#MeAndMine - A Family Portrait (August 2014)

I don't know where the summer holidays have gone. MC goes back to school on Wednesday and I'll miss her so much.

I'm not saying that every day has been a blissfully perfect day. There have been times when the two children have driven me mad but, on the whole, they have been lovely and seeing their relationship blossom each day is wonderful.

The days have flown and I haven't actually blogged since last months Me and Mine! I have barely had any time at all and have just been enjoying days with the kids and evenings with Matt.

In amongst seeing friends, going for picnics, going on adventures, having lazy days in the park we've also had a fair few weekends of family time as a foursome. It's been lovely.  Matt works so hard to provide financial stability for me and the children so our weekends are very precious.

Before the weather turned in August we spent the day at Gulliver's World in Warrington. We'd never been before and it's only a half hour drive for us. We had a lovely fun-filled day. It's not the greatest of theme parks - it needs a lot of TLC but the kids loved it which was all we needed to see. We enjoyed taking some selfies on rides too.

Then, last week, Matt took the day off work as we had tickets booked to see Peppa Pig Live in Llandudno. It was TC's first trip to the theatre and, considering he's only 2, he coped quite well. He got tired and naggy in the second half so Matt took him to the car for the last 15 minutes but after a short nap and some lucy he was ready to enjoy the rest of the day. We had lunch and went for a stroll along the pier. The kids went on some fairground rides and then had fun with the 2p falls in the amusement arcade.

Again, it's all about the selfies this month. They aren't perfect but then that's just us.

#MeAndMine - A Family Portrait (May) The Florida Edition!

This past month we've had more photos taken as a family than we have done ever.

You see, this month we've been on holiday in Orlando, Florida (I'm still here as I write this post!).

I actually almost forgot about this post and whilst looking at photos on my camera yesterday I suddenly realised the date.

Anyone who follows my Instagram feed will know we've been having a totally amazing time!

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about such a big holiday with two small children. We holidayed here last January when I was pregnant and so I knew MC loved it but I was unsure how TC would cope with the travelling and the heat being so young.

I needn't have worried a bit.

At just 14 months old (3 days ago) he has loved every single second of it (separate post to follow on our return) even though the weather has been between 30-35c every day. He was a dream on the 9.5 hour flight too and he literally hasn't stopped smiling since.

We've had some pretty awesome magical moments out here. Both kids have loved the character meets. MC runs up to each character and wraps her arms around them like they are long lost family. TC can sometimes be a tiny bit shy with the 'people' characters like the Princesses etc. but with those like Mickey and Minnie he's loved them. He has a particular soft spot for Wreck It Ralph and even enjoyed meeting Darth Vadar!

One of the highlights of the holiday came Wednesday night when, after experiencing the ever amazing fireworks at Epcot, we drove over to The Magic Kingdom for some late night fun. We managed to catch the fireworks there then did some more rides and character meets. We were the last public in the new Fantasyland area of the character meet when Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Goofy were all knocking off for the night. They saw MC and started playing with her. We got a photo of her with all 4 of them. She was beside herself!

During this holiday I've watched the bond between our two children grow even stronger. They've laughed so hard together and TC has developed even more of a cheeky character than he had before. Matt and I have enjoyed spending our 6th Wedding Anniversary out here. We've also enjoyed our time together as a family of 4 so much and I'm going to treasure these memories as I know, when we get back to the UK, we have the house move happening in less than 3 weeks and everything will feel like a blur.

We've been out here 17 nights now and we still have 5 nights left. I know that the kids don't want to go home and neither do Matt and I...even though we have a new house to move into.

I kind of put my tears on the plane home last year down to pregnancy hormones but thinking about leaving here next week I'm welling up already.

We feel so at home out here.

I have so many family photos I want to share but, for the moment, they are in my Disney Photopass account which I won't be sorting until I'm back in the UK. So I can only share a few that have been taken on my camera or my phone by other people (and a couple of others for good measure). I hope they still manage to give you a small idea of just how incredible it's been so far.

Here's to another amazing holiday out here and being ever thankful for just how lucky we are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#SilentSunday 81

Inspired by...

Silent Sunday #73

Hello Moon

First I have some GREAT news. Well, it's great news for our house... Mini Cheddar is fully potty trained! I can't tell you how happy I am about this. I felt so deflated at the end of October over the whole potty pressure. So, I stepped off the gas, relaxed and just let her lead the way and it's worked. 2 whole days with no accidents and today I gave her a lot of water and we even went out twice - a total of 11 wee wees and only one that I prompted her to do. It means so much that we can go away next week and in January for our big holiday without having to take a suitcase of nappies or Pull-ups with us.

So, the real reason for this post...I had to share this with you.  This was taken a couple of weeks or so ago when MC decided to talk to the moon through the patio window. For those of you know don't know, Betty is our dog who had to be put to sleep on 3rd November.



Here are some other gems that MC has come out with in the past couple of months or so as I need to document them:

MC: Yaye! We are going to Biscuits today!
Me: Where?
MC: Biscuits! It's going to be wonderful Mummy!
Me: I think you mean 'Whizz Kids' sweetie (Whizz Kids is a play centre near us).

Grandma: Is Grandma a boy or a girl?
MC: You're a girl Grandma!
Grandad: Yes, Grandma is an 'old' girl (my Dad trying to be funny)
MC: And you're an old boy Grandad! (touché Grandad, touché!)

Me: We need to go to Asda today to do the food shopping.

MC: (adopts a stern voice) Well we'll see about that Mummy!

MC: (talking about Halloween) I think ghosts are very spicy.
Me: I think you mean 'spooky' darling.

MC: I want a yoghurt!
Me: Aren't you forgetting something?
MC: Erm...my manners?
Me: Yes, so what do you say?
MC: But Mummy, I've lost my manners. I can't find them anywhere! Where are they? (raises hands in the air and looks left and right)

MC: (running her toy Dyson vacuum cleaner over the carpet) PHEW! (wipes mock sweat from her brow)

MC: (coming into the kitchen) What are you doing in here Mummy?
Me: I'm making dinner
MC: How long is it going to be?

MC: Mummy! (shouting from the lounge...I'm in the kitchen)
Me: What?
MC: MUMMY!
Me: What?
MC: MUMMY MUMMY MUMMY!
Me: (running into the lounge in a slight panic) What darling?
MC: I'm playing with these stars (some plastic stars she has). You can go back in the kitchen if you want.

Me: Come on sweetie, I need to get you changed
MC: Calm down Mummy! (she's clearly been listening to Michael Winner!)

(MC is listening to noisy banter between Matt and his family)
MC: Everybody just calm down please!

MC: (pretending to talk to Daddy on the toy phone) Daddy, I'm at Grandma and Grandad's house. I've made a right mess!

MC: (fussing over a new baby she's spotted in a cafe) Aw, he's SO cute!
Grandma: Yes, Mummy has a baby in her tummy doesn't she?
MC: Yes, but I want that one! (pointing at the baby)

For previous MC conversational delights, have a look at these:

It's Bumpy!
The World According To Mini Cheddar

Humpty Dumpty Get Out Of The Wall!

I think I've only ever blogged one proper video of Mini Cheddar previously (not counting the ones at Peppa Pig World) so it's about time I did another one and I just HAD to share this gem with you.

This was last month when she wanted me to film her singing skills.

'Row Row Row Your Boat' went to plan but she got a bit carried away with 'Humpty Dumpty'

and I lost the plot laughing at her!  Excuse the snort.



Also, just to let you all know I have written a guest post today for the lovely Alex over at Doing It All For Aleyna.  It's a bit of a tongue in cheek one so I hope you enjoy reading it as much I enjoyed writing it for Alex.

If you haven't discovered her blog yet then go over and have a look as she's so fantastic, down-to-earth and hilarious.  I love her.  She also has the most beautiful daughter Aleyna.

Just don't get too distracted in her fabulous blog that you forget to read my post ok? ;-)

Top Trumps

Well I've already blogged about dog poo, baby poo and vomit on my blog so it was only a matter of time before I blogged about wind.  Actually, now I come to think of it I have already blogged about wind a while back. The complete set!

However, there's always room for another story of flatulence. Oh yes.

Come on, stop squirming it's only natural.

Trumps, farts, guffs, boffs, squeezing cheese, air biscuit, flatulate, break wind, bottom burp, parp, leak gas, play the band (my Dad always used to say that one!), letting rip, brown cloud, toot and so on. Any more or are you too grossed out?

"truuuuuuuuump"

Well, it seems Mini Cheddar (must be in the name) is fascinated by trumps. Oh the shame.  I swear she can detect the most quietest of trumps from 100 metres!  She must have an in-built air biscuit radar.

We were away in Hampshire for 2 nights the other week and Mini Cheddar was in our hotel room with us but in her own bed.  She went to sleep fine and my husband and I even watched a film as she slept until it was time for us to call it a night.

Teeth brushed and undressed we climbed into bed.  We lay there in the dark listening to the sound of Mini Cheddar breathing.  I snuggled up to my husband and at that point he decided to let one go.

How romantic.

There was about a 2 second delay before Mini Cheddar decided to shout out "truuuuuuuuump" in a rather amused voice from her bed.

My husband and I must have laughed in bed for about half an hour.

She can even detect them in her sleep. Our daughter is clearly a gifted young girl!

I'm so proud.

Mini Cheddar Does Peppa Pig World!

On Thursday last week the sun was shining, it was gorgeously warm and we were in good spirits.  Why? Because we were down in Hampshire to visit the newly opened Peppa Pig World at Paultons Family Theme Park!

I know a few of you have asked what we thought so here is a full-on account of our experience.

It was a long drive (240 miles) down to Hampshire on the Wednesday as we live in North Wales - just outside Chester - but it was totally worth it.  We'd been telling Mini Cheddar for a couple of weeks we were off to visit Peppa Pig and she was just as excited as we were - I'm not going to deny it, my husband and I are big kids!

We got to the park at 10am when the gates opened (rides were due to open at 10.30am), collected our tickets and walked towards Peppa Pig World.

As soon as we got there we could see just how lovely it was and the attention to detail that the people at Paultons Park had gone to. The atmosphere was fantastic and the place was immaculately clean. All the music and voices piped around the park just added to the whole experience.  Now we were even more excited.

We had a wander around before the rides opened and first stop was Peppa Pigs House, of course!  Here we could step inside Peppa's kitchen with George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and Peppa herself and listen to them talk about making pancakes.

       



Mini Cheddar loved it and just kept screaming "Mummy Pig" or "Daddy Pig" whenever one of them spoke!

Then the rides opened and the real fun commenced.

First 'up' (excuse the pun) was 'Miss Rabbit's Helicopter Flight' where up to 4 people could take a ride. I thought Mini Cheddar would be a little nervous but she loved it - which bodes well for our forthcoming holiday abroad!

What is great about all the rides at Peppa Pig World is they are designed for little kids (and adults) to enjoy and there appears to be literally no minimum or maximum age limit. The only ride that we couldn't go on at the park was 'George's Dinosaur Adventure as Mini Cheddar was about 4mm (achingly close) too short to ride.  I was gutted as it was the one I really wanted to go on.  My husband said I should have gone on it alone but can you imagine what a narner I would have looked?

Nevermind, we settled for a go on Grandpa Pig's Little Train instead.

Mini Cheddar waited patiently for her turn.  She decided she wanted the yellow car at the back and her wish was granted and her and Daddy admired the park on their travels.

I loved watching Mini Cheddars face as she noticed little things around park and would squeal with delight. She was always so eager to go on all the rides too which was fantastic.



Then it was time for a go on the 'Windy Castle' ride which takes you up the side of a castle in a cloud car.  It's fairly obvious from the picture on the left what Mini Cheddar made of it all.

Once up on the Windy Castle we were able to get a great aerial overview of the park...
         


This is only a section of the park, there's so much more to it.  Like 'Mr. Potato's Playground' which we had great difficulty persuading Mini Cheddar to leave she loved it so much.

Again, the attention to detail and the purpose-built equipment for the real young ones is great. They even have small water fountains where youngsters can pretend to splash in muddy puddles!

There are colourful rainbow pathways that lead you through the park and it is surrounded by little houses and picket fences which make it just adorable.

You can see from the photos how cute it is.

The floor is made from that fake grass which is really soft and spongey - perfect for when the little ones take a tumble which is pretty much inevitable with Mini Cheddar around.

Across from the playground is the largest Peppa Pig shop in the world.  Just be warned - it's lethal letting your kids loose in there.  Even I wanted to buy everything.  Mini Cheddar walked away with a Candy Cat cuddly toy, some stickers and some colouring items but we could have spent so much more!

After a spell in the shop and trying to drag Mini Cheddar away from the array of toys, games and clothes it was time for lunch and what better place to grab a bite to eat than 'Daddy Pig's Big Tummy Cafe' (yes, you read that right).  We were expecting the food to be over-priced (as often found in theme parks) but we pleasantly surprised that they had only added on a slight premium for the captured audience.

Call us slightly mad but we decided to let Mini Cheddar run riot in the toddler section of 'George's Spaceship Play Zone' after lunch.

Put Mini Cheddar anywhere like this and she's in her element! I had to go in and retrieve her (and the large smelly deposit in her nappy) in the end.

The park provides good toilets and baby change facilities.  I loved how the toilets had extra seats that you could pull down for small bottoms. Too cute!

After a clean up it was back out into the sunshine and a chance to try out Grandpa Pig's Boat Ride.  I loved this so much, as did Mini Cheddar.  So my husband and I both had a go to get some good photos. Yes, big kids as I said earlier!

See my bra strap sticking out of my vest top?  Well that bra strap is still visible when I take my bra off now. Must always remember to put sun cream on myself after applying Mini Cheddars!

Then the highlight of Mini Cheddars day...she got to actually meet Peppa Pig and hold her hand.  Too cute.
I bet the poor person in the costume was roasting though.

After so much excitement it was time to head inside Madame Gazelle's School House to join in the class.  Mini Cheddar fitted right in!




Seeing her standing there in the school holding Peppa and George's hand almost made all the emotions of the school form hand-in come flooding back.  See, I told you all I was emotional at the moment!

After lessons it was time for a well deserved ice cream from 'Miss Rabbit's Ice Cream Parlour'.  If only to ply Mini Cheddar with some sugar to keep her going.  Not that she needed it.  I was surprised as she normally has a nap between 1.15pm and 3pm every day but she didn't even start to get crabby at all.  The sheer excitement of the park kept her a happy little bunny and we didn't leave the park until 3pm.

Before we left the park though there was plenty of time to have a go on 'Daddy Pig's Car Ride' where Mini Cheddar could sit in the front and pretend to steer the car around the road (without mowing down Rebecca Rabbit and George Pig!)

We actually went on most of the rides twice during the day and Mini Cheddar would tell us where she wanted to go next.  We only had to queue for about a maximum of 5 minutes which was great, even though we thought it was quite busy for a Thursday in school term.  I would imagine that it will be very busy in the school holidays but the ride turnarounds seem pretty quick.  Also, there is so much going on in the park that I don't think it would be too much trouble to entertain the kids in the queues.

Before we left there was a final chance to go on 'Peppa's Big Balloon Ride' and go "up sky" as Mini Cheddar says.

All the rides are really great and the park has been extremely well planned with clearly a large amount of money put into it.  As I mentioned earlier, the attention to detail is fabulous and there is so much there for the family.  There are also plenty of other rides within Paultons Park itself that there is literally something for everyone.

Tickets can be purchased in advance from Paultons Park website at a reduced rate (children under 1 metre go free) and for a family of 3 you can expect to pay £56.00.  That gives you access to the whole of Paultons Family Theme Park though and we think it's good value for a day out.

I honestly can't fault Peppa Pig World at all. I would go back there in a heartbeat - it's just a shame it's so far away for us. It is definitely worth making the journey though - the pure enjoyment that Mini Cheddar got from the day is so heart-warming. She keeps saying "Go back to Peppa Pig World please".  We just wish we could take her there more often.  If only for this scene afterwards...

Just because it would be rude not to - here are a couple of short videos from our day out!

This is not a sponsored post.  

We did receive free entry to Peppa Pig World but all views,

opinions, photographs and videos are entirely my own.

The Gallery - Mustachioed

Now this definitely was going to be the week I didn't join in with The Gallery...but I failed. I don't know what it is but I'm totally addicted to it...it's like a drug. *shakes fist at Tara yet again*

Such a totally random theme this week - mustachioed. Gee, thanks Tara.  Although I probably should blame Laura at Are We Nearly There Yet Mummy for the idea.

Thankfully I can delve into the archives and share this with you...although exactly WHY I'm sharing this is anyones guess.  I think I'm just used to embarrassing myself on my blog now.

One of my closest friends had one of those Murder Mystery Nights at her house a good many years ago. It was a 60's theme and we were all given our characters beforehand and told to dress appropriately. There were lots of wigs, fake eyelashes and plastic dresses (and that was just me!). It was great fun and lots of hilarity ensued - we had a sit down dinner for the 10 of us and it all started out so civilised.

Then, as usual, too much alcohol came into the equation.

Another of my friends decided to pinch her husbands fake handle-bar moustache (mustache for my American friends) and we ripped it up into little pieces.

Alcohol + fake moustache = stupidity

(obviously)

               

 

If I ever divulge my blog to my friends, I really hope this one forgives me for posting this. Oh and I'm sure you will have guessed but that's me on the right with the dodgy blonde wig.


Now head on over and check out all the other entries...

Mini Cheddar - She's More Like A Sponge Than A Cheese

My gorgeous daughter (Mini Cheddar) turned 2 years old a a couple of weeks ago (11th March) and now when I look back at how much she's grown in the past year since her 1st birthday it's amazes me.

On her first birthday

A year ago and she was barely walking with nothing more than the odd babble.  She was just beginning to properly explore the exciting world around her interact properly with toys and people.

The development journey she has taken over the past year is incredible and being a stay at home mum I've been lucky enough to be able to share every moment of it.

Now she's stringing sentences together, saying her please and thank yous, starting to count, knows all her shapes and colours etc. - she amazes me with something new every day.

World domination?

She loves to play and I love to play with her, encouraging her to repeat words and interact with me whilst she's playing.  The joy and laughter that comes from her play time is enough to melt any heart.

At the age of 1 Mini Cheddar didn't even understand what a building block was really, nevermind its colour and now I watch as she creates entire villages with a running commentary on what she's doing. Watching the thought process develop in her is astounding - perhaps she's like Stewie from Family Guy and plans to rule the world?

Queen of Clean

Watching her starting to interact with her little friends now, building up her confidence and social skills already.

The next Nigella?

She loves nothing more than to "help mummy", as she says, and will follow me around the house with her very own baby Dyson and duster.  I think she would easily give Kim & Aggie a run for their money!  She's clearly a domestic goddess in training like her mother *cough*

Also, she insists she helps me "whisk bowl" whilst baking.  It doesn't seem like playing, as such, but it is and she adores it.  It will help her in the future too - hopefully steering her clear from becoming a fussy eater like her Daddy!

Mini Cheddar has quite a number of toys, thanks (I think?) to generous grandparents but sometimes the simple things in life are the best. Like getting out in the great outdoors for some play time at the park - simple play like this along with fresh air brings a whole new experience.

               

Park Life

It also allows for some more social interaction with friends.  All together now "Awwwww"...

Best Friends For Ever

What was that Grandad?

A simple piece of paper and a pen whilst eating out provides an emergency play time for those 'hungry' moments when her tummy demands food but the waitress service leaves little to be desired!  Her inquisitive mind taking direction from her Grandad, constantly playing and learning in her own unique way.

Here you go Grandma

Grandparents also provide the perfect environment for a toy mountain - Grandma especially!

Whether it's a complex toy or a cardboard box, Mini Cheddar gains so much from playing and constantly learning about her 

environment. 

Amazing what they'll deliver

She loves nothing more than to make a tent in the lounge and play house or play with her little kitchen set, dishing up some plastic food she's cooked specially for mummy. All great skills for her future indeed - these little things going such a long way to develop her skill set.

Tunnel of learning

Her ability to learn so quickly astounds me - she is literally like a little sponge soaking up all the information that she sees and hears. I have no doubt that she is going to grow up to be even more of a delight than she is now - although sometimes I can't see how that's possible.


Put quite simply, we are loving life and loving learning.  Not only is she learning about life each day, I'm learning about being a mother (and a teacher) and I love it.


Note: I absolutely HATE the way I say 'carrots' in this video *hangs head in shame* What is wrong with me?




This post is linked up to the Tots 100 March Blog Hop - Learning Through Play