till needed more investment, but they've made a really good start. Whipsnade is the sister Zoo to London Zoo and they've got a Lemur walk-through enclosure so this is now on our must see list (and you can get in using Tesco Deals Tokens which we like!).

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On Thursday Callum and I headed off to Legoland with the other mums and their kids and had a great day. Thanks to Tesco Vouchers, I managed to get an Annual Pass. There was too much to see and do in one day, and we could only go on a fraction of the rides as Callum wasn't quite tall enough to go on most of the rides (a cm or so too short).

The kids all loved the water park. We got them changed into swimming nappies and had great fun splashing about and playing in the water jets.

The Miniland area we missed out completely as we didn't have time. I know Jon will find this part the most interesting so we'll catch it later in the year.

Baltic Sea Cruise

It's been ages since my last post and a lot has happened.

We've been on holiday with my parents, David, Nicky and the boys. It was a special treat from my parents to celebrate their Ruby Wedding. They LOVE cruising and wanted to show us why they enjoy it. Mum let us "kids" choose the cruise ... and we opted for one taking in the Baltic Sea rather than the Med. Partly because of the heat (David doesn't do sun!) and also we thought there'd be less kids on board (so we could get them in the night nursery!).

The ship (Aurora - P&O) was huge. It had a 500 seat theatre, cinema, umpteen bars, four restaurants, three swimming pools, a paddling pool, fantastic childrens play area and food - 24 hours a day!!

In the two weeks on board we took in 7 countries, 8 ports of call and saw some fantastic sights. Copenhagen was wet (but we had a great time at Tivoli), Nynashamn pictuesque, Helsinki full of surprises, St Petersburg awe-inspiring, Tallinn amazing, the beach at Warnemunde was stunning (kids had a great time), Oslo was expensive (£9 for two beers!) and Kristiansand relaxing!

We had four sea days and the kids activities ensured we didn't stop! Every sea day there was a party put on for the kids. They had a ball. Ollie & Tom were also lucky enough to go on the bridge and meet the captain ... Dad, David and Jon were gutted they couldn't go (no adults allowed for security reasons!)

The food onboard was amazing. You could have anything you could wish for at breakfast. At 10.30 they wheeled out brunch (fab hot cheese & ham croissants), 12 noon onwards was lunch, Afternoon Tea from 2.30pm, childrens tea from 5pm (what a spread!), and dinner served from 6pm. Most nights we ate in the Alexandria Restaurant - silver service, although one night we did eat in the Pennants Grill - I've never seen such a thick cut of fillet Steak in my life (3"+ thick!).

Even with four kids in tow ... it was still a relaxing holiday. Although I did take two books and failed to read a single page! We can certainly see how Mum and Dad have caught the cruising bug ... and you never know, we may give it another whirl (once we've saved up some pennies or won the lottery!).