It's Christmas!

Christmas at Butlins in Bognor Regis, and much fun was had by all. Mummy and Daddy and George had one "apartment" (they don't call them chalets any more apparently) with Nanny Yvonne and Grandad Michael next door.

There was plenty of entertainment, and we barely had time to fit in meals between all the activities we wanted to do: Panto, visiting Santa, Spa treatments (for Mummy and Daddy), fruit machines, air hockey, Dora the Explorer, Barney the Dinosaur, soft play and fairground rides.

The present opening lasted most of the day, and a particular favourite was the Scalextric, which Daddy and Grandad monopolised.

Snow, Snow, Snow!

We missed the beginning of the snow, and arrived back from Brussels to find that our part of the world had turned very white. In our local park the snow was reaching the top of George's wellies: We failed to make a snowman (I swear it was the wrong sort of snow) so George followed Special Agent Oso's special tips and made a snow angel. Those Americans have a lot to answer for. And I don't think George appreciated just how cold and wet he would get - we didn't last long in the park after this!

Brussels Winter Market

A freezing few days in Brussels, minus 6 degrees not including a considerable wind chill factor. George enjoyed a day at "Sciencetastic" and Daddy and Grandad seemed to have a pretty good time there too (while Mummy and Nanny were shopping). We didn't hang around the market much because it was too cold, even after a portion of frites with mayonnaise, but the boys did all have a go on a sledge.

Making the most of our Merlin Pass - London Eye

Christmas Market on the South Bank. George found the stall with the chocolate fountain, of course. And since we were in the area, we thought we might as well make use of the Merlin Pass for a trip on the Eye - well, all the theme parks are closed for the season, so we have to get our money's worth somehow.

Making the Most of our Merllin Pass - Legoland

As we were in this part of the world for Thorpe Park, we made a mini-holiday of it, stayed overnight in a hotel, and set off for Legoland. It was a long day as we stayed for the fireworks - which were pretty impressive (and even more impressive is that Mummy got some decent shots of them on her phone.)

Making the most of our Merlin Pass - Thorpe Park

Even quieter on this visit - what idiot would go to a theme park in November, after all?

The water ride - no queue!

Hallowe'en

George was very excited by Hallowe'en, and delighted that his little friend Amy was once again having a small gathering. Mummy was pleased that George liked being a pumpkin and didn't insist on some hideous monster/skeleton costume.

Day out in London/ Making the Most of our Merlin Pass - Aquarium

Took the bus to the Archbishop's Gardens in Lambeth, then Mummy and George had lunch at Pizza Express before meeting Daddy for a visit to the Aquarium.

A bambinocino for the young man, please.

Making the most of our Merlin Pass - Chessington again!

We've been so many times I've given up taking photos, but still want to mark the visit.

A good one, because there aren't quite so many people who want to visit a theme park in England in October, which means there aren't many queues (apart from Tiny Trucks, which is always ridiculously slow).

Weekend at Butlins

Much fun was had by all in Butlins at Bognor for the weekend. There were shows, rides, penny arcade machines, and ice cream.Demonstrating his driving skills.

George proudly showing off his (chocolate) medal. He certainly deserved to win something - every time they said "Go" he started running, whether or not it was actually his race. By the end, the whole crowd was shouting, "Not you, George."

This gigantic ice cream sundae was for the whole family to share. And George was determined to make sure none of it was wasted.

Making the Most of our Merlin Pass - Thorpe Park

Another day, another theme park. Thorpe Park, for a change. It's mostly aimed at teenagers really, but there are a few little rides for George, some big ones for Daddy, and some medium ones that they both like.

I think Daddy slightly regretted this one:

Cultural Weekend

Our first weekend at home for ages, so we went out and about in London. (George is now thoroughly confused about where London is because he knows we live in London, but we also sometimes "go to" London. So he thinks there are at least two places called London.)

We went to a proper West End Theatre to see "Room on the Broom". George sat still and watched it relatively quietly - it was an entertaining production (although Daddy wasn't impressed).

We had lunch at the Tokyo Diner where George was disappointed to discover that not all sushi is Yo! Sushi, but still managed to wolf down everyone's raw salmon. Then we got soaking wet in a summer downpour, before heading back on the train to the tune of "Underground Ernie".

There was more Underground Ernie the next day when we visited the Transport Museum. We also had an American-style breakfast and paid a visit to Hamleys.

George driving the bus.

Wedding Day!

Mummy's god-daughter Annajoy got married to Ian in the big Catholic Church in Bognor Regis. Waiting for the bride to arrive, George asked in a loud voice "When is the show going to start?"

He did quite well at the reception, until the point at which he threw up everywhere. At least this time he waited until after the ceremony - unlike at our own wedding!

George's First(ish) film

Although we went to a Baby screening when George was a few months old, I don't think he actually paid any attention to the film, so we're counting this as his first cinema trip.

The film was Toy Story 3 (none of us have seen 1 or 2) and Daddy insisted that we saw the 3D version which meant we all had to wear essentially pointless glasses - George got bored with his halfway through but I don't think he missed much by taking them off.

Camping Part Two - The Campsite: Burnbake

Back from Latitude for long enough to wash our clothes before packing them again to go off camping - the real deal this time, at a campsite in Dorset.

We were part of a kind of commune including Sarah and Lynn and Toby and Ruby and Jason, Kate and Alun and Betty and Beau, Kate and Mark and George and Tom, and David. Daddy stayed with us for the weekend and then went back to work while we stayed on and George became more and more feral as the week progressed!

This was the only spot where we could get a phone signal - just above our camping spot in the forest outside the site.
We spent a couple of days on the beach, where George discovered that the sea is very cold and decided that he doesn't like seaweed. He was very excited to have a trip in a dinghy as well (photos to follow when the waterproof camera gets developed.)

Rope swings were to be found all over the site - towards the end of our stay we even put one up ourselves next to our tent. This one was part of the official play area - which consisted of a slide with no steps and a variety of pieces of rope with bits of wood tied to them!

Camping Part One - The Festival: Latitude

George's third festival! Our first time at Latitude. As far as George was concerned the whole point of the exercise was to act as a backdrop to the children's play area.

He did enjoy the bedtime story in the Literature Tent, but was also quite keen for it to end so that he could go and climb on the big books outside.
Having seen other parents at Festivals with little wagons for their children, we decided to join the ranks. It proved very handy for transporting all our gear from the car to the campsite, and in the evenings George went to sleep in it while we listened to bands. He was the subject of much envy from other festivalgoers.

Godstone Farm

Our usual farm trip is to Horton Park Farm (because it's near to Chessington and the Massive Car Boot Sale) but today we were out with Kate and Betty and Beau, so we headed in the opposite direction to Horton Park's sister farm, Godstone.

(This was the farm which had the e-coli problem last year - it still seemed not very busy, and every 2 metres was some form of information sign or leaflet about how best to wash your hands.)

As per normal, George showed little or no interest in the animals, but enjoyed all of the play areas, inside and out.

Happy Birthday Dear Nanny (Part Two) / Making the Most of our Chessington Pass

Nanny Yvonne's birthday today, and we met her and Grandad halfway - at Chessington. I think Grandad enjoyed the rides and we all enjoyed pizza for lunch!

Happy Birthday Dear Nanny (Part One)

Nanny Nette's Birthday and off to a rather nice restaurant in Victoria.

George not only behaved beautifully, but he also ate a whole three-course adult meal - gnocchi to start, followed by fish and chips and still room for ice cream.

A Seaside Sort of Weekend

A trip to the South Coast grandparents this weekend, with fantastic weather and lots of seaside fun.

Poor Nanny Mo got stung for all the seafront rides and then had to dig in her pocket again for the amusement arcade - will she never learn!?

World Cup Party

Our mini World Cup Barbecue Party!

Preparing for the World Cup

Today we began preparations for tomorrow's match.

We bought a magazine with a referee's whistle and red and yellow cards, and practised shouting "Come On, England". We even picked up some themed paper plates at the 99p shop so we won't have our viewing disturbed by having to wash up. And so when George said he wanted to make something I thought we would take the opportunity to create something patriotic. I think it turned out quite well.


And then we got bored with just using red paint and decided to make a crown so that we could use our other 99p shop purchase - glitter glue!

Happy Birthday to Mummy

Today was Mummy's birthday, and George was more excited about it than she was. Not wanting to disappoint him, we had an impromptu party - and although there were only two guests (Sarah and Ruby) he seemed to like it - especially when we put a firework on the cake.

Wolverhampton and Wales

A Bank Holiday weekend trip to Wolverhampton and North Wales, incorporating a day visit to Drayton Manor, otherwise known as "Thomas Land".

Much fun was had by all - even apparently George when he went into the freezing cold municipal paddling pool at Tettenhall. Sadly I can't post photos of that here because he was very naked! Instead you will have to make do with some Theme Park ride photos, just for a change.

Disney - Day Three

Our last day at Disney (boo hoo) and we have to go on "It's a Small World" one last time (or was it two?) Other favourites were Peter Pan, Thunder Mountain, and the climbing frame!

Disney - Day Two

Today we went to the other park - Walt Disney Studios. We watched a few shows, including a stunt car one that surprisingly kept George's attention.


At Disneyland, there is no escaping the Mouse: George struggles against the wind machine:

The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - George's favourite show as it featured the Little Einsteins, and it had masses of bubbles coming down from the ceiling.

In the evening we fed the ducks on Disney Lake:

Disney - Day One

On St Pancras station with all our scarily matching luggage. Funnily enough, the smallest suitcase isn't George's!Safely arrived at the other end, we managed a total of two rides before George fell asleep. Luckily he woke up just in time to see the parade.Climbing the installations in the Alice in Wonderland Maze. (He wasn't the only one tempted in this way, and I heard one of the statues say, "ow, please get off me" when an adult climbed on it)Dinner at Annette's Diner - although we were disappointed that they didn't get up onto the table to sing and dance while we were there. But they did have a cool kids' menu that could be made into a car - as displayed by Daddy in the photo (although I should point out that it was Mummy who actually made the car!)

Party Number Three: Emily

A 3rd birthday party today, one of George's friends from nursery. He wasn't impressed by the "Diddi Dance" theme and had to be persuaded to join in Pass the Parcel, but he was delighted to be given a present when he left and enjoyed being dressed as a pirate.

Making the Most of Our Merlin Pass - Chessington

Mummy and George's turn today - nothing much to report, I just want to try to keep track of how many times we go! We watched the dinosaur show and went on Bubbleworks three times. George was most excited by the picnic lunch and wanted to eat it as soon as we arrived.

Party Number Two: Ruby

A 7th Birthday Party this time - the lovely Ruby. Our favourite household, especially when it comes to parties. Where else do you get live accordion music for Musical Statues, and a cake-decorating competition where everyone wins a prize?

Making the Most of Our Merlin Pass - Chessington

A father/son bonding day - the boys headed off to Chessington while Mummy did some work - paid and house. (And yes that does make it two visits in one week!)

Making the Most of Our Merlin Pass - Chessington

We set off nice and early from the South Coast in order to stop off at the enormous Bank Holiday Car Boot Sale. George had fun on the bouncy slide.

And since we were only a couple of miles away from Chessington, it seemed churlish not to pop in for a quick visit. It was busy of course, but we chose our rides wisely and even managed a last-minute trip on Bubbleworks with barely a queue.

Party Number One: Amy

It seems that the party season has begun, and today we were in the suprisingly comfortable surroundings of Bognor Regis Police Station social club to celebrate Amy's 4th birthday. There were lots of balloons and plenty of party food, and somehow Mummy and Nanny and Grandad ended up leading the assembled children in a spirited rendition of the "Hokey Cokey". Fortunately there aren't any photos of that - in fact the only photo I seem to have is this one of the carving on one of the display cabinets!

Not so Glorious Goodwood

We are always keen on free tickets, and couldn't resist the option of an afternoon at Goodwood Races. Sadly the weather wasn't quite as glorious as it might have been - although on a Bank Holiday weekend we should have expected cloud and drizzle I guess. We ate our picnic in the car and watched most of the races from the play park. Mummy and Daddy managed to pick a horse in the first two for every race, but didn't always manage to have money on it!