Busy morning as business picked up over the weekend, particularly on the websites so plenty of parcels to pack including sorting out a Special Delivery parcel for a customer. I had intended to do some filing and desperately needed tidying up of my office and stockroom but neither happened. Did manage to catch up with my accounts though.
Charlie did some more Singapore maths although I restricted him to two exercises because I want to run through the next lot of concepts with him using math-u-see before he does anymore and I didn't really have the time or the inclination to do that today.
He spent a lot of this afternoon reading his copy of Your Horse magazine and several Horse/Pony books, he seems particularly interested in dressage and cross-breeding at the moment which is leading to some very interesting conversations.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Catch up
Thursday started with Charlie doing lots of pages of Singapore 1B and helping with parcels. Then we were off to London for my review appointment with my lovely consultant. First though we did lunch with the yummy mummies in Peter Jones on Sloane Square - always amusing. A spot of shopping there too, got a a lovely outfit for my soon-to-be godson and some hideously expensive but lovely and chemical free body lotion for me too. The Christmas shop was lovely too.
A 10 minute walk down to the clinic and a bit of a wait there because Jaya was running late. We didn't get back to the train station until after six which meant I had to buy new tickets as ours weren't valid -ggrrr, then we had to run for the train, Charlie dropped our drinks on the platform and the train was so packed we had to sit/stand all the way to Bicester - double grrr. We finally got home at 8.30pm and were both exhausted.
Friday we both had a lovely lie-in and then after breakfast Charlie did more Singapore Maths and helped with parcels too. After the postman had been we had to go shopping as we were out of food again. I've been so disjointed since late last month when the IVF started that there hasn't been a single week when I've done a full weeks shop so am stuck with shopping every 3/4 days - arrggghh. Must get organised soon.
Saturday - very long lie in until 11am and then a bit of house cleaning and tidying ready for my friend, Sarah's arrival. Straight off to the cinema in Oxford via the park and ride. Ratatouille was funny, particularly liked the part where all the rats took over the kitchen. Charlie ate a whole box of popcorn as both Sarah and I on diets - ha! Dinner afterwards at Bella Italia - I had scrummy pasta with goats cheese, spinach and pinenuts and it was really good. Home and packed Charlie off to bed and Sarah and I stayed up until 3am (we gained an extra hour too!) chatting, laughing and Disney holiday planning.
Sunday - I crawled out of bed at 9am and then back in again as Charlie bought Sarah and I a cuppa each in our respective beds. Rather than get up we conversed from our beds which was mildly amusing, especially when we both got on our laptops and were talking about stuff we were looking at. Charlie watched Disney cinemagic for a bit and then Sarah raided my stock rooms and bought some puzzles and stackers for Christmas presents.
We made it downstairs around 10.30 for our breakfast and then we just hung out for the rest of the day. We caught up on X-Factor thanks to the wonders of ITV2 which made Charlie's day and then after dinner Sarah went home. A fantastic weekend, I haven't laughed so much for ages, the house was soaked with our mutual sarcastic humour. Much needed fun for a change!
A 10 minute walk down to the clinic and a bit of a wait there because Jaya was running late. We didn't get back to the train station until after six which meant I had to buy new tickets as ours weren't valid -ggrrr, then we had to run for the train, Charlie dropped our drinks on the platform and the train was so packed we had to sit/stand all the way to Bicester - double grrr. We finally got home at 8.30pm and were both exhausted.
Friday we both had a lovely lie-in and then after breakfast Charlie did more Singapore Maths and helped with parcels too. After the postman had been we had to go shopping as we were out of food again. I've been so disjointed since late last month when the IVF started that there hasn't been a single week when I've done a full weeks shop so am stuck with shopping every 3/4 days - arrggghh. Must get organised soon.
Saturday - very long lie in until 11am and then a bit of house cleaning and tidying ready for my friend, Sarah's arrival. Straight off to the cinema in Oxford via the park and ride. Ratatouille was funny, particularly liked the part where all the rats took over the kitchen. Charlie ate a whole box of popcorn as both Sarah and I on diets - ha! Dinner afterwards at Bella Italia - I had scrummy pasta with goats cheese, spinach and pinenuts and it was really good. Home and packed Charlie off to bed and Sarah and I stayed up until 3am (we gained an extra hour too!) chatting, laughing and Disney holiday planning.
Sunday - I crawled out of bed at 9am and then back in again as Charlie bought Sarah and I a cuppa each in our respective beds. Rather than get up we conversed from our beds which was mildly amusing, especially when we both got on our laptops and were talking about stuff we were looking at. Charlie watched Disney cinemagic for a bit and then Sarah raided my stock rooms and bought some puzzles and stackers for Christmas presents.
We made it downstairs around 10.30 for our breakfast and then we just hung out for the rest of the day. We caught up on X-Factor thanks to the wonders of ITV2 which made Charlie's day and then after dinner Sarah went home. A fantastic weekend, I haven't laughed so much for ages, the house was soaked with our mutual sarcastic humour. Much needed fun for a change!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday
Math-U-See arrived today and once Charlie had had breakfast, got dressed etc we sat down and did the first five lessons at his request. Very, very basic stuff but he enjoyed and likes the blocks. We'll see how it gets on with a combination of this and Singapore maths as well as the maths on EC.
After that it was lunch and then we did parcels together. Charlie did his EC, his Spanish always impresses me. More playmobil after that, including some very weird storylines involving the tree house, and some DS'ing.
Went out with my parents for dinner to Paw Paw. Really nice meal again there and Charlie and my mum managed not to have an argument, which is always impressive. Charlie put away an impressive amount of food as always and the peking duck was superb.
After that it was lunch and then we did parcels together. Charlie did his EC, his Spanish always impresses me. More playmobil after that, including some very weird storylines involving the tree house, and some DS'ing.
Went out with my parents for dinner to Paw Paw. Really nice meal again there and Charlie and my mum managed not to have an argument, which is always impressive. Charlie put away an impressive amount of food as always and the peking duck was superb.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Monday was a quiet day really. Charlie helped to pack parcels, did his EC, then weighed and sacked up all the parcels for me and dealt with the postman as usual. He went to my parents for a bit whilst I went to the gym - like that was a great idea a week after coming off loads of meds and a general - duh! After that he decided to being planning our next and unbooked Disney World holiday. He's been enjoying choosing which new restaurants we will be going - particularly the Disney signature ones - cue me rolling my eyes.
Today has been more parcels, more EC. more holiday planning etc We sat down together and started on the key stage 3 CGP science books we bought. Charlie decided to start at the begininng so it was cells and life processes and he knew it all already so that was a nice, easy introduction for him.
He's also been playmobil-ing a lot, oh and more obsessing over a trade dolls house catalogue I bought back from a trade fair.
Today has been more parcels, more EC. more holiday planning etc We sat down together and started on the key stage 3 CGP science books we bought. Charlie decided to start at the begininng so it was cells and life processes and he knew it all already so that was a nice, easy introduction for him.
He's also been playmobil-ing a lot, oh and more obsessing over a trade dolls house catalogue I bought back from a trade fair.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Quiet weekend
I did indeed get to relax and not do much which was badly needed. Saturday was a bit of lie-in but not much as the postman returned with 2 parcels for my parents who were out. Luckily Charlie was up and downstairs so he signed for them - so good to have a capable 9 year old which = more time in bed for me!
At lunch time we went into town and has a lovely lunch in the new M&S cafe. We both had the peking duck wraps -yum. Charlie most put off that he couldn't have a cake but they had no dairy free ones. I got my usual iced fruit bun though, so I was happy! I'm so mean.
Got a few bits and bobs but it was way too crowded to stay much longer and get what I needed so we decided on a trip to Milton Keynes instead on Tuesday as Charlie needs some shoes for the Baptism of my godson, not sure that Crocs would go down well in church. This also means I have to find some new shoes too - blagh, I hate shoes.
Nipped over to the storage unit to pick up some stock, stopped off at the gym too to sort my membership out and then home. Put loads of M-folia scalp oil on Charlie as his psoriasis has gone into a major flare up. Charlie played with his Playmobil whilst I cooked dinner and we waited for the X Factor to start - so much excitement!
Sunday was mainly spent ripping cd's to the pc ready for putting onto my iPod. Charlie Playmobil'd most of the day and hoovered the kitchen for me and did a fantastic job. Slight incident with the pumpkin which meant much yelling from me - cringe. Charlie had a bath which he thought was exciting as he mainly showers these days and we washed the scalp oil out.
Finished off the evening with early bed for Charlie and work for me. It was really nice to just not do much this weekend actually - and it was freezing all weekend!
At lunch time we went into town and has a lovely lunch in the new M&S cafe. We both had the peking duck wraps -yum. Charlie most put off that he couldn't have a cake but they had no dairy free ones. I got my usual iced fruit bun though, so I was happy! I'm so mean.
Got a few bits and bobs but it was way too crowded to stay much longer and get what I needed so we decided on a trip to Milton Keynes instead on Tuesday as Charlie needs some shoes for the Baptism of my godson, not sure that Crocs would go down well in church. This also means I have to find some new shoes too - blagh, I hate shoes.
Nipped over to the storage unit to pick up some stock, stopped off at the gym too to sort my membership out and then home. Put loads of M-folia scalp oil on Charlie as his psoriasis has gone into a major flare up. Charlie played with his Playmobil whilst I cooked dinner and we waited for the X Factor to start - so much excitement!
Sunday was mainly spent ripping cd's to the pc ready for putting onto my iPod. Charlie Playmobil'd most of the day and hoovered the kitchen for me and did a fantastic job. Slight incident with the pumpkin which meant much yelling from me - cringe. Charlie had a bath which he thought was exciting as he mainly showers these days and we washed the scalp oil out.
Finished off the evening with early bed for Charlie and work for me. It was really nice to just not do much this weekend actually - and it was freezing all weekend!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Been a while
Yet again!
The best thing about giving up my job has been the clawing back of at least a little bit of time. Things are 100% calmer in the house (hmm well maybe the last 3 hormonal-fuelled weeks excepted) and I've almost found some time to spend with Charlie!
It's been difficult to go back to packing parcels, doing housework and cooking etc now that B has left, but somehow we're muddling through. Charlie has been amazing. Loads and unloads the dishwasher without complaint because he knows that it hurts my knees and back to do so, strips cooked chicken once we've had it because he knows I can't stand touching bones/carcasses, hoovers and dusts, all without asking, makes the lunch every day without complaint and even brings me a cup of tea and breakfast in bed. I'm lucky.
The idea of the businesses supporting both of us without the fall back of my job has been completely and totally scary, but we're managing. Of course it would help if a certain person wouldn't flout the maintenance court order at his whim after 8 years of always paying it, but I'm praying that it doesn't happen again at the end of this month because frankly, my mother shouldn't have to be sending e-mails asking where it is!
Having just been through another disasterous IVF cycle (only 11 eggs collected, only 1 of my share fertilising and me deciding on Monday that there was no point having it transferred) which led to several panics along the way, 6 days of not being able to walk properly, my car decided in its wisdom on Tuesday, in the pouring rain, to just simply die. Worse still, the garage can't find the fault.
Anything else this month? Let alone this year, 2007 along with 2006 is going to be written off as yet another truly crap and horrid year.
Been researching going to Czech Republic next year for IVF. Great success rates, will be able to go to Blastocysts, and a choice of 80 sperm donors which is amazing as this time here I had the grand choice of 1 donor. A close friend is also considering switching from our clinic, so all week we've been msn'ing sorting details out and researching the whole thing.
Business has been a bit of a nightmare with the Royal Mail strikes, the less said about that the better really, here's hoping it picks up soon. Lots and lots of new stuff in if anyone is interested, including Wedgits (better than Fun Blox)as well as lots of other things. I'm really thrilled with the re-design of the site, took a lot of work for me to describe exactly what I wanted and Sadie has absolutely got it right!
We had a lovely visit from Merry and the girls on Wednesday. Merry and I didn't spend the whole time in my office on our respective computers which was a shock, and instead gossiped on the sofa whilst the children had a fantastic time, mainly playing boats on my bed! Had some lovely cuddles from Maddy and Josie, who is as adorable as ever. The children carved the pumpkin Charlie had insisted on buying on Tuesday when my poor dad took us to Sainsburys after my car died and they did a great job doing the whole thing unsupervised. Very impressed. Merry spent a disgraceful amount of money buying presents for various little ones, I'm impressed because I managed not to spend a single penny with her last month!
Yesterday Charlie did EC and then fimo in the afternoon. Mainly making pumpkins and ghosts with some stars reading for Christmas lol! I finally ordered the next SL core and decided to try some Singapore maths for Charlie too. I was aghast when I checked on his progress in Maths on EC. He's still on the 5-6 years level and actually not doing that well really. Trying not to get stressed about it though as it's so obviously a total weakness. Ordered him the first level of Math U See as well today, so we'll see how we get on with those.
A few weeks ago I bought him some Key Stage 3 and GCSE Biology, Geography and Science books at his request, so we must sit down and start on those soon too.
Charlie is with my parents today at the NEC for the International Caravan & Motorhome Show - zzzzzzzzz I keep telling him he is a nerd and he doesn't like it!
Planning a quiet weekend I think. Charlie in a state of heightened excitement due to the live shows for X Factor starting.
The best thing about giving up my job has been the clawing back of at least a little bit of time. Things are 100% calmer in the house (hmm well maybe the last 3 hormonal-fuelled weeks excepted) and I've almost found some time to spend with Charlie!
It's been difficult to go back to packing parcels, doing housework and cooking etc now that B has left, but somehow we're muddling through. Charlie has been amazing. Loads and unloads the dishwasher without complaint because he knows that it hurts my knees and back to do so, strips cooked chicken once we've had it because he knows I can't stand touching bones/carcasses, hoovers and dusts, all without asking, makes the lunch every day without complaint and even brings me a cup of tea and breakfast in bed. I'm lucky.
The idea of the businesses supporting both of us without the fall back of my job has been completely and totally scary, but we're managing. Of course it would help if a certain person wouldn't flout the maintenance court order at his whim after 8 years of always paying it, but I'm praying that it doesn't happen again at the end of this month because frankly, my mother shouldn't have to be sending e-mails asking where it is!
Having just been through another disasterous IVF cycle (only 11 eggs collected, only 1 of my share fertilising and me deciding on Monday that there was no point having it transferred) which led to several panics along the way, 6 days of not being able to walk properly, my car decided in its wisdom on Tuesday, in the pouring rain, to just simply die. Worse still, the garage can't find the fault.
Anything else this month? Let alone this year, 2007 along with 2006 is going to be written off as yet another truly crap and horrid year.
Been researching going to Czech Republic next year for IVF. Great success rates, will be able to go to Blastocysts, and a choice of 80 sperm donors which is amazing as this time here I had the grand choice of 1 donor. A close friend is also considering switching from our clinic, so all week we've been msn'ing sorting details out and researching the whole thing.
Business has been a bit of a nightmare with the Royal Mail strikes, the less said about that the better really, here's hoping it picks up soon. Lots and lots of new stuff in if anyone is interested, including Wedgits (better than Fun Blox)as well as lots of other things. I'm really thrilled with the re-design of the site, took a lot of work for me to describe exactly what I wanted and Sadie has absolutely got it right!
We had a lovely visit from Merry and the girls on Wednesday. Merry and I didn't spend the whole time in my office on our respective computers which was a shock, and instead gossiped on the sofa whilst the children had a fantastic time, mainly playing boats on my bed! Had some lovely cuddles from Maddy and Josie, who is as adorable as ever. The children carved the pumpkin Charlie had insisted on buying on Tuesday when my poor dad took us to Sainsburys after my car died and they did a great job doing the whole thing unsupervised. Very impressed. Merry spent a disgraceful amount of money buying presents for various little ones, I'm impressed because I managed not to spend a single penny with her last month!
Yesterday Charlie did EC and then fimo in the afternoon. Mainly making pumpkins and ghosts with some stars reading for Christmas lol! I finally ordered the next SL core and decided to try some Singapore maths for Charlie too. I was aghast when I checked on his progress in Maths on EC. He's still on the 5-6 years level and actually not doing that well really. Trying not to get stressed about it though as it's so obviously a total weakness. Ordered him the first level of Math U See as well today, so we'll see how we get on with those.
A few weeks ago I bought him some Key Stage 3 and GCSE Biology, Geography and Science books at his request, so we must sit down and start on those soon too.
Charlie is with my parents today at the NEC for the International Caravan & Motorhome Show - zzzzzzzzz I keep telling him he is a nerd and he doesn't like it!
Planning a quiet weekend I think. Charlie in a state of heightened excitement due to the live shows for X Factor starting.
Monday, October 01, 2007
New Forest Part 4
A definite lie-in this morning - three very tired people after yesterday.
After breakfast we set off for somewhere I forgot the name for but it was a village with a big estate which was supposed to have tractor and trailer rides to see some deer. We got there ok but it seemed that it was a seasonal thing. So some quick thinking and I decided to go to Lymington as I had planned a much quieter day today as I didn't want exhaustion to overcome anyone and spoil the end of the holiday. We parked behind the museum that wasn't really a museum and walked down to the harbour/marina. Quite a long walk and very hot again. We walked through a small park and the children spent ages watching the Isle of Wight ferry coming and going and the other various boats.
A skipper told the children that yesterday a dolphin had come right into the marina so they were very excited at the idea they might see one. We could see absolutely loads of huge fish swimming around but there was a distinct lack of seagulls which was odd.
We walked further down towards the sailing club and opposite there was a rather lovely hotel/pub so we stopped for a drink and lunch and the children played in the playground too. Very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours looking out over the marina. Food was oustanding as well - children both had scampi.
We walked back to the car stopping to look in a chandlery and for an ice cream.
We took a very scenic route back and drove through some places I'd like to go to in the future.
Off to Bolderwood next where I had read there was a deer lookout platform and if we were very lucky we might get to see some wild deer. We parked up and were greeted by some rather friendly ponies who were very interested in our Crocs!
A short walk through the forest which was beautiful
We were really lucky and there were loads of deer up close to the viewing platform.
The children didn't want to leave and we ended up watching them for a good 45 minutes before rambling back through the forest. We stopped off at a couple of places in the Forest on the way back too.
Had to stop to photograph this too:
Very cute but Mummy donkey did attempt to get in through my window!
Went swimming when we got back and had a lovely time and then more bow and arrow play before dinner.
We had dinner at The Bistro again, lovely food and the children both charmed the staff, getting extra chocolate sauce on pudding for Fran and Charlie had a special fruit plate done for him.
Once the children were asleep I started a bit of packing and then had an early night.
We finished packing in the morning and the children were very quiet and somber again at the thought of leaving. An easy drive home although the A34 was hell as usual. Have I mentioned that I hate that road?
Max picked Fran up after dinner and it was very strange to have just one child again! A lovely, lovely time and so nice for Charlie to have company and someone to play with and just experience things with on holiday for a change.
After breakfast we set off for somewhere I forgot the name for but it was a village with a big estate which was supposed to have tractor and trailer rides to see some deer. We got there ok but it seemed that it was a seasonal thing. So some quick thinking and I decided to go to Lymington as I had planned a much quieter day today as I didn't want exhaustion to overcome anyone and spoil the end of the holiday. We parked behind the museum that wasn't really a museum and walked down to the harbour/marina. Quite a long walk and very hot again. We walked through a small park and the children spent ages watching the Isle of Wight ferry coming and going and the other various boats.
A skipper told the children that yesterday a dolphin had come right into the marina so they were very excited at the idea they might see one. We could see absolutely loads of huge fish swimming around but there was a distinct lack of seagulls which was odd.
We walked further down towards the sailing club and opposite there was a rather lovely hotel/pub so we stopped for a drink and lunch and the children played in the playground too. Very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours looking out over the marina. Food was oustanding as well - children both had scampi.
We walked back to the car stopping to look in a chandlery and for an ice cream.
We took a very scenic route back and drove through some places I'd like to go to in the future.
Off to Bolderwood next where I had read there was a deer lookout platform and if we were very lucky we might get to see some wild deer. We parked up and were greeted by some rather friendly ponies who were very interested in our Crocs!
A short walk through the forest which was beautiful
We were really lucky and there were loads of deer up close to the viewing platform.
The children didn't want to leave and we ended up watching them for a good 45 minutes before rambling back through the forest. We stopped off at a couple of places in the Forest on the way back too.
Had to stop to photograph this too:
Very cute but Mummy donkey did attempt to get in through my window!
Went swimming when we got back and had a lovely time and then more bow and arrow play before dinner.
We had dinner at The Bistro again, lovely food and the children both charmed the staff, getting extra chocolate sauce on pudding for Fran and Charlie had a special fruit plate done for him.
Once the children were asleep I started a bit of packing and then had an early night.
We finished packing in the morning and the children were very quiet and somber again at the thought of leaving. An easy drive home although the A34 was hell as usual. Have I mentioned that I hate that road?
Max picked Fran up after dinner and it was very strange to have just one child again! A lovely, lovely time and so nice for Charlie to have company and someone to play with and just experience things with on holiday for a change.
New Forest Part 3B
Back to the car and off for a surprise dinner. The night before Fran had been telling me all about how much she loved Harvester's and really wanted to go to one so I had e-mailed Bev and asked her to send me the address for the nearest one. Even with Sat Nav we failed to find the one in Bournemouth so set off for the one near Poole instead. Spookily it was just down the road from the foster home where we got Monty so that was a bit weird. Fran and Charlie in seventh heaven when we arrived with much proclaiming of this is the best surprise ever - oh ok!
No starters tonight but all had huge helpings from the salad cart and Fran had a chicken dish and Charlie being Charlie had a huge mixed platter from the adults menu!
Everyone was too full for pudding so we left to go back to Sandy Balls. On the way home I decided to take another detour and we stopped off at Christchurch beach. More seventh heaven
A lovely hour or so here before going home, and they were both asleep pretty pronto after a rather long and tiring day.
No starters tonight but all had huge helpings from the salad cart and Fran had a chicken dish and Charlie being Charlie had a huge mixed platter from the adults menu!
Everyone was too full for pudding so we left to go back to Sandy Balls. On the way home I decided to take another detour and we stopped off at Christchurch beach. More seventh heaven
A lovely hour or so here before going home, and they were both asleep pretty pronto after a rather long and tiring day.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
New Forest Part 3
Wednesday Bit of a lie in for everyone this morning, exhausation was definitely catching up with us all. Charlie had got into my bed in the middle of the night but as soon as he woke up he had to go back in to Fran of course, some devastatingly important mutual DS playing was urgently needed.
Breakfast done and dusted we hit the road, heading for the glorious Sandbanks so we could get the ferry to the even more glorious Brownsea Island. We parked in the beach car park, had a quick nosy at the gorgeous beach and asked a random lifeguard how to get to the ferry. It was really hot at this point and the walk up to the ferry was not much fun in the heat, but after 20 minutes we survived and passed lots of the millionaires mansions. I loved the glass and colours on this one
We watched the chain ferry for a few minutes whilst waiting for our ferry and chewed over the fact that had I known it the day before we could have used the chain ferry to get to Corfe Castle and saved about 40 minutes of driving - arrgh.
On the Brownsea Island ferry
Straight to the NT cafe for lunch (seeing a bit of a pattern here) and this rather friendly but tomato hating little chap joined us under our table much to the children's amusement
After that we wandered up to the start of the trails and debated on whether to explore the island or go to the Wetlands Nature Reserve, one vote for each option meant I had to make the decision so it was exploring the island. At the visitors centre there was a display on the history of the island, a short video and some colouring sheets which both children did. Then we were off on the childrens treasure trail.
We were treated to some fantastic views of Sandbanks, Poole harbour mouth and Shell Bay
The views on this side of the island were my favourite I think - it was very beautiful.
Discussion about which was the right way
The other side of the Island
Amazingly tame duckings that allowed both children to stroke them and ate out of their hands
Almost at the end of the trail
The "illegal" way back to the exit
It took about 3 hours to get around the trail rather than the 1.5 hours reported but it was just so lovely and although plenty of people there we were alone for most of the time which was very tranquil. Fantastic place for kids to run about and explore. Quick mooch around the shop and an ice cream whilst waiting for the ferry back to the mainland. I would love to go back to again and do the nature reserve as well next time - its a fantastic place.
Back on the ferry and a walk back down to the car and off into Bournemouth for the surprise visit to the Oceanarium We came here almost two years and I was glad to see it was as good as I remembered. My favourite part was definitely the turtles.
Into the shop afterwards and Charlie got a cuddly turtle, named Zoom by Fran and a book of some description about something ocean-ish and Fran chose a rather lovely necklace. As we came the children spotted a merry go round and we very enthuasiastic when I asked if they'd like to go on it! It was a first for Charlie and they both loved it.
Breakfast done and dusted we hit the road, heading for the glorious Sandbanks so we could get the ferry to the even more glorious Brownsea Island. We parked in the beach car park, had a quick nosy at the gorgeous beach and asked a random lifeguard how to get to the ferry. It was really hot at this point and the walk up to the ferry was not much fun in the heat, but after 20 minutes we survived and passed lots of the millionaires mansions. I loved the glass and colours on this one
We watched the chain ferry for a few minutes whilst waiting for our ferry and chewed over the fact that had I known it the day before we could have used the chain ferry to get to Corfe Castle and saved about 40 minutes of driving - arrgh.
On the Brownsea Island ferry
Straight to the NT cafe for lunch (seeing a bit of a pattern here) and this rather friendly but tomato hating little chap joined us under our table much to the children's amusement
After that we wandered up to the start of the trails and debated on whether to explore the island or go to the Wetlands Nature Reserve, one vote for each option meant I had to make the decision so it was exploring the island. At the visitors centre there was a display on the history of the island, a short video and some colouring sheets which both children did. Then we were off on the childrens treasure trail.
We were treated to some fantastic views of Sandbanks, Poole harbour mouth and Shell Bay
The views on this side of the island were my favourite I think - it was very beautiful.
Discussion about which was the right way
The other side of the Island
Amazingly tame duckings that allowed both children to stroke them and ate out of their hands
Almost at the end of the trail
The "illegal" way back to the exit
It took about 3 hours to get around the trail rather than the 1.5 hours reported but it was just so lovely and although plenty of people there we were alone for most of the time which was very tranquil. Fantastic place for kids to run about and explore. Quick mooch around the shop and an ice cream whilst waiting for the ferry back to the mainland. I would love to go back to again and do the nature reserve as well next time - its a fantastic place.
Back on the ferry and a walk back down to the car and off into Bournemouth for the surprise visit to the Oceanarium We came here almost two years and I was glad to see it was as good as I remembered. My favourite part was definitely the turtles.
Into the shop afterwards and Charlie got a cuddly turtle, named Zoom by Fran and a book of some description about something ocean-ish and Fran chose a rather lovely necklace. As we came the children spotted a merry go round and we very enthuasiastic when I asked if they'd like to go on it! It was a first for Charlie and they both loved it.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
New Forest Part 2
Tuesday - after breakfast we set off for Corfe Castle Took over an hour to get there due to distance and traffic. They had rather a fantastic visitors centre in the car park with some really good artefacts and activities. The walk from the car park through a wooded valley with stream and some ruins and up a mountain to the castle was really lovely, although crossing the road in between two blind bends was a bit scary!
Crossing the bridge to the gatehouse
Wonky remains
On the way down again
Waiting for lunch in the NT tea room
Lunch was rather pleasant and then we had a mooch around the NT gift shop. Fran and Charlie both bought a bow and arrow and Fran also bought a cuddly dog whose name varied from Disney to Rowan to Ella to other things throughout the week and two little birthstones. Charlie also bought some birthstones and then wanted to donate some money to the castle so the member of staff helped him by explaining that if he handed cash over it went to the NT but if he bought a cuddly dragon keyring that money went straight to the Castle so he went for that option and handed over £3.
Back down through the gorgeous valley - much better on the way down and some playing in the stream.
We found these amazing little mushrooms growing in some ruins of the mill by the stream
Back to the car where we were treated to the stream train going past.
On the way home I saw signs for a Toy Museum so decided to take one of my fantastic surprise detours.
We got back to the lodge and they both went out to play with their bows arrows.
View from lodge
Bows and arrows
We had dinner that night at the second restaurant at the complex and it was lasagne all round and very nice too but not quite up to The Bistro's standard according to the little ones! Back to the lodge for more bow and arrow play and baths and then DS and reading before bed.
Crossing the bridge to the gatehouse
Wonky remains
On the way down again
Waiting for lunch in the NT tea room
Lunch was rather pleasant and then we had a mooch around the NT gift shop. Fran and Charlie both bought a bow and arrow and Fran also bought a cuddly dog whose name varied from Disney to Rowan to Ella to other things throughout the week and two little birthstones. Charlie also bought some birthstones and then wanted to donate some money to the castle so the member of staff helped him by explaining that if he handed cash over it went to the NT but if he bought a cuddly dragon keyring that money went straight to the Castle so he went for that option and handed over £3.
Back down through the gorgeous valley - much better on the way down and some playing in the stream.
We found these amazing little mushrooms growing in some ruins of the mill by the stream
Back to the car where we were treated to the stream train going past.
On the way home I saw signs for a Toy Museum so decided to take one of my fantastic surprise detours.
We got back to the lodge and they both went out to play with their bows arrows.
View from lodge
Bows and arrows
We had dinner that night at the second restaurant at the complex and it was lasagne all round and very nice too but not quite up to The Bistro's standard according to the little ones! Back to the lodge for more bow and arrow play and baths and then DS and reading before bed.
New Forest - Part 1
Monday saw the children up and raring to go a little too early for my liking. A few last minute work/website emergencies dealt with and we set off around 11.30am.
Just under an hour later when I was already fit to do unspeakable things to the A34 (how I despise that road) we'd stopped at the services for lunch. Highlight of lunch was the absolute look of disgust on Fran's face when Charlie came into the ladies with us. Did try to explain that big bustling service station mens toilets aren't the safest places for little boys to go alone but she was still appalled - made me smile and chuckle anyway.
Having purchased Mika's cd in the shop we all sang our way down the remainder of the A34 (have I mentioned I hate that road) M3, M27 and then on into the New Forest itself. Fran and Charlie were both beyond themselves with excitement at immediately seeing lots of New Forest ponies and proceeded to count them. 49 seen by the time we arrived at Sandy Balls at 2.30pm.
We drove round to our lodge and parked the car and then had a little look around the complex before collecting our keys at 3.00. Back to the lodge where I cruelly made everyone unpack and put away all their belongings before we went anywhere, it's the law you know.
We decided to do one of the nature trails/walks in the complex and then decided to do the one to the river. We never actually made it that far but had a lovely hour or so romping through valleys, forests and climbing mountains.
Setting off on our walk
View from the top
Nature spotting
Resting half way back up the mountain
After we made it back up to the top it was time for dinner so we continued round the complex and settled on The Bistro for eating at.
Fran was very sweet and looked incredulous when she asked if she could have three courses and I said of course - bless!
They both had the same, garlic bread to start, fresh cod, sautee pots and green beans for main and then profiteroles with hot choc sauce for pudding.
Back to the lodge and they played outside for a bit before coming in for reading and DS playing before bed.
Just under an hour later when I was already fit to do unspeakable things to the A34 (how I despise that road) we'd stopped at the services for lunch. Highlight of lunch was the absolute look of disgust on Fran's face when Charlie came into the ladies with us. Did try to explain that big bustling service station mens toilets aren't the safest places for little boys to go alone but she was still appalled - made me smile and chuckle anyway.
Having purchased Mika's cd in the shop we all sang our way down the remainder of the A34 (have I mentioned I hate that road) M3, M27 and then on into the New Forest itself. Fran and Charlie were both beyond themselves with excitement at immediately seeing lots of New Forest ponies and proceeded to count them. 49 seen by the time we arrived at Sandy Balls at 2.30pm.
We drove round to our lodge and parked the car and then had a little look around the complex before collecting our keys at 3.00. Back to the lodge where I cruelly made everyone unpack and put away all their belongings before we went anywhere, it's the law you know.
We decided to do one of the nature trails/walks in the complex and then decided to do the one to the river. We never actually made it that far but had a lovely hour or so romping through valleys, forests and climbing mountains.
Setting off on our walk
View from the top
Nature spotting
Resting half way back up the mountain
After we made it back up to the top it was time for dinner so we continued round the complex and settled on The Bistro for eating at.
Fran was very sweet and looked incredulous when she asked if she could have three courses and I said of course - bless!
They both had the same, garlic bread to start, fresh cod, sautee pots and green beans for main and then profiteroles with hot choc sauce for pudding.
Back to the lodge and they played outside for a bit before coming in for reading and DS playing before bed.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
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