Long Weekend with the Komorowskas (and Karen!)

It's been a very busy weekend.  On Friday afternoon Jude and Craig arrived on their way back from Scotland.  Tom and I were just back from swimming and viewing a nursery, he was beginning to tire, but as soon as he saw his visitors come through the door he was estatic and found lots more energy.  Luckily a banana cake had just come out of the oven as well, so we all had a piece and then Tom took charge of Craig making sure he helped with the engineering of his current railway - it changed shape many times under Craig's supervision (or was it Tom's supervision?)  Anyway Tom loved being with this Auntie and Craig and was quite crest fallen when he was left with just me and Daddy!

Not to worry though, as a couple of hours after Jude and Craig left, Karen arrived with Leia and Rosa.  So there was more excitement.  Matt and I had been very homely during the 2 hour lull in visitors and made some Jarlsberg twist bread from the Hairy Bakers book that Michelle bought me.  This is the first 'rustic' bread Matt's made in ages and it was wonderful - looked the part and tasted delicious (we are becoming a traditional 'farmhousey' family - I guess the house is inspiring us!  Matt did all the hard work, but couldn't fathom out the plaiting instructions for the end, so I took over.  They looked really good - such a shame we didn't take a photo.  We had lunch once the girls were settled in - one of my favourite lunches, posh meat, posh cheese and posh bread - we all ate loads!

Unfortunately the weather on Saturday wasn't great and it was raining.  This is a beautiful part of the country to live in, but there is very little to do on a wet day.  We decided to go for the obvious solution and to try out the local soft play area.  This we did and actually it was ok.  Not too many older children, Tom and Leia were happy to explore and play together, Rosa fell asleep so Karen, Matt and I were able to sit down and chat (albeit it was hot, smelly (strong agricultural smell - but it is located on a farm) and noisy).  Both children got a good sweat up - we were quite disappointed (and surprised) when the place closed at 4.30.

Then, back home, dinner, bath and bed.  All children went to bed quite nicely which was surprising considering all the excitement.  Very nice though.

On the beach

Noddy?

Sunday was supposed to be the best day of the weekend, so I made a picnic and we all packed up for the beach.  The dark grey clouds rolled in as we arrived in Morecambe (not great) so we decided to go for a coffee and see what it was like after.  Hummm, it absolutely hammered down whilst we were in the cafe, but then it cleared up considerably, so we decided to take the risk that it would get better.  We were right to do so because it got better and better and better as the day went on.  We walked from the cafe at one end of the bay, past the stone jetty to the town beach were we found a spot and had a picnic.  We then had an afternoon of sandcastles (mostly me), tennis (Leia and Tom - they weren't that bad - thanks go to Granma and Pop Pop for the special velcro tennis set - perfect for little ones), football - Tom and Matt and plenty of Rosa cuddles (mainly me - can't help myself!)  We had a good time and as the kids had been good they were allowed to go to the fun fair.  Tom surprised me - he went on a mini roller coaster with Leia and didn't cry (although I can't say he was smiling either)  I think maybe he would have a good time at Thomasland now!  Both children had a fab time and didn't complain when the tickets ran out which was good.  Then back in the car home, dinner, bath and bed - once again without any fuss.

On the Caterpillar Train

F1 driver

Oh - I have to mention Matt's little adventure on Sunday morning.  He decided to go by bike whilst the rest of us went in Karen's car.  I got a call when we were just arriving in Morecambe from a contrite Matt - he had run out of petrol!  We had to turn round, go back to the petrol station we had just filled up in, buy a jerry can fill it up and find him!  What a numpty!!!!!

Fun in the rain

Leia and Rosa

Monday was a dreadfully dismal day.  Karen wanted to see Kirkby Lonsdale, so we took her and showed her the nice long walk in to the village.  Luckily it didn't rain during the walk in, but then the rain came down and got heavier and heavier.  It was quite horrible.  We tried to do some playing in the park, but in the end we gave up and found a coffee shop to have lunch in (very nice it was too).  After that Karen and the girls said their goodbyes and headed off back to Manchester whilst Matt and I returned home and had a useful day sorting the house out.

Grandma & Pop Pop

We've had a busy couple of days.  First of all I have started spreading my wings, meaning that I went to Storytime at an Ingleton cafe on Thursday afternoon, which went quite well - Tom did actually concentrate for a little while.  Then on Friday we set off in the torrential rain to an outside swimming pool in Ingleton for a swimming lesson (luckily it did stop raining for the actual lesson, plus the fact that it was cool meant the water felt warm).  Anyway, everyone was very friendly and welcoming which was good.

We rushed back after swimming as mum and dad were making their way up.  They set off on Thursday, stayed overnight in a hotel in Stafford and eventually arrived up here around 1pm.  A long journey, they have now seen sense and will come up on the train next time - far more sensible.  Tom went completely loopy when he saw them - can't say his behaviour was very good, but you can't blame him for being excited.  It rained for the rest of the day on Friday, but mum and dad were keen to look around and stretch their legs, so Tom and I took them to Kirkby Lonsdale for a damp walk around and coffee.

Transfixed boys!

Saturday dawned miserable, but it didn't matter - we had plans as it was the model railway weekend at Carnforth railway station.  So off we went.  Tom absolutely loved it, he was transfixed by quite a number of the sets.  I could see Matt thinking seriously about his model railway project - Tom would certainly like a 'proper one' - although I don't think he is ready yet - he would destroy it.  Dad enjoyed it too - but it was Tom that was the 'anorak' he stood watching them for hours, and would have spent the whole day there given a chance.  I have a feeling this is going to be a regular event here.  In fact we took down details of another model railway exhibition in September.  (Where shall we buy our anoraks - they should be matching shouldn't they?).  We managed to drag the boy away for lunch in the cafe (on condition he could go back) then a last few looks at them all as the weather was looking good and we thought we would go and find some seaside.

Family Photo 

Matt decided it would be a good idea to go to Grange Over Sands as an alternative to Morecambe which we did.  It was very nice - lots of money around: high street included an artisan bakers, the best butchers in the country (although I have seen that claim around a lot up here), antique shops, a chocolatier etc etc - all very nice.  We found the promenade and Tom took off on his orange bike - he is very confident on it now when he is on the flat.  When we got to the promenade, I was expecting to see a beach, but there wasn't one - just salt marsh on which is most likely quick sand.  I guess the only beach around here is in Morecambe (not a problem, I quite like the place)  We walked to the end of the promenade and back again - stopping for ice-cream on the way under a beautiful blue sky.  Came back home to a cassoulet which we ate outside.  Fab end to the day.

River walk

Sunday dawned a nice morning, but the weather forecast wasn't great for the afternoon, so we decided to show mum and dad the Yorkshire Dales.  We took the road to Dent (via Barbon) and did a little circular walk around Dent - including a long pause by the river so we could throw stones and skim stones (got a little competitive around the adults at one point!).  We then headed into the village for lunch.  During lunch the rain came down - it stayed quite miserable for the rest of the day, however, we managed a nice afternoon - we drove to Ingleton and had tea and a bun at Neptis.  Rachel was there (lady from the swimming and to whom Matt has been talking too) she made us feel at home immediately and asked how things were going - very nice and very friendly.  Sunday evening Matt and I went into Kirkby Lonsdale for dinner (very lovely tapas at Plato's - don't think there is a bad eatery here!) whilst mum and dad babysat.  I put on a smarter than normal top, walked into the kitchen - Tom noticed immediately and said that he liked my T-shirt and that I looked like a Princess - I immediately welled up - it was completely unsolicited and unexpected and very heart warming.

See Saw

Monday, mum and dad had a day off whilst Tom and I went down to Preston to meet up with Rachel, Mae and Lucy who were doing a tour of the North visiting family and friends.  I told Tom in the car where we were going, but he wouldn't believe me.  Rachel got the most almighty hug when he saw her, followed by Mae.  We started off in a soft play area - it was drizzling, cloudy and miserable outside.  Mae and Tom went off and played together really nicely - very good too as it was very busy and very noisy.  I couldn't believe the change in Lucy, in three weeks she has gone from baby to toddler.  Last time I saw her she didn't show any desire to move, she is now crawling and trying to walk - wow!

Young love

and more cuddles

Cuddles

After a couple of hours in the soft play area, we headed off to a park we were recommended by one of the mums for a picnic, play on the bikes and play on the equipment.  It was a lovely afternoon and we all had a lovely time - felt completely normal - as if this is something we will do every week!  We left with plans to meet up again at half term.  

Playing in muddy puddles

Cuddles with Granma after a long day

Tuesday the weather looked bad - the forecast was rain, rain, rain and more rain.  We decided to explore Greenlands - a farm shop, farm, soft play area, cafe, pottery etc which isn't that far from us.  It was a bit pricey so Tom was given the choice of soft play or farm, he chose the farm and to be fair to him he had a really good time.  He was interested in the animals, spent quite a while on the pedal tractors, fed a lamb some milk and even sat still with 'Biscuit' the Guinea Pig on his lap and stroked him (he was obsessed with how small his eyes were!)  We went to the cafe twice - morning coffee and then again for lunch - dad and I both went for the Lancashire Rarebit which was to die for - they also had some very good looking cakes which we managed to avoid.  

The weather forecasters got it wrong, the weather got better and better, to the extent that there was blue sky and sunshine, so we decided to pop along to Morecambe - so mum and dad could visit and Tom could go bonkers on his red bike.  This we did, we walked along the prom to the stone jetty then up to the end of the jetty and tea and a bun at the cafe there, before returning home via Booths for some sausages.  Tom fell asleep (almost mid sentence) on the way home so let him sleep (he did have a long day) and then a late dinner and late to bed.  Today was one of those days - he was the best behaved, gorgeous boy you could ask for - I could have eaten him up - a true angel, meaning we all had the most enjoyable day.

  

Wednesday, mum and dad went home, Tom and I went to Asda to fill up on food and then spent the afternoon playing - the railway got completely re made - it now goes across the door to the guest bedroom into the kitchen area - oh and about 20 paintings - mostly of his hands - he seems to like getting dirty now:0)

Biking in Morecambe

Today it dawned very windy, but it was warm and after much deliberation (Tom doesn't like the wind) I decided to take him with his orange bike to Morecambe.  It turned out to be a good decision, much to my suprise he didn't really mind the wind (as long as it didn't gust too much) and he really enjoyed being on his bike.  In fact I think he must have done a couple of miles - as we explored quite a big chunk of the bay.  I took some video on my camera which isn't great quality, but gives you a good idea - next task is to get the stabilisers off him - I think this is a job for Morecambe Bay but when it isn't windy!

Matt here - another video of the delightful weather we had this afternoon.

Brave Boy

Today Tom had his pre-school jabs and he didn't cry, in fact he didn't whimper - I was shocked and stunned and very proud.  It was helped by the fact we had the best nurse ever, but still I was amazed. 

Went to a SureStart Olympic fun day in Kirkby Lonsdale today which was fun - Tom made a torch, I had to paint his face (interesting!) and took part in some races.  There were about 14 other children there - not sure if any of them were 3, will see if we bump into any of them again...

Weekend with Auntie Jude and Craig

We had a on and off week this week.  On Wednesday we were supposed to be hooked up to the internet, the engineer came and said it would be working at midnight.  It didn't.  Thursday Tom and I went to Fell Foot Park again, but our day was stalled when we had to come back for 2pm to take a call from BT as Matt had to go to the cafe in Ingleton with free wifi to do some work.  The call of course didn't happen!

Friday Tom and I went exploring Kirkby Lonsdale, but once again our day was aborted, this time half way through our picnic.  An engineer was supposed to come between 8 and 1 - he didn't come.  Matt waited in but once again had to go to Ingleton for wifi so we had to come back for the engineer who didn't turn up.  We didn't even get to the supermarket so didn't have any food in for dinner - oh hum - any excuse for a meal out!

Saturday Jude and Craig came on their way up to Scotland.  They got here much quicker than expected so were here in plenty time for lunch.  Tom was very excited to see them both - in minutes he had Craig building his trains!  We had pizza for lunch and then at last the BT engineer arrived. Matt stayed home whilst Tom, Jude, Craig and I went for the 3 mile walk behind our house.  This takes us about 40 to 50 mins without Tom, with him it took forever.  Unfortunately it was quite late by the time we left meaning Tom wasn't at his best.  Then he was in shorts which I realised was a mistake as he complained whenever any grass touched him.  Jude and Craig did a good job of distracting him, but he went into meltdown on the last upward bit.  I didn't give in and made him walk - I was in mean mummy mode.  By now the engineer had come and gone and we had internet - phew!  Matt was able to catch us up no problem at all!  We then did a little better on the down hill bit, much more interesting with lots of animals - especially goats (a pen of which we had walk through).  Instead of walking the full circuit home, we broke off and had drinks and crisps at The Plough.  This revitalised the lad and he did OK on the way home.  

Paddling

Then a BBQ - Tom didn't go to bed until about 8pm - very, very, very late for him!

Sunday we said goodbye to Jude and Craig and then decided to do a walk from a book we bought last week aimed at children.  We did it - but it was too difficult for Tom (lots of muddy bits, stoney bits, narrow bits, tall grassy bits) as a result we had some crying, lots of stopping.  Not great - we need to find an easy walk that he enjoys before we kill his walking enjoyment!

We came back home via Sizergh Old Barn where we had cheese scones for lunch and then put Tom to bed for a well needed 2 hour nap.  It was under protest, but it took him minutes to fall asleep and he was much happier when he woke.  

Morecambe is great

At the end of the stone jetty

Wednesday the weather forecast was for clear blue skies and sunshine, as we had such success at the seaside last week, I thought I would take Tom to the beach for the day.  So, off to Morecambe we went.

As you know I know nothing about this part of the UK having never been here before other than with Matt, so it is all a bit of an adventure.  I set the sat nav to Morecambe and followed it there.  It took under 20 minutes to get there (Telford was the best part of 2 hours to the sea so that’s a real bonus for us).  Matt was less than positive about Morecambe but he remembers the Morecambe of the 70s and 80s so I went with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised.

Sandcastles and fish

Yes, it is a little run down, some buildings are boarded up and there are quite a few cheapo shops on the front, but the promenade was good and well maintained (very long and very flat – ideal for a little boy to learn to ride his new bike properly), the beach was clean, there was plenty of parking and everyone was in good humour.  Can’t ask for much more. 

Boy in a hole!

I drove down the length of Morecambe, not having been there before, I had no idea where to go, what to do etc.  Eventually I parked up on the main road.  I had Tom’s red bike with us so I got that out and he went for a ride along the promenade.  There was a stone jetty which we went down which was also in good repair – full of sculptures of birds, in fact Morecambe was full of sculptures of birds – is it a famous bird spotting place?  We had a good view of the bay and peaks of the Lake District.  I felt that we lowered the average age of the other holiday makers by quite some way – everyone was 60+.  We came back off the jetty and continued up the promenade and found a beach with dry sand (most of the shoreline was muddy sand – just like that you find in Weston – but there is one bit with dry sand suitable for a blanket) with quite a few families on it already (so that’s where all the young people are).  We decided that it would be nice to return to the beach with a bucket and spade and a picnic, so we cycled / jogged back to the car, then drove it to where the beach was and unloaded boy, bucket and spade and picnic and found ourselves a spot to play.

digging

Tom got straight to it and made a sandcastle in seconds flat, in fact it took me quite a bit of persuasion to get him to eat the picnic, but he did in the end.  We then spent quite a bit of time making sandcastles, then he asked for his feet to be buried, which I did.  First his feet, then up to his knees and then his shorts (how brave – he refused to play in the sand last time we were in Spain – he just sulked whilst Matt and I played!)  We also played football – which was challenging – if he didn’t kick it straight I had to be very careful and very fast to make sure it didn’t go into the sandy mud – nasty stuff!

Interesting football kit!

Being only two of us it gets a little difficult having loo breaks – so after a while I called it a day and packed up, found some public loos and went back to the car.  We then went to find Happy Mount Park.  Once again Matt didn’t have much to say about the place but I had found a leaflet on it and it looked good so thought it worthwhile to explore.  I’m glad we did – it was great.  First section was landscaped with lots of beautiful flowers.  Then we found a play area.  Next was a miniature train (I had run out of money by this point – forgot to bring some out with me – so perfect excuse to say no), next to a splash area – with lots of jets of water for children to play in.  I had Tom’s swimsuit and towel with me.  He said he wanted to play in it so we went in.  He wasn’t quite brave enough.  The place was full to the brim with children having lots of fun – they didn’t phase him – he kept complaining that he was getting all ‘wetty!’.  I told him that was the point, but he didn’t really get it.  I went in with him for a while to try to get him in the mood, he did get a little brave and a little wet, but didn’t quite embrace it with open arms.  However, he was tired, so I reckon it is worth taking him there again as it was a fantastic area and free!

Not getting wet at the splash park

After a while we did have melt down – he kept crying for no reason and said no to everything I suggested.  It was time to go home.  So we did – it took a while to get him to the car, but we got there in the end, and he was asleep in minutes.

When we got home, he was still asleep so I let him go a bit longer.  He was completely limp when I got him up, it took until dinner time to get him going again.  It was a long day though so I can’t really blame him.  A good day, we will definitely go back soon (as long as the weather stays good).

Life up North

Wow, what a 2 weeks we have had.  We haven’t had any internet until yesterday, and I didn’t have a mobile signal for the first week (had to change mobile service provider).

So last Monday the removers came round to pack the house up and load it on a van.  Jude took Tom out in the morning for us (they had a great time which was fab) and then I took Tom to Wacky Warehouse with Rachel, Lucy and Mae for a last play.  Got back at 5 to find quite a bit still left in the house – the removers had decided to call it a day and to come back early in the morning.

We went to the Golf Club for our last Calzones.  Tom had scrambled egg on toast – a first – he’s never shown any interest in that before, to his credit he did eat it all.  We then went home – Tom went straight to bed whilst Matt and I took it in turns to go to the Gouges for a last drink and to clean the house.  We had a broken night, Tom had an upset tummy and woke up twice in the night.  He leaked through his nappy onto his cot – bugger.  We didn’t have a replacement cot sheet, and only had one spare nappy.  He has NEVER leaked through his night time nappy before.  We did have Calpol which was a help, but in the end Matt had to go to Asda (at 1.45am in the pouring rain) to buy nappies, replacement cot sheet and a banana.  Great timing Tom!!!!  Anyway we settled him down and didn’t hear from him again.

Bob was sleeping in this room later this day!

Afternoon nap with sunglasses on?  (Cool dude?!)

We were up early on Tuesday as the removers were supposed to be early on site to finish up (they were a little late!)  It was raining – not great, but they finished up in an hour.  Matt left on the bike in the rain, then the removers left, then I finished up cleaning the house and checking we hadn’t forgotten anything.  This took quite a while, especially with Tom’s help.  In fact in the end I took Tom round to George and Marg so I could get on.  Grace was round, so they were very happy – in fact Marg said I couldn’t have Tom back!

Eventually at 10am we left and headed up the M6.  I over took the removal van at Wigan and got to Lupton at 12.  The van turned up at 12.30, closely followed by Matt with the keys at 12.40.  It was then all hands on deck to get everything in the house – luckily it had stopped raining.  Our possessions seemed to completely fill the house – in quite an alarming way.  Around 4pm the lads left and we were left in complete chaos, the kitchen and 3^rd bedroom were completely swamped.

Matt got the two beds put together whilst I emptied boxes.  We kept going until 5, then called it a day and went into Kirkby Lonsdale for a pub dinner.  We settled on the Snooty Fox and had a fab dinner with the biggest and best onion rings we have ever eaten.  Came back, Tom went to bed and we collapsed in the lounge.

The new house in the sun - not bad hey?!

Both of us had a sleepless night (Tom didn’t).  We got straight to it first thing.  I sorted out Tom’s room (the most important room of course) and got it looking good and box free in an hour or so.  Our landlord turned up at 10.30 to say hi, show us round, answer all questions and sort out the garden.  He seemed ok, quite sensible which was good.

We went out to the local tearoom for lunch (very lovely view) then at 1.30, Bob arrived.  With his help we managed to sort out the house much quicker, before we knew it we had the kitchen and 3^rd bedroom back (just as well as that was where Bob was sleeping!).  We treated Bob to dinner at our local pub (monumental fish and chips which were fab), came home, put Tom to bed and collapsed in the lounge again.

Land Ahoy!

A British Seaside!

Thursday was a nice day so we decided to go out to play for the day.  We went to Carnforth Station which has recently been done up (setting of Brief Encounter).  It was good – has a model garden rail shop (something Pop Pop would like to explore I’m sure), a pub, a café, a Thomas themed play room for little ones, a shop and a museum which seemed to focus on The Titanic – not sure why?  There are two lines going through the station meaning that Tom was very happy – watching Pendolinos and local trains AND even a steam train.  He also enjoyed the play room.  Think we ended up spending a good 2 hours there.  We then headed off to Hest Bank to a level crossing and beach.  The beach isn’t a real beach – mud with lots of shells in it.  Tom didn’t mind though and spent a lot of time relocating shells from one area to another, filling pools etc.  He then had a good game of football before we headed back.  We did some more clearing out in the afternoon and I even managed to make dinner in the kitchen.

Friday: as we had made such good progress with the house we decided to go out in the morning.  We took Bob to Ingleton to show him round, then Settle for lunch at the Naked Man.  More clearing out and then Bob treated us to dinner in Kirkby Lonsdale.  We chose a nice looking Italian and it was absolutely wonderful – homemade pasta, proper Italian meals – not just pizza and pasta – although Matt had a pizza and it was delicious.

Just hanging around

Saturday: Bob went home in the morning – the house is looking much better for his hard work – thank you very much Bob.  We decided to go playing for the day.  First stop however was Kendal and Argos to get a bike tent for our bikes (no shed here) and storage for the bathroom and for me to change mobile providers – luckily both Orange and O2 have stores in Kendal (next door to each other) which made it easy.  We then headed off into the Lake District to a National Trust area, Fell Foot Park, at the bottom of Windermere.  It was a lovely area – Tom was on his bike so cycled around.  Then we had a picnic by the lake (Tom bravely put his toes in the water – not for long though) then went off to explore the adventure play area where Tom discovered the zip wire.  Did he like it – wow – we were completely blown away – he monopolized it – must have had 30 plus goes – each time telling us he wanted to go ‘really, really, really, really, really, really, REALLY fast’.  We kept pushing him harder and harder and he loved it.

We finally managed to drag him away and headed for the café where we had a drink in the rain – typical Lake District day – blue sky and rain (where does it come from?)  Spent ages talking to the manager – she was after views and comments – ended up doing a survey for her and I almost clicked back into BDM mode thinking up new ideas for the catering for her (brain was a little slow though – it’s been a while!)  Came home eventually – Tom slept whilst we did some more unpacking.

Cool biker boy!

On Sunday it was raining, so we headed off to Ingleton and the White Scar Caves.  We weren’t too sure how Tom would react to it – he LOVED it – giggling, goose stepping and generally having a fab time.  It was a good walk too a good mile and a half, but a mile and a half is easy when you are having fun.  It was still raining when we came out so we headed off to the Ribblehead Viaduct and the pub there for lunch – whitebait for me and a giant Yorkshire pudding with roast beef for Matt and Tom (greedy things!)

It had cleared up after lunch so we did a quick walk to the viaduct and back and then back to the house for more sorting.