The Dad & Son Road Trip
Anyone who follows us on twitter knows that last week was the Big Event. The Father Son Road Trip, from Dorset to Manchester. Well, Old Trafford, to be precise – the belated 10th birthday present for Boy, our footballing No.2 son.
Excited? NOT the word…
It’s a 216 mile journey. His first video blog was created… um…8 miles from home… (watch as he tries to figure out how far they’ve come in 15 minutes…)
There were numerous ‘motorway updates…’ which I won’t bore you with (numerous comments when he was actually allowed to eat his lunch, you’ll be pleased to know), and four hours later they arrived at the Premier Inn in Knutsford… Apologies in advance for the toilet detail and fascination. He’s 10. What can I say?
And then there was just time to nip into the attached Brewers Fayre for a quick meal ridiculously HUGE feast of mammoth proportions before the match…
You may spot that Boy was quite excited by the fact that a) he was reviewing for me and therefore they weren’t paying for the sheer lavish extravagance of a 3 course meal, b) he was getting chicken GOUJONS for a starter, no less and c) there was COKE involved. Big coke. Nay – GOOD coke…
Chicken GOUJONS!
Monster burger
All together now... "Good Coke!"
Yes the bottomless 10yr old was actually unable to finish (this NEVER happens). In his own words
“Well done Premier Inn. you’ve outdone yourselves”
(don’t worry though, he did manage to squeeze in the hot chocolate fudge cake with ice cream dessert… #justplaingreedy)
Then they were off to the match – be warned it took a good hour in the Match Day traffic to actually reach Old Trafford’s car park, but they made it in time for the obligatory visit to the shop before they found their seats for the game.
Getting back was easier, and they were back at the Premier Inn in under 40 minutes even though they were stuck in the immediate Old Trafford surroundings for a good 20 minutes.
After an exhausted nights sleep (despite the Inn being right on the main road, there was very little in the way of noise from the traffic to disturb them), breakfast was equally as popular as dinner the night before
“…oh, I’d eaten so much the night before I could only manage a bowl of coco pops. And some bacon and sausage. And a muffin…”
And two slow-moving boys started the long trek home.
They had a total blast, and the ease of booking, the positioning and the facilities gave them everything they needed. Would they use a Premier Inn as a stopover for a boys road trip again? In a heartbeat.
Read MoreThe British Military Tournament. Oh, what a night…
Last week we were offered seats for the Military tournament at Earls Court.
Some of you may remember it as the Royal tournament – an annual TV staple of a winter evening, watching the bands and the PT formations and the excitement of the Gun Run? I’d never been, but the husband went as a child, and told me to snap fast at the tickets… and so we found ourselves with four excited children heading into London on Friday night.
We arrived at Earls Court just before 6, and actually wished we had got there earlier (which we MIGHT have if we’d made the right train, which we MIGHT have if the people in front of us hadn’t taken TEN MINUTES to get a ticket out of the parking machine).
The halls were packed with exhibits and ‘try-it-out’ activities; holding a sniper rifle, sitting in a glider, trying out painball guns, or simply talking to a real life actual genuine helicopter pilot *8yr old boy faints*.
It was tricky dragging them away...
And No.1 is very keen on a Sniper as a career path now...
The boys were in heaven.
Eventually we took our seats for the main event…
And so the excitement mounts... (we had GREAT seats!)
The PT display team were big hits.
The Civil War re-enactment was LOUD - and needed a reassuring "yes, they're just pretending" to the 5yr old...
These moved so fast you would not BELIEVE...
The famous Gun Run was performed by 17 & 18 yr olds with half-sized guns - but was still an impressive feat
No.1 was quite excited at the appearance of the Italian Job Mini's in the White Helmets display
The final display of a contemporary situation in Afghanistan was incredibly absorbing
We had the most fantastic night. Admittedly the tired 5yr old was baffled by a lot of the information and fill-ins between displays, but she was enthralled by the horses, the bands and the White Helmet bikes. The boys were gripped all the way through – as were we – and didn’t stop with the “Oh, and I really liked the bit when…” all the (2hr…) journey home.
It’s finished now – but mark it in your calendar, and book it for next year. Get there early to enjoy the exhibition, and you won’t be sorry. It’s a Great Night Out.
The British Military Tournament was held at Earls Court, London on 2-4th December 2011.
Read MoreRemember the Royal Tournament? Did you know it’s Back as the “British Military Tournament”
Growing up I ALWAYS wanted to actually go to the Royal Tournament. We would bits on the television, and I always wanted to see the bits I missed – HEAR the horses and the cannons and see the full effect of the gymnastic displays.
I never did get to go.
But last year, it came back (as the British Military Tournament, but what’s in a name?)!
And now – I have three boys who are equally as dazzled, and longing to go see it for themselves.
It’s the same unforgettable and breathtaking opportunity to marvel at the skills and precision of the British Armed Forces. Set within a dazzling arena, this unmissable show is the largest display of military theatre anywhere in the world.
Last year’s event brought together all of the best elements from the world-famous Royal Tournament in a new show for the 21st Century. It was witnessed by over 50,000 people and raised substantial funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which gives lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families in their time of need.
This year the British Military Tournament is being presented by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in association with The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. This spectacular new tri-service show for 2011 is packed with an incredible array of exciting displays and traditional, breathtaking crowd favourites.
The British Military Tournament 2011 focuses on the story of ‘the special relationship’ between the United Kingdom and United States, recreating dramatic episodes in history from the American War of Independence right up to modern day operations in Afghanistan.
The programme includes:
- Over 700 participants, including active combat servicemen and women plus musicians from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and the US Army, and skilled historical American Civil War re-enactors
- Over 100 horses and modern military vehicles
- The only chance to see the legendary Field Gun Run, featuring two crews from Wellington College battling it out in a dramatic, nail-biting contest over the walls and chasms of an unforgiving obstacle course
- The iconic Musical Drive of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery
- Death-defying stunts from the White Helmets (Royal Corp of Signals Motorcycle Display Team)
- Special appearances from the US Army Drill Team and The US Army Europe Band & Chorus
Tickets and Venue information can be found here
Read MoreYou are invited to meet the Jolly Green Giant (Oh, and Colin Jackson too…)!
Come on, hands up who has a tin of Green Giant sweet corn in the cupboard? *raises hand in air*
Yes, I’m betting we all do.
It’s one of the few vegetables I can absolutely guarantee will be cleared from all six plates if I serve it.
So I was a bit jealous when I heard that the Green Giant is going to be at the Trafford Centre this weekend. And I’m down t’other end of the country
*sulky face*
(oh, did I mention Colin Jackson will be there too? Yes. He will.)
But more importantly – you get to attempt to High Five an animated Green Giant!
Oh yes! Ho ho ho!
So get thee over to the Trafford Centre this Saturday (29th October), where Green Giant are bringing their interactive roadshow. The Green Giant team will be giving away height charts, great recipes and coupons.
Don’t forget in the meantime to come and share your tips on how to get children to eat more veg here, and be in with a chance to win an Abel & Cole veg box.
GREEN GIANT AMBASSADOR (AND OLYMPIC LEGEND) COLIN JACKSON CHALLENGES MANCHESTER FAMILIES TO JUMP TO IT
Green Giant sweet corn launch ‘Giant High 5′ event for five a day.
WHERE: Orient Way, The Trafford Centre, Manchester
WHEN: 10.30am, Saturday 29 October 2011
*sponsored post*
When Littlestuff tried the Minute To Win It Challenge (and mostly failed)
Last week a very big purple box arrived in the house.
It was stuffed to the gills with all sorts of weird stuff (and chocolate) – and last Saturday the children and I decided to make use of it.
We spent one of the most fun afternoons we’ve had in a very long time.
The Oreo challenge - place it on your forehead, and get it into your mouth without using your hands. Involved hilarious facial twitchings. No.1 the only person to actually achieve this.
Coat nose in vaseline. Using said nose, transfer cotton wool balls from bowl A to bowl B. (I won this one. Big Time. *smug big-nosed face*)
No.1 got seriously cross at that particular refusing-to-leave cotton ball. It was cheating apparently.
Set up a line of cups, hold a large bunch of rubber-ended pencils. Bounce pencil on table top and make it vault into a glass. TOP game of the afternoon - three rounds hotly contested, ending in a tie between No.1 and Boy. I lost. Abysmally. Beaten even by the 4yr old.
Bounce a ping pong ball on ALL three dinner plates and into the bowl. Stupid game. Impossible. Much crossness and lobbing of ping pong balls (and subsequent hunting of said ping pong balls). Jolly DID hit all three plates as I took this though - we gave him bonus points.
Ah, yes. the old pick-an-orange-up-in-your-knees-and-waddle game. I declined to partake. No.1 tried, failed dreadfully to even lift the orange off the ground once in the 60 seconds and swore it couldn't be done. Boy and Jolly took 15 secs each to complete the task. *eyeroll*
Obviously, to celebrate the final scores there must be silly dancing ('Roman Dancer' off-the-shoulder look optional. Mmm-hmmm).
Minute To Win It is a new eight-part series on ITV2, presented by Cadbury Spots v Stripes, which sees contestants compete in equally bonkers 60-second challenges using everyday household objects. To find out more and play Minute To Win It games yourself (totally recommended – we’re keeping the set for rainy days, birthdays and Christmas) , visit the Spots v Stripes website.
Read MoreFREE Food. Yes – we said FREE.
At this time of year, you'll find us doing THIS quite a lot (no children were crushed in the making of this picture)
And we always have a bag or two in our pockets for these little juicies (it's a BUMPER crop this year, have you SEEN them all?). Weird how much small people LOVE berrying, isn't it?
But while we're out we ALWAYS look for this on the roadside. These apples were delicious eaters. And totally free. Yes - you just have to Pick Them Up. There is a glut this year, owners of apple trees are at a loss to store them all. How much would THAT little lot cost you in Sainsbury's?
And even when we go to do this...
There is a tree like THIS in the car park (cookers this time). Just hanging around, for the want of a good picking.
Three hours, one fab walk in the fields, one play in the park, one bag of blackberries (leaking juice all over the car), five bags of apples, and one bag of pears.
What are we going to DO with all those apples?
Ah.
Well…
Obviously some will be for pies/crumble/ Worlds Best Apple Cakes EVER… But most of them will be meeting a far messier end…
Read More
Sigg Bottles. Just a Brilliant childs Flask.
We LOVE Sigg bottles.
And when I say ‘we’, I don’t just mean the grown ups round here.
No, the four smaller-but-in-charge-really people LOVE Sigg bottles.
We started off with this uber-cute little 0.3l bottle for Pink to take to pre-school. She LOVED it, and all the mums were oooh-ing at it in the crate. But as she headed towards proper school we found it was just too small to last all day for her, so now she has the 0.4l size (Pink. With Hello Kitty. Naturally.)
This size is really practical – the 8 and 10yr olds each have one too (though theirs are less pink and Miss Kitty-ish…)
And the 12yr old even takes his 0.6l version – with no embarassment – to high school. Though he prefers the classic screw top.
So what do we like about them? Well – really, whats not to like? Practically indestructable is the biggest thing in my book. I can’t even begin to think about the number of plastic bottles I’ve bought the children over the years – finally I refused to buy any more character-branded-and-breaks-in-two-weeks versions and resorted to re-using water PET bottles. Though, of course, then came the news of the health risks associated with that… (you may not want to Google it – it’ll scare you if you’re big on re-using plastic bottles). Siggs are totally recyclable, and they changed their linings nearly three years ago to be totally BPA, phthalates and allkindsofnasties-free.
So using the Sigg bottles mean my green-conscious is eased – along with my pocket. The only part my troop have managed to break are the lids. The 10 yr old continues to use his domed lid ‘with crack’. The 12yr old managed to break his ‘Active Top’ (far right in the pic below) – but replacement with the screw top cost only £4. I’m pretty sure it’s totally unbreakable now, even by him, and apparently its far more socially acceptable too. Win win.
Yorkshire Moors. Somewhere.
These bottles come with us everywhere now – it’s automatic. Family days out, up mountains, to the beach, walking the dog, to school, long car trips… The bottles aren’t cheap at £14 for the smallest ones, I know that. But when you think how long they last, I wouldn’t hesitate to tell every parent they should have one. Though you might want to think carefully about the design you choose, as that bottle will be in use for a very very long time to come. And sweet little bumble bees aren’t so cute when you’re a footie-mad 10yr old…
Which brings me nicely to my final point.
It just has to be said.
Sigg have THE best bottle designs on the market.
I mean it.
A VAST array of really truly cool, cute or just plain beautiful versions are there to choose from (there’s even a range of Vivienne Westwood ones).
And the website is totally brilliant too – along with the ability to browse the entire range (and replacement parts and accessories), you can also enlarge the design itself so you can see all the way round the bottle too. Oh, and prices INCLUDE delivery. Not looking so expensive, now, huh?
Sigg bottles available from their online shop if you click right here…
Read More
Camp Bestival. Oh how we do love thee.
We couldn’t make Camp Bestival this year – so we sent our intrepid roving reporter WitWitWoo. Who quite frankly did a better job than we would have done. She camped and EVERYTHING. This is her account of her first ever festival – grab a coffee before you start, you may be here some time…
I have officially made it back from my first ever camping trip in one piece. Quite frankly, I surprised even myself because, let me tell you, if you’ve never been before, camping is not easy!
Camp Bestival is considered the most family-friendly festival out there and after going, I can understand why.
The plan was that I would drive our two boys (7 & 16,) down to Dorset on the Thursday morning and my Other Half would meet us at the campsite that evening. Of course, best laid plans and all ….
We had intended to leave at 9am and ended up eventually leaving at midday – par for the course when you have children. It took us four hours to get to Dorset from Kent, including the obligatory stop-off at the motorway services where I had to trade in a child just to afford a Starbucks latte. Twenty quid down already and I hadn’t even got to the festival.
We arrived at 4pm … complete with crampy ankles, an irritable teen and a hyper 7 year old. All quite normal really. The original plan was that we’d obviously be able to park really near our tent, it would take probably an hour to pitch the tent and before you could say, “Mine’s a double vodka & Diet Coke,” we’d be cooking the rapidly warming sausages before you knew it. As I said earlier, all good plans …
In reality, because the site was already so busy (it had taken us nearly two hours driving through the town of Wareham and onto the site before we managed to park up,) that we were directed to park at the top of a very big hill. Me and hills do not get along. We hadn’t really thought through the whole ‘transporting luggage’ issue and found ourselves miles away from the first area of spare land to camp on.
This is my main gripe about Camp Bestival. You end up parking so far away from your tent that the round trip to bring luggage down from the car ended up taking an hour. Times that by three and suffice to say, I was a little hacked off by Thursday evening.
My teen gallantly offered to do the last two trips on his own and Dexter, my youngest, and I, attempted to look like we knew what we were doing with the tent and airbeds back at Base Camp. We didn’t. For a start, we’d forgotten the foot pump and it wasn’t until after forty minutes of manually blowing up a double airbed that a fellow camper finally took pity on me and lent me their foot pump. Good job I’ve got a good pair of lungs on me.
The whole putting up the tent thing didn’t work either but thankfully, someone else offered to help.
Next problem was getting my Other Half into the campsite when I had his wrist band. Which brings me onto my second gripe of Camp Bestival.
I know I’m not the only one who felt this because believe me, when people are hacked off, they talk, but every steward I spoke to over the weekend did not have a clue whatsoever as to where anything was on the site. It really was a case of, “Errr … sorry, but if you ask Bob in the Magic Meadow, he might know.” You get the picture.
To cut a very long story short, I managed to finally find my Other Half by the castle. By fluke more than anything. We finished pitching the tent, we ate scrambled eggs by candlelight and we slept hard … on a rapidly deflating airbed.
The best thing about Camp Bestival is that there is so much to do. This can also be the worst thing because you can’t see/do everything. There were things I wanted to see but completely epic failed all over the place because I went to CB with the ethos of not getting too hung up on cramming everything in. However, if you have military precision like planning, you’ll fare better. But be warned. The site is massive. I mean … it took us over half an hour to walk from the first part of the main festival area back to our tent. And this is where the trailers come in handy again.
Now I obviously didn’t get the memo about a trailer being necessary not only for transporting too much luggage across mountainous terrain but for schlepping your kids around from one field to another to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. In fact, most canny parents not only decorated their trailers but padded them out with blankets and pillows and their kids slept in them whilst Mum and Dad partied all evening. (Some people just have too much time on their hands quite frankly.)
At the main ‘Hi-Di-Hi’ stage, children’s TV presenters, Dick and Dom, did a great job compering the children’s entertainment, introducing such live acts as The Gruffalo, Zingzillas and Mr Tumble (Mr Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuumblllllllle!)
We had watched The Gruffalo live before, (it’s great, catch it if you can,) so we decided to have a lazy morning. I hadn’t slept well but the world always looks better after a fry-up – even one cooked over a single ring stove. Granted, it may have taken slightly longer to cook this way but when you consider that a bacon roll was more than £4, and there’s four of us, you’ll understand why we tried to cut corners where we could. Besides, cooking outside is what you’re meant to do when you camp, right? I’m sure it’s in the Camping Rulebook. So I sat on my camping chair, with my little stove, and cooked breakfast every day. I didn’t mind as my Other Half did the washing up. The kids? Well, they just ate the food, so nothing new there.
We’re a pretty laid back family and so there was no pressure on any of us to have to do anything. Our eldest had already made friends with the kids from the tent next door and so we barely saw him all weekend – apart from when he wanted money or feeding. Typical. But we were happy with that because we really didn’t want him cramping our style, (or is it the other way round?) Our youngest is seven and I had specifically not told him about any of the acts that were appearing because I didn’t want to feel beholden to be anywhere at a specific time. However, you could buy a programme, which came with handy lanyard, which outlined who was on and when. Would have helped if I’d bought myself one really.
Three things Dexter loved:
1. Jousting: In fact, he loved it so much that he not only watched it three times, but watched it on the Ferris Wheel to get the perfect view. Now that’s dedication.
2. Bubble Guns: They were everywhere. You couldn’t walk a metre without being smacked upside the head by a giant bubble or five. At £9 per gun (I say gun, more of a sword really,) they’re not cheap but the kids loved them.
3. Fancy Dress: Every year, Camp Bestival has a theme – this year was medieval. If your child is anything like me, they love dressing up. Most of Dexter’s costumes are so small now that the trousers are ¾ length and the tops are crop tops. He doesn’t care at all. Dressing up as a knight at Camp Bestival was a whole lotta fun for Dexter. If you’ve forgotten to bring an outfit, there’s even a fancy dress shop on site, Smiffy’s – but get there early because they soon run out of the most popular items.
Three things Teen loved:
1. Ed Sheeran: One of the many strings to my ever-expanding bow, is that I’m also a music reviewer (as is the teen now,) and so there were some acts appearing that we definitely had to see. Ed Sheeran was one of them. Not only was his main show amazing but I managed to find out about a secret gig that he was playing straight after the main show. After managing to blag our way past security (“You’re name’s not down ….”,) we were privy to a gig to no more than 100 people and Ed played us his new songs. A really mellow affair, in the middle of the woods, apparently at someone’s wedding (!) and we felt privileged to be there. The teen could barely speak when he came out (he was front row,) only to tell me that I was the best mum in the entire universe. Hey – tell me something I don’t know!
2. Girls: Nuff said. Lots of teens were at Camp Bestival and I know some people were a bit upset that they seem to have been able to allowed in on their own, without an accompanying family. But the certainly didn’t cause me any bother – but then I’d deliberately camped miles away from them!
3. Chilling: He felt safe enough to wander about on his own without any hassle. These days, just walking the streets at home, there’s some little runt that wants to have a go. There wasn’t that vibe at Camp Bestival at all. Everyone was there to listen to music and have fun and there was absolutely no trouble at all (that I saw.)
Three things Other Half and I loved:
1. Atmosphere: No, they’re not a folk band (although that’s a great name,) but my Other Half and I lead pretty hectic lives, we haven’t had a holiday for over four years and so Camp Bestival was the first chance we’d had in years just to ‘be.’ So, for us, just spending time together in a place that felt like a mini community full of like-minded people, was wonderful.
2. Dancing: My Other Half and I met dancing – in a salsa club to be specific, and it was what brought us together. Nine years on and … well, we don’t get to dance much these days. At Camp Bestival there are lots of dance classes put on and everywhere you look, there’s always music to dance to. We took full advantage and really let our hair down. Our eldest was grateful he wasn’t around to see us raving and after initially not knowing what to make of it, our youngest just joined in! It was good for him to see Mum and Dad letting their hair down. At least I think it was.
3. Happy Kids: When we’re at home, there’s always some squabble going on between our boys. It’s normal, right? (Please agree!) At Camp Bestival, admittedly because they weren’t in each other’s space all the time, they were just happier when they were with each other. Yes, there were a few disagreements, but overall, they rubbed along together nicely. Both got to do what they wanted to do (within reason,) and that led to a relaxed atmosphere. Most of the time. Happy kids = happy parents.
I missed out hearing any comedy, (ahem, bar my own of course,) Sara Cox speak, James Vincent McMorrow and Ms Dynamite. But we ate at River Cottage, loved Katy B and had a great time on the Helter Skelter. We didn’t see Shrek, the Insect Circus or Nero (they cancelled twice – the teen is still vex!), but we ate some great food, I had the best facial ever at the Khiels stand and we saw some amazing bike tricks at the Skate Park.
Camp Bestival is host to 30,000 people and if, for some reason (*cough* money *cough*) they make it bigger next year, I think that would adversely affect the whole experience. I’m hoping they don’t.
There are things that could be improved at Camp Bestival – it’s not perfect – but what is? Overall, I have to say, I’d recommend it to anyone.
Camp Bestival 2011 rocked – even though I barely slept, spent a fortune on food and felt like I’d walked a thousand miles.
Read MoreSpotted! Garden Rope Quoits!
A few years ago, we visited a ruined abbey with the boys. It was off-season, and there wasn’t anything particular going on – the three boys were quickly bored with looking at walls they couldn’t climb on. A very lovely WI-type lady strolled across to us with an official looking badge on, and asked if we’d like to use the quoits set… Three hours later we were still there. And all of us remember it as one of those randomly brilliant special-for-its-non-specialness days. Just us, the ancient waalls, the lush close cropped grass, a spot of sunshine and those rope quoits we were mostly rubish at throwing but compellingly competitive in scoring.
So when I saw this utterly bargainous set in the (best-shop-name-ever) When I Was a Kid on NOTHS I let out a little Squeak.
£15? Seriously? Mine’s already on order…
Read MoreBrittany Ferries – would you?
Well, yes we would, actually.
When we booked our Keycamp holiday, the provided travel arrangements were a straightforward Dover-Calais crossing. Which is fine, of course. Except it’s a 3+ hour drive for us along the cost to Dover. Then the crossing. Then another 6 or so hours back down the length of France to where we wanted to be. We know from last year that this is bad enough going out – but at the end of the holiday, when all the bags are packed, the cheese is stinking out the car, and you just want to get ho-o-ome… that 3hr journey when you get off the ferry is a killer. It’s a nearly-there…but-not-quite-yet nightmare.
So when Brittany Ferries waved a hand in the air and asked if we’d rather travel the longer Poole-Cherbourg crossing courtesy of their Condor Express service (on the seacat) we considered it for about 2 nanoseconds, and then not-at-all-reluctantly said “yes please!”. Quite Loudly.
11 1/2 hrs or 6 1/2 hrs? Hmmm... Let us think...
So. The crossing only slightly longer than the standard Dover-Calais 90 minutes; 2 1/2 hrs on the Condor Express, and only 4 1/2 on the Barfleur ‘normal’ ferry) but not dreadfully so – and still saves time when you consider driving round. The price for six of us, plus car, in August is £340 return. When we factor in the time and petrol in driving all the way round, it’s a no-brainer. Poole is easy to access for most fo the southern half of the country, and landing half way down France is SUCH a bonus, really helping you start your holiday just that bit faster (we caught the 7 a.m. ferry from Poole, and were actually in the pool at the Parc de Fierbois by 4.30 that afternoon).
The ferry itself is bright and spacious, with good food facilities (breakfast was yum, and having Costa Coffee on board was a lifesaver), including a small children’s room with a tv playing (TopCat. Yay.) where no one minded if the small ones rampaged a little as it’s ticked away from the rest of the passengers. We had reserved reclining seats, which the children didn’t sit in much, but my husband as designated driver was VERY happy to make use of, and was really glad we had.
Hmmmm. The sea wasn't quite that calm on the way out. *gulp*
For us? Brittany Ferries were by far the easiest way to get to France, and a much nicer, quieter, calmer experience (yes, even with 4 over-excited children at 7 in the morning) than other crossings we may have tried…
Brittany Ferries Poole to Cherbourg prices start from just £89pp for return ferry sailings. This is based on two people travelling with a standard sized car when you holiday for five nights or less. Day trips cost from just £23pp.
Read MorePandamonium in the Park – Awesomeness…….
On Saturday we headed over to Althorp Park for Sainsbury’s & Dreamwork’s grand Pandamonium in the Park event, celebrating the launch of the Kung Fu Panada 2 film. We had a really good time, especially the kids.
We were very lucky to be given VIP passes too which made it oh so very nice – Pimms on tap, what could be better? Much fun was had at the various activities and the kids particularly liked the throw-wet-sponges-as-hard-as-you-can-at-adults game, the Cadbury Spots v Stripes Minute to Win it Games were great (they are apparently linked to a new family game show on ITV2) and the Crusha Milkshake Bar was rather tasty too.
Getting Ready to Play a Minute to Win It Game - Team Spots or Team Stripes?!
Being fans of the first Kung Fu Panda film, meeting Po was pretty cool too – photos were taken and will be emailed to me, I’ll post them when they’ve landed.
The best bit of all tho’ was the Hans Zimmer concert at the end. The opening act; Big Time Rush, I must confess I’d never heard of before but my eldest had and thought they were cool. Sitting back with a glass of bubbles in the beautful setting of Athorp Park whilst the music from Hans Zimmer and his orchestra wafter over us was just lovely.
Thanks Pretty Green PR!
Read MorePandamonium This Saturday at Althorp Park – “prepare for some awesomeness!”
Ooooo, we’ve been invited to Pandamonium in the Park, Althorp Park in Northamptonshire that is and it sounds like the kids are going to LOVE it!
We’re going to get to meet Po from Kung Fu Panda, see The Chen brothers who are Chinese Lion Dance Champions, the Shaolin Monks, eat lots of Cadbury’s chocolate, play ITV2′s Minute to Win it mini-games and more!
Tickets are still available if you fancy coming too?
More details are on the Pandamonium in the Park webpage and the Facebook page too.
We’ll report back next week!
Read MoreThe Tiger Who Came to Tea – no, not the book, the live version!
We love books at our house … Charlie Moo (4yrs) has been known to recite to his sisters Megan (2yrs) and Olive (our new baby) the gruffalo word for word on many an occasion. So a trip to the theatre was also a lovely treat for us, without the stinky girls …. plus it was on the pier so an ice-cream and walk on the beach was a must ;) Although I love this story , The Tiger Who Came to Tea, we don’t actually own a copy nor am I even sure if he has read it before. So it was turning into the ultimate treat … (thank you Little Stuff!)
The play was on for 55 minutes no interval, which I did worry might be a tad long for Moo but he loved it (and secretly so did I .. ssshhh) The characters were so engaging I totally got lost in the moment myself! I did wonder how a children’s book could fill the time but with some clever activities such as the clock counting the day away (I loved hearing all the children shouting 1 o’clock, 2 o’clock ….) a an awesome tiger dance (moo was too cool to participate in this though) and lots of singing not only did the time fly but I was a bit gutted it was over!
I would fully recommend ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’ definitely gets a big thumbs up from Moo (and me … I have found myself humming along to some of the super catchy songs!) Check out the trailer here.
Joanne Dewberry is a mummy to 3, was voted Dorset Business Mum of the Year 2010 (Charlie Moos and www.joannedewberry.co.uk ) and is a super mummy blogger over at ImABaby
Read MoreWhen LittleStuff went to Legoland (and rode on the Atlantis Submarine Voyage)
Yesterday we headed off to Windsor, in the rain, to try out the new Atlantis Submarine Voyage.
After the soggy dash across the car park (did I mention it was raining?) we queued with the other journalists, bloggers and celebrities asked to come and try it out (Alex from Cbeebies was very lovely to Pink-the-4yr-old, and yes I should have been less polite and just asked for a photograph with her), and then skidded our way down the hill (Did I mention it was still raining? Note to self: Next time a nice man in a lego uniform offers you a lift down the hill in a nice warm dry car, say “yes please”. Enough of the British Manners!) to the Atlantis Submarine Voyage.
Very-slightly-excited Pink as we headed 'down'
We boarded a Lego-themed submarine as it cruised past (mild panic from slow-moving 4yr old who thought she’d miss it), before “diving” into the aquarium on a four minute journey to Atlantis. Of course, apart from the fish (over 50 different species including fabulous zebra and nurse sharks and the beautiful floating stingrays), it’s lego boys heaven.
"Look! It's a Diver! Cool!"
The ride was… great. Fab, actually. The submarine’s were small – they hold up to 14 visitors – without being claustrophobic, and the experience of being underwater amongst the fish and sharks was brilliant for the children. The underwater lego displays were, naturally, excellent, and created much yelping and “Look! Did you see that?”.
A crashed Giant Squid. This too is 'cool'. Apparently.
In fact, the only thing the children didn’t like was the fact that ride finished so soon – they could have ridden for three times as long and still been wanting more.
The Ray. Show Off.
As adults, we would have liked the windows to extend higher – we had to crouch low to appreciate the depths of the tank, and see the further-away sharks and rays – and also for there to be windows on the ends. The seating stretched round in U-shaped benches at either end of the sub, and those sitting on the tip of each U didn’t get a very good view due to the windows only being on the sides.
Shark and Ray spotting.
As you leave the ride, you walk through an Atlantis-themed area where you can get closer to some of the aquatic creatures – the boys loved stroking a crab, though Pink firmly told the assistant “No, thank you, crabs go snip snip snip”.
The general verdict was “Brilliant!”, and the rest of the park visit was punctuated by “can we go back and do the submarine again” requests.
And yes. it kept right on raining. All. Day. Long.
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Science Museum – “Awesome” IMAX 3D Cinema
A friend visited the Science Museum in London this week for her youngest son’s 5th birthday and this is what she said about their day out;
“The children loved it, we went for Isaac’s 5th birthday treat, and he loved every minute, from watching Hubble in the 3d iMax theatre, flying with the red arrows to making a hydrogen rocket, it was awesome.
The children ( and us! ) had a fabulous day, give your self plenty of time though, there is stacks to do!”
You can’t get a better endorsement then that!
Entry to the Science Museum in London is free and many of the fantastic exhibits are also free. The IMAX cinema does cost (prices can been found here) but they have a special deal which allows you to watch a second movie for half price. You may struggle to choose which ones to watch, here’s a run down of what’s currently on;
Hubble 3D at the IMAX 3D Cinema (U) – Journey through distant galaxies and explore the mysteries of the universe on this mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. Using incredible 3D technology you can accompany space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history, and experience never-before-seen 3D flights through awe-inspiring Hubble imagery. Narrated by Leonardo Di Caprio.
Wild Ocean 3D at the IMAX 3D Cinema (U) – An inspirational IMAX film exploring the relationship between man and the endangered ocean ecosystem. Filmed off the Wild Coast of South Africa and the KwaZulu-Natal Coast, this spectacular underwater adventure takes viewers on a journey of discovery, seeing how fish have provided a source of food for local people for countless generations. Watch one of nature’s greatest migration spectacles – an underwater feeding frenzy and epic struggle for survival where whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, gannets and billions of fish collide with the most voracious sea predator, mankind. The film has been nominated for several awards and won the 2009 Earthwatch film of the year.
Deep Sea 3D at the IMAX 3D Cinema (PG) – An underwater adventure where audiences will be transported below the ocean surface to swim with some of the planet’s most unique and colourful creatures, from the unusual Wolf Eel to the incredible Giant Pacific Octopus, and witness their remarkable behaviour as they rely on one another for survival. Viewers will be able to float with jellyfish, reach out to touch sea turtles and dodge the tentacles of an octopus without ever leaving their seats! Directed by world-renowned underwater cinematographer, Howard Hall, and produced by Toni Myers and Michele Hall, Deep Sea 3D is narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, and is accompanied by an original score by Danny Elfman.
Fly Me to the Moon 3D at the IMAX 3D Cinema (U) – An animated space spectacular featuring the voices of Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry and Nicollette Sheridan; an exciting tale of brave young housefly Nat and his two best friends, Scooter and IQ, who sneak on board the Apollo 11 spaceship mission to embark on a cosmic adventure. The film also features an appearance by Buzz Aldrin himself. Young viewers will be introduced to space exploration and the historic moment when the world was united to observe man land on the moon.
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Science Museum – Who Am I? Exhibit
The Who am I? free exhibit at the Science Museum in London presents the latest in brain science and genetics through a mixture of interactive exhibits and object-rich displays. What makes you, you? How do your genes impact on your brain, your actions, your thoughts and your appearance?
Visitors to the gallery will get the chance to explore answers to these questions and more by encountering striking object displays and contemporary artworks.
Yet another fabulous and free thing to do at the Science Museum!
Science Museum – An Awesome Easter Day Out
Did you know that the Science Museum in London has a lot of free exhibits over the Easter school holidays? No, I didn’t either until they got in touch and told us!
This Easter, the Science Museum is opening a host of new exhibitions and displays and bringing its galleries to life with spectacular, and sometimes explosive, live science shows.
The Museum is perfect for an Easter day out in which you can entertain adults and children alike with exhibitions, events and films, all under one roof. Catch a 3D movie, jump on a simulator, visit an exhibition, and encounter the past, present and future of technology in seven floors of galleries.
I can’t think of a better day out then a train ride to London and a wander around the Science Museum seeing stuff that makes my children’s jaws drop.
Spend the whole day there, eat lunch – they have a picnic area if you bring your own or there is the Revolution Cafe and the Deep Blue family restaurant (further info here) – buy a groovy gadget from the shop then head home with smiles, a snippet of new science knowledge and happy memories!
We’ll be doing a series of posts this week and about some of the awesome new exhibits and displays to be found at the Science Museum so keep reading (if you’re the impatient sort and just can’t wait then visit the Science Museum website here now).
Read More*Competition Now Closed* – LEGOLAND Windsor Tickets
The 2011 LEGOLAND season starts 1st April and 2011 is their 15th Anniversary! To celebrate LEGOLAND Windsor are letting us give away two sets of 4 tickets (any adult/child combination – worth approx £160 per set).
Hurry and enter because this competition closes tomorrow!
Click here for further details and entry form.
Read MoreSpotted! Rather Brilliant Den Kit
Just how cool is this? I know three boys who wouldn’t be seen for HOURS once this was placed in their hot little hands. The kit includes a camo stick, great green groundsheet, the haversack, a mallet, 10m rope, 10 holdfast tent pegs, tent peg bag, tough tarpaulin and a handy mug. Oh – and comes complete with instructions on how to build the perfect den. If your children should need such a thing.
Sadly, you can’t buy them online, but I am assured they are selling like hot cakes out of the stores, so if I were you I’d pop in and snaffle one up now, make yourself the Best Parent Ever this Easter holidays.
Real Adventure Den Kit £29.99 in Millets Stores.
Read More*Competition Now Closed* – LEGOLAND Windsor Tickets
The 2011 LEGOLAND season starts 1st April and 2011 is their 15th Anniversary! To celebrate LEGOLAND Windsor are letting us give away two sets of 4 tickets (any adult/child combination – worth approx £160 per set) in our latest competition.
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