My Sunday photo of Baby and I on a bear hunt with the kids, down the woods. We clearly aren’t scared!
#MySundayPhoto
#MySundayPhoto 12/4/15
Category Archives: Days out
We went on a bear hunt!
After being inspired by the children’s new favourite book.
I decided that this half term we would go on our own little bear hunt. This meant us going on a walk down into the wood near my house while reciting the story repeatedly and while I tried to snap as many picture as I could. Plus it meant I got to final test out the back sling I brought to carry Baby in.
The weather has been very bloody beautiful this week and has been a welcomed changed because it meant that our walk wouldn’t be put on hold. I arranged a day out with a friend and her children, but the original plan was changed and we instead decide to packed a picnic and go on a adventure.
OUR HUNTERS!
We were all really excited to go for a hike around the woods. Even Baby was excited and was loving her new carrier. So off we set, with our picnic packed the kids raring to go and everyone excited for the fun.
“We’re Going On A Bear Hunt.”
“We’re Going To Catch A BIG One.”
“What A Beautiful Day!”
“We’re Not Scared.”
We had great fun and we ticked most of the books adventures, like mud, forest, a little beck (almost a river). Lucky for us there wasn’t a snowstorm or any dark caves.
Sadly we didn’t find any bears but we saw sheep, cows, horses and a cute family of donkeys.
We managed to get round our walk and at end we worked out that we had all managed to do about 4 miles and were completely exhausted. But like kids do they some how managed to find loads of energy just as we got home to sit down.
It was then that the boys asked if they could have a camp out. I thought why not the weather is lovely and I knew our tents needed to be aired out soon. (It had been a few years)
So we got out a tent and put it up in the garden.
The boys wanted a camp fire to roast marshmallows but that wasn’t possible, instead we managed to talk them into a BBQ for tea.
They seemed happy with them.
Soon it was time for my friend and her girls to leave, Hubby and our girls went to bed. Which left me and the boys to try to snuggle down and get comfy in the tent in the garden.
As you can tell they were very happy and really excited.
When I first agreed to the idea of camping in the garden I had seriously thought that they would have been happy to sit in tent, tell ghost stories and then realise it was cold, uncomfy (my air bed bust a few years back, so we were sleeping on just hard ground) and that they would want to crawl back into their own beds in time for me to curl up on sofa and watch Scandal.
I was very wrong and we stayed out there all night. They even stayed out there this morning when I had finally decided I could pretend to sleep anymore an I needed the loo and then a coffee!
I was happy to see they loved camping as much as I normally do. Hopefully next year when baby is a little older we can look into booking a family camping holiday.
Do you ever acted out your kids books?
Have you ever camped in the garden?
Nikki x
Ps, sorry it’s such a photo heavy post but I hope you enjoyed it.
How to have a fun Easter Egg Hunt
Easter is a holiday that as a child I quickly over looked. But now I’m a mum and my children are growing up, Easter is slowly starting to become one of my favourite of the holidays.
I love the fact that it marks the start of spring, I love the fact the damp an miserable wintery showers are replaced with brighter, sunnier days and of course I love the fact that we can indulge in loads of chocolate.
Every Easter we have a certain lot of traditions that we follow. We always do some sort of baking, we wear silly Easter mask and of course we have a Easter Egg hunt, this year was no different. That is why I thought I would share my tips on how to have a fun Easter egg hunt.
- Firstly buy loads of different size eggs
That way you can make if fun for older and younger children. I tell my children they have to hunt down 2 big eggs each and the little ones are for whoever find them first.
- Stick clues or arrows directing the kids to the treats
It makes the hunt more fun and gives the children clear instructions, which means the hunt doesn’t turn in to excited, chocolate fuel anarchy. (Have you ever seen a suger infused toddler with a chocolate crazier glint in their eye, it terrifying!)
- Give everyone a fair chance
I do this but letting they younger ones have a few minutes hunting eggs down before the older kids. This is because the toddlers are normally so excited/amazed by the shiny, bright foil cover eggs that they are either too caught up in their first found egg they forget the rest or they want to unwrap it straight away and eat it that they don’t see the other eggs. Also it prevents the older kids running round and hogging all the eggs leaving it the younger one at a unfair advantage. You could also change this by having you help the younger ones find the eggs while the older ones have fun.
- Have fun!
Remind the children it’s all meant to be fun and that there isn’t a loser or a winner it the taking part and havingf fun that counts.
Do you have a egg hunt or any Easter traditions in your family?
Happy Easter everyone! 🐰🍫🐣
Nikki x
Play at Brewers Fayre at the Old Brickworks
I can not begin to explain how excited I was when I received and email offering me and my family a VIP invite to the Play at Brewers Fayre event at The Old Brickworks pub and restaurant in Drighlington, for the launch of their new Beano themed indoor play area.
The family at The Old Brickworks, Brewers Fayre.
What made it even better was the fact that it was the day before mine and the Hubby’s wedding anniversary. so it meant that we could all go out for a family meal while the kids had loads of fun in the new play area.
When we arrived Dennis was stood outside waiting to meet people and take photo. The kids were thrilled and even Baby was intrigued to see who this person knew person was, instead of crying like her brothers and sister did as babies.
The kids were blown away by the new play area and couldn’t wait to play and were itching to go explore all the new equipment. We had never been to the Brewers Fayre before so the whole experience was new to us. It was one I was excited to be taking part in.
The new area had all been designed with children in mind. There is a Toddler zone which is prefect for the little menace’s to have fun, a Treetop play house for the older one’s (height restrictions apply) and they even have a party room that has been named ‘The Den’. Which means that you can actually book the space out for your child’s birthday party. The play area is open every day from 9.30am – 8pm and its only cost £3 for 90 minutes of play. Plus you get to meet Dennis and Gnasher in person.
As you can see the kids loved it. The day was made extra special because there was an amazing lady that who was doing some beautiful face painting. Of course P and E were straight over to get their faces done. P wanted a dinosaur, where as E went for Frozen.
Once the kids had their fun, we decided that it was time to eat and went in the main restaurant to get our meal. I had order a chicken and bacon salad, whereas the hubby had chosen the Brewers Fayre burger. We both really enjoyed our meals and were extremely pleased. The kids ordered off the children’s menu, with P and E having The Big Bad Dog, while T and Baby had pasta meal such as Macaroni cheese and Spaghetti Beano-ese.
I only really managed to get a few picture of the food because everyone wolfed it down it was that tasty.
/
The Hubby mentioned that he really loved the little extra added touch they added to the meal, such as the wrapper for the burger or how the hot dogs came in a little basket.
I was really impressed with the prices that you could get the meals. You could order off the children’s menu for £3.99 each and there is a Brewers Fayre Day Time Value offer where you can choose 2 adult main meals from a choice of 12 for just £10. Plus you can order 2 desserts for £2.(This is on weekdays only)
Brewers Fayre doesn’t just have an indoor play area though they also have an outdoor play area. For those lovely summer days when you want to let your kids run free and play while you enjoy a cheeky pint or glass of wine.
It is safe to say that we had a really great time (I think the amount of photos I took shows that) and the Hubby was already arranging our next visit before we had even left. He has loads of ideas about use having the kids parties there too. I guess we will have to see what happens, but I know I would be more than happy go to Brewers Fayre for lunch again.
I would really recommend!
Nikki x
Disclaimer… I was not paid for this review, however we were given a complimentary meal in exchange for my honest opinion.
February Half Term
For most of us the last week has been half term.
While I do love normally love school holiday, I completely despise them over winter. The weather is crap, the kids don’t want to play out cause it’s cold and quite frankly I can’t blame them. I know most winter days I would much rather curl up in my pj’s in the warm.
For us our half term has been spent going on days out or playing at home in tents and doing arts and crafts when the weather was bad.
You see instead of telling you about our half term in 1 post, I planned to tell you about all the stuff we got up over multiple posts. I was going to tell you about the day I met up with my sister and we took the large brood of kids to the Media Museum in Bradford. It was a fun day but because they had a Shaun the Sheep exhibit on the place was completely packed and we didn’t really get chance to enjoy it or do everything they had to going on. It was completely manic and with 2 pram and 9 kids you can imagine how much fun was to be had. We did manage some but I wasn’t able to get many photos. The kids loved it though, especially E.
By the time Saturday had rolled around I realised the kids hadn’t really played out. Of course we had been out and about to museums, play areas etc but they hadn’t gone outside to play except for a bout 5 minutes, when they ran through water fountain in
City Park on the way home from the Media Museum.
Because of this I was really happy when one of my mummy friends messaged to ask if I wanted to join her and kids for a walk to park and then down to local farms to see the animals.
The kids loved the park and I enjoyed watching them all play nicely. T really impressed me by being so grown up and helping the younger ones on the slide or pushing them on swings. It was amazing to see how grown up he was becoming.
We only stayed in the park for a short time because we wanted to go see the animals, plus I wanted to go an take some photos of the wild flowers and views for my #BWphotoproject and #MySundayPhoto. There really are some beautiful sights to see where I live and I got some great shots.
although I wish I could have found and done more. But when you have kids running round that are wanting to explore, sometime you have to miss the taking picture to gain memories instead.
We carried on down the dirt road marching in a line, as the boys pretended to be soldiers and exploring their surroundings. We spent ages looking at the sheep and horses.
E was super excited saying “Just like Shaun the Sheep The Movie”. It’s funny how excited she gets about the movie, as we haven’t actually seen the film. I guess it going to have to go on the “must see list”.
After some fun and giggles we carried on down the path until we reached the level train crossing.
It’s one of my favourite places to walk with the kids because I get to talk to them about all sorts of things. Telling them about my adventures at the same spot as a child and explaining why you only cross when the light on green. Why you should always close the gates and why you should never play on the tracks.
Every time I take the kids to the crossing. We always stop and wait to see a train pass by.
Sometimes we would be stood there for quite a while just waiting and talking. But that doesn’t matter because as soon as the crossing light turns red and starts making a beeping sound to warn the a train is imminent. You can see the excitement that spreads across the kids faces as they giddily clamber up the gate and the furiously waving at the approaching train.
It’s like a modern day image from The Railway Children.
And this trip was no exception and the smiles lite up their little faces when the train eventually came along and sounded it’s horn as and the driver and some of the passengers waved back.
After wards we turned back and walked back towards the park. So the kids could enjoy some more time playing in the park.
It was a great afternoon that was filled with lots of fun, exploring and excitement. It was amazing adventure that has left me with some fond memories to keep me going, until we head out on our next expedition.
How did you spend you half term?
Nikki x
Outdoor park fun
This weekend I have wanted so badly to go on a day out with the kids. This urge was made even greater by the fact that all weekend it has been lovely and sunny. (It was still freezing though)
Unfortunately I have still been feeling really run down and plain awful, add that to my lingering ear infection that is still bugging me and now Baby and E developing a lovely dry cough. So you can see why we didn’t really make it out.
Even with all that I was still desperate to get out of the house. I knew once I went for a walk or just got some fresh air I would feel better. I would blow way the cobwebs and soak up some vitamin D (even if it was only my face on show).
On Saturday I ended up cancelling my plans to go to a frozen fun day because I just could face the crowds of people with the kids on my own, while I felt this horrid. On Sunday I was planning to go for a walk down woods with the kids. That way we could all have some fun and explore. But with Baby and E’s chest I decided against that too.
Instead we went for a walk and then to the park. As soon as I stepped out of the door, I was hit by that bitingly cold breeze and I could feel myself waking up, an the fogginess in my head slowly blowing away.
The kids were happy to be running about and having fun, even though E was coughing all the way.
(here’s P pretending the tree is his “uber hair doo!”)
We soon got to park and found that a piece of the equipment that had been broken for over a year had finally been replaced and fixed.
It an amazing seesaw that spins round as well as bounces up and down. It great for little kids …
And big!
I was itching to have ago but I decided to wait until I was feeling better and because a line of excited kids was forming, they were waiting to take their turn on the new seesaw.
Instead the kids went off and played on other equipment and I went to go push Baby on the swings.
She really does love the swings and so does E.
All the kids had great fun and Baby even had a go on the slide with E and T
Unfortunately the cold was creeping in more as the winter sun began to fade, E’s cough was getting worse and Baby was getting fussy and wanted to go home. So I called the kids to tell them we have to leave. The kids all groaned out loud and wanted to stay and play but poor Baby was ever so upset and just wanted to go home to for her nap.
We soon walked home after “one more go on the roundabout.”
I was glad we had managed to get out of the house and I felt much better for getting some fresh air, even if we were all much colder. I know the kids had great fun and would have played for hours and if had been summer I would have let them.
As I told the kids now the weather is turning brighter we will go back again soon or maybe even try a new park or too.
Nikki x
Follow ups and fun
When I woke up on Monday morning I wasn’t sure about what the day was going to hold. For the last few weeks I had been nervous and worrying about what was going to happen because E had her follow up appointment with her surgeon.
This was the first appointment I was going to have with him since she had the Surgery in June to correct her Vesicoureteral reflux.
This is because the first appointment we were sent for 6-8 weeks after was canceled because it was in the wrong hospital (we didn’t find this out until we turned up to said appointment at the wrong hospital. I was fuming!).
We were told to wait for another appointment, which would be sent out to us. So we waited and nothing came for a while. So I brought the issue up with her Consultant Doctor when we went for her check up on her duplex kidney. Within a week I had an appointment thought the post and finally I was going to be told how everything went. (Over 6 months later)
We would also finally be able to find out if E could come off of her daily dose of antibiotic, that she take to help prevent UTI (urine track infection).
We arrived at the hospital early, like we normally do. That way they nurses can do the measuring, weight and blood pressure beforehand and I have time for E to give them a water sample. (This is the normal routine at appointments, so E knows the drill)
E has become a bit of a pro at all this, although she doesn’t like the weighing scales. (I don’t blame her I don’t like them either but for a different reason)
She sat really good and shows a maturity that was far older then the normal 3 year old. Even the nurses commented on how well behaved she was and how great she sat. Where as most of other children had the normal reaction of being scared and crying when it came to noise and squeeze of the blood pressure machine. E just sat and watched it.
I put this completely down to her obsession with Disney’s Doc Mcstuffin. I may have made the program seems really exciting when she was a baby because I knew she would love it as she grew up and it would help keep her calm with her assortment of hospital appointments in future.
After all her checks, we waited to be called in to see the doctor. E ran off to go play as I basked in the proud glow of my amazing little miss.
A short wait later and we were called in. E walked in the room and head straight for the toys as Baby and I sat and talked to the doctor.
I was scared about what he was going to say but I answer all his question about her health and if she has had any more UTI recurrences. When I explained that it had all been fine. He seemed please and scribbled down notes before checking her ultra sound scan results.
The wait was intense and what felt like forever was probably less then a few seconds. But he turned to me and said all was well her scan looked great and the surgery has been a success as far as he could see.
This meant she could come off her medicine and he didn’t want to see her again for another year. 😄 he did arrange for her to need have a scan between now and then which isn’t anything to worry about they just need to keep an eye on her to make sure things don’t change as she grows, plus the scan will help her Consultant Doctor check that her duplex kidney is working properly too.
So even though the appointment went well we still have loads of appointments in the future but the time period between them is getting longer. Which makes fitting Baby’s hospital appointments and groups in easier too.
I left the room beaming and we got ready to set off home. E asked if we could walk into town, so she could jump in puddles and stop at Gregg’s for a sausage roll before we got the bus home. (I know easily pleased)
At such a fun request and given how well she had behaved I couldn’t refuse.
So even though the wind was blowing wildly and it was pouring it down, we wandered off to jump in puddles and have some fun.
It was made even more fun when the rain stopped and we arrived at the water feature in that sits in Bradford City Centre. She really enjoyed jumping and running through the water. (It was a good job I had put her in her wellies and waterproof all in one suit, under her coat)
After all the fun we walked up to the bus station and got some lunch, so we went to Gregg’s. She got her requested sausage roll and I brought a pasta for the girls to share and a sandwich meal deal for me.
It was the prefect end to the day and I was left feeling utter pride and amazement at the beautiful daughter of mine. She just takes everything in her stride and doesn’t let if stop her having fun.
Nikki x
Bike riding fun!
Last year when P learned to ride his bike without stabilisers and ever since I have has a little E begging me for a bike. As she was only 2 at the time I put it off until I thought she needed one. This Christmas though she took matters into her own hands and outsourced for her bike by asking Santa!
She was thrilled on Christmas morning when she saw what mummy and daddy had brought her.
We chose a bike that had a parent handle so we could help if and when she gets tired.
Since Christmas she has bugged and asked to go out on her bike. We did take her out a few times but no where that she could really have a go at peddling the bike herself.
So at the weekend I promised her and her siblings that we would go for a walk and they could take their bikes.
They were so thrilled and rushed off to get their bikes (A took her scooter because she can’t ride a bike yet and gets scared when trying). My hubby helped me round to grandma’s house and then went off to work. We did this because it was going to be too difficult pushing a pram and the bike at same time.
I did give it a go though just to be sure but E kept swerving into parked cars or the pram. So grandma pushed Baby while I pushed E and held my mum’s dog Bella.
We decided to walk up to the park so The kids could ride their bike along the paths, on the grass and around the fields. The area is also enclosed which meant I knew E would safe as well if she all of a sudden dashed off on her bike.
The older kids sped off I. Front and we’re having wail of a time. Poor E was itching to ride off with them but her little legs weren’t use to peddling yet and she wasn’t really able to keep up.
We all rode up to the football pitch and the kids had a run about (and so did the dog) before we rode back towards the park and started making our way home.
It was at this point E’s determination kicked in and she was ready to give it another go. Her big brother T gave her a few pointer and showed her what to do.
Next thing I knew she was off and peddling all on her own.
I was so proud of her and I could tell she was proud of herself.
Before I know it she will be wanting the stabilisers off her bike too.
Nikki x
Trying to get out with the kids.
Over the Christmas half term holidays, I always plan for lots of indoor activities and (weather permitting) out door fun too.
But instead my family and I tend to become hermits, staying indoors watching films, playing games or doing arts and crafts.
This year though I didn’t want to be stuck indoors. I wanted to be out having fun, playing in the snow (before it melted) and getting some fresh air.
This didn’t really happen the first week of the holidays, though. Mainly because I was busy dashing off to do shopping, wrapping presents or recleaning my house for the 50th time, when the kids destroyed it.
This week though I have really made a real effort. I wanted to make sure that I got myself and the kids out of the house. (We were all going rather stir crazy)
It wasn’t planned and was just a last minute, spur of the moment. I decided to take my all kids to the park and let them run off their excess steam. (They were climbing the walls and I was really close to having a breakdown!)
So we just gathered ourself together and went off to the park, with a football. It was starting to lightly rain and the dark clouds were rolling in. I didn’t actually think we would make to park before we would turn back. Fortunately the rain held off and we made it to the park. (Even if it was bloody freezing) the ground was still covered in the last little bits is frozen snow and ice.
When we entered the park the kid ran off in every direction. The older kids went of in a sulk and find a make shift goal. (I wouldn’t let them go to the football field on their own because I couldn’t see them from the park. T didn’t like that because he “is old enough now!” Apprently)
I ignored his little moans of protest and went to go push Baby on the swings while E played on slide before joining us.
P and A gave up on the idea of football and decided instead to smash up the snow/ice, that was scattered the grass or the playground and the play on the big basket swing. This annoying T who was still in a sulk over not being able to play football on the field and he was verging on having a full meltdown. When I threatened to take us all home. He eventually came round quickly when I came up with the idea of a relay race around the park. (A few laps was sure to burn all that sulkiness out of him)
He was thrilled when I got my phone out to start timing them all. They had a few races against each other and then T wanted me to time him by himself. A, was going to have a go too but changed her mind after 1 lap. E tried to keep up with the elder 2 (I didn’t time her though) and P just wanted to play.
So with cheers from me the kids ran and I timed their laps. At first T was going to do 4 but after his 2nd he said he could only do 1 more. He was very pleased with the result.
Once all the kids were done I decided it was time to go. I got a chorus of “Awwwww’s” when I told the kids but the street lights had started coming on and it was getting to cold for Baby to be staying out. So we went home.
The kids still had great fun and even though they didn’t play football and nothing was planned we still managed to eventually enjoy ourselves, get fresh air and burn off some stream.
Nikki x
Bradford Christmas lights switch on.
Tonight has been a fun, exciting, magical and stressful night.
I took my family to go watch the Christmas lights be switched on in Bradford town centre.
I was about worried about going because I knew it would be crowded. Also I knew I would be on my own with kids as my hubby had to work that night. With this in mind I decided to ask a couple of my mummy friends if we all fancied going together. Because then we could keep each other company as well as help each other when it came to toilet runs and watched each other’s kids.
You know “mummy team work”.
My friends K and E were more the happy to go along with my idea and we mixed a group with my 4, K’s 2 boys and E’s little girl. Making the grand total of 3 adults and 7 kids, 4 of which were 3 or under. (Yes we are mad)
We decided to set off into town at 4.15pm so we would be able to get a good place to watch the show. Which started at 5pm. We got a prime spot were we could watch the kids, the show and still chat/relax. (or so we thought)
The weather had been crap all day. It had been foggy/misty but luckily the temperature wasn’t too bad. So we all sat and waited for the show to start.
The sky was dull, grey and it started to rain just as the show began to start.
That didn’t deter people though and the area soon began to fill up with crowds of people. It was then that I realised my “prime spot” wasn’t that great. Specially when a loads of teenage and preteen kids started try and push us out off way.
The poor family at side of me kept getting hit by my bag and at one point baby even kicked the mum in the eye as I shifted her weight on my hip. I was mortified.
But it didn’t matter because there were Christmas carols sung by the school choirs. The best part of the whole show was the acrobatic aerial show. It was amazing and the kids liked what they could see of it because the crowds were moving in and blocking their view. Luckily the show moved high up into the air. Shoring high above the crowds meaning the kids got a great view and I managed to get some lovely pictures.
By this point the rain had stopped and we got to watch the show in amazement. Although T kept complaining he was hungry because he was sulking as I wouldn’t buy a flashing sword.
The Lord Major of Bradford switched on the lights which was great and the fireworks were great. All the kids loved watching them and the whole show was great. Even with the odd stressful bits. We all made it through and the light looked amazing and we all enjoyed ourselves.
Santa was even give out presents as we left. The kids were so excited and of course the presents where a small charge but I couldn’t resist buy them one each.
I am so glad I had my friends to go with though because otherwise the night would of been much more stressful. (as my E needed the toilet almost constantly and all kids didn’t want to go every time)
I am so thankful for great friends because they made my night, specially when we went to go feed the tribe. The giggles, the banter and the memories that were made were great 🙂
Nikki ❤
