Dad

It's been a while since I last saw you but still I couldn't believe how much you have changed.

I remember you laughing so hard your eyes would water. Now you look so sad.

I look into your eyes and they seem so confused, so far away, so lost.

I'm not sure you know who I am.

The children look wary of you. That makes me sad. I don't think they really understand.

I don't understand.

I remember you cycling to work and back every day on your three-speed bike.

I remember you making us walk for miles in whatever the weather - we dare not complain.

I remember you in your beloved vegetable garden. Mum would always moan that you grew too much, especially when it was just me left at home.

I remember you hanging onto me on the terraces at Carrow Road full of nerves and excitement.

I remember you in your office at home, your head over your calculator, working on accounts in your own time to bring more money in to put us through university and have a good start in life - thank you Dad.

Now I remember you looking sad, slouched in your chair, needing help to sip some drink.

Now I remember you lying asleep in your bed, so peaceful.

Then we had to go.

I hope I see you again Dad.

x x x

Norfolk

I have just returned from a lovely break to my home county of Norfolk.

 

There was laughter, hugs, sandy toes, fish and chips, ice cream, chickens, collecting eggs, windpumps, a boat ride.

 

I showed Edith and Alban my favourite childhood places; memories remembered, memories created.

 

Lots of happiness...

 

 

 

 

...but a little sadness too.

 

x x x

My baby is starting school soon!?!

I can't quite believe my baby boy is off to school next month.

Wasn't it only five minutes ago he was like this?

No?!

Well, he is now a strapping 4 year old excitedly looking forward to starting Reception in just a few weeks time. We have had a lovely family summer holiday this year but now I am starting to panic over school uniforms and trips to the shoe shop.

Camping vs Boutique Hotel vs Butlin's

I have just returned from two nights away in a boutique hotel with the husband - a well needed break for the two of us and a rare opportunity to use the in laws services while they visited us from France.

Picture from www.thebullhotel.co.uk

We stayed in this room here at The Bull Hotel in Bridport, Dorset, a bit of luxury following our recent accomodation of six nights in a tent with the children camping in Devon.

Camp Bestival Video Moments - dancing in the Castle Field

I just had to share this gem with you.
Seriously my boy has the moves but I'm not sure what the tongue thing is all about!

Disclaimer - he does not get his dancing skills from me - I am co-ordinated in my movement.

Camping with children

We have not long returned from a great 6 days of camping based in Devon. I found a lovely little site just outside of Tavistock where for an extra £2.50 you could have a HUUUUGE private hedged pitch. We opted for this as it gave us loads of space, privacy and a safe base for the children.

Once our tent was up we made it cosy with bunting, tables, chairs, camp kitchen, blankets, blow up beds, duvets, lanterns, fairy lights, tea lights...you name it, we probably took it to make our camp glamp!

We have camped countless times with the children now and with a bit of planning and careful packing camping holidays can be excellent. Edith has reached the age of wanting to go to the toilet block on her own and, despite bending the rule of  'no unaccompanied children in the toilets' that most campsites have, we let her do it. She's a sensible girl and I see this as developing her independence and safety awareness skills. The two of them would sneak to the park unaccompanied too! Yes, we were that family that lets their children run riot! Seriously though, they were closely monitored by us at all times.

Chocolate Giveaway!!

Love chocolates?!...then read on!

I recently received an email offering me the choice to either sample a box of handmade chocolates myself or provide you, my gorgeous blog readers, an opportunity to win a box of chocs to indulge yourselves in. Seeing as I am so lovely and thoughtful I opted for the latter.

So, if you love chocolates and fancy a box of these beauties worth £21.99 from Chocolate by Genevie then enter my giveaway now!

Chocolate by Genevie is a small family business making both the chocolates and packaging by hand to give the customer a product that is unique and special. Find more about their business here.

To enter the competition just leave a comment below telling me what type of chocolate you would be, and why?! Please also leave your Twitter name or means of contact.

I will select a winner using the random.org number generator tool.

Competition closes at noon on Tuesday 14th August so get entering now!

x x x

Disclaimer - the prize is being provided by Chocolate by Genevie as a giveaway competition. I am receiving no payment or goods.