Tag: holidays

Who needs Marriage Counselling?

How to survive summer holidays

Not suggesting we do, but I haven’t laughed so hard in ages.  We both work from home and it does get fractious at times.  Being school holidays, I’ve done as predicted and chucked money at it, not because I have a surplus of cash but with an only-child and a tiny garden, I’m always looking for things to entertain my five year old during the school holidays.

I don’t want to give the impression that it’s expensive.  It cost me £20 and worth every penny.

Growing up I never played Swing Ball, I have no idea of its origins but guessing it didn’t make it across the Atlantic, but I could be wrong.  We played a similar game called Tetherball but it didn’t have paddles, players used their hands and it was a hard plastic ball, more football sized.

After a few goes with our daughter, we decided to play each other…. is it just me or does it look like he’s trying to kill me?

 

So, if you’re looking for something to save your marriage or to have a right laugh with your kids this summer in limited space then this is the answer.  Great family fun!

Gotta love traditional games!

Hubby reckons we should try it after a few beers.  Can someone warn A & E?

I bought mine from Cuthberts Toys.

 

 

Highlight of Half-term: Forest School

And breathe!  We’ve just come to the end of a very busy half-term.  For once, I was organised and booked a few activities in for Madame.  She’s been to the local farm, play dates with friends, Play in the Parks Scheme, Spooky Animal Magic and Trick or Treating.  We almost need a break from our break.

However, the highlight for her by far was Forest School in St Albans.  I don’t know if it’s the Canadian in me but when I saw it advertised at school, I knew she had to go as I’m always on a quest to get her outside more.  It was held in a small Wood on the school property and runs rain or shine, so pop some wellies on and wrap up warm.

She came home beside herself with excitement.  They climbed trees, dug trenches for daffodils, carved wood medals using a peeler, made toast on the fire, drank hot chocolate and played on a make shift swing.  She also mentioned a Fire band for her hair but I’d rather not think about that one.

My only regret was not signing her up for the full 3 days, but we will definitely next time.

Disclosure:  Madame’s stylish Hunter Wellies were courtesy of Simply Hike

 

 

Surviving School Holidays in St Albans

As it’s school holidays, I’m just been reminding myself of things to do with kids in or near St Albans.  Thought it may be of interest to you as well.

Heartwood Forest – in Sandridge.  Over the next 12 years the Woodland trust is going to be putting this forest back to its former glory.  To date they have planted over 300,000 trees.  However, there are still 4 areas of ancient forest left which are great for Den Building and the Bluebells are in full bloom.

Kite Flying Dunstable Downs – On the road to Whipsnade Zoo.  You can buy a kite for about £8 in the gift shop if you don’t have one.  Dress up warm!

Butterfly World – people have mixed feelings about Butterfly World.  I personally love it but I’m fully aware that it’s a work in progress, the Dome isn’t built yet and there is just one small house of butterflies.  We love running around the gardens, the playground is brilliant and check out the Ant house.  In April, entry is only £5.  Bring a lunch to keep costs down.

RAF Museum Hendon – I’m not a plane enthusiast but it’s a great day out for the kids and it’s FREE, well except for the parking.  There is a place indoors that you can bring a packed lunch.

St Albans South Signal Box – this may sound dull but I promise you it’s very interesting.  It’s free, the gardens are lovely and you can get a cuppa.  Next Open Day is Sunday 8th of April 2012.

And a few other random free things to do with kids in or near St Albans.

 

Ski Holidays for the Family

Yes, this is a sponsored post but it’s a genuine question.  A group of our friends are going on a Ski Holiday in Austria in Feb and have invited us along.  This particular group of friends are a great laugh but the majority of them don’t have kids.  However, they’ve always been brilliant with our daughter.  In fact, she thinks one of them is her second dad but that’s a whole different story.  There is one couple going who have a daughter but they’ve managed to find care for her for the week, lucky so and so’s!  However, this isn’t an option for us.

The idea would be that our friends would stay in the main hotel partying till silly o’clock and we would get something self-catering nearby and possibly take turns joining them at night.  Originally, I discounted it straight away but after seeing how much Madame enjoyed her ski lesson a couple of weeks ago I’m now toying with the idea again.

I’ve never been skiing in Europe nor have I ever been skiing for more than a day at a time.  When I was growing up in Canada we’d just drive up to the ski hill in the morning which was only 45 minutes away and would return in the evening.  The thought of skiing for a whole week sounds like it could be hard work.

I’ve also spoken to another friend who has taken her 3 year old skiing and she raves about it.  She said ‘if you’re inclined, the crèches/ski schools are so good that you don’t even have to see your kids all day if you don’t want to!’  Not sure if I’d be up for that but the option is tempting.

The last thing we need to consider it the cost.  I haven’t quite worked it out yet but a week for the 3 of us isn’t going to be cheap (hotel, flights, food, drink, lift passes, equipment).  Would I be better off killing two birds with one stone and investigating Ski holidays in Canada so I could combine it with wwvisiting family?

So, my question to you is ‘have you ever been skiing with a 3 year old and if so, would you recommend it?’