Center Parcs

Monday - we weren't in a rush, we couldn't check in until 3.30 and we hadn't started to pack.  First things first though, a lie in.  Then breakfast and packing - the good think about having a 10 year old: we don't need half of what we did need only 4 years ago and it doesn't matter if we forget anything, nothing is sacred.

A BBQ in FEBRUARY!!!!!

Hot Dogs and Burgers - beautiful British fayre!

We finally got away around 11, stopped enroute at the Post Office and supermarket in Penrith to stock up - restaurants at Center Parcs are ridiculously over priced, meaning we cook for ourselves.  Then lunch and on to Center Parcs.  We got there at 2pm - too early to go to our lodge, but we could use the facilities, so we got our swimming bags and headed over to the pool.  We spent a good hour and a half doing the rapids, flumes, waves etc. It was busy but the queues weren't too terrible and Tom was mega excited.  By the time we got out, it was gone 4pm, so we got to the car and found our lodge - right at the far corner of the park - we have a two storey executive house complete with sauna and 2 spa baths.  Very comfy and Tom had a choice of two rooms - he went for the double rather than the twin - sensible him!

As it was such a gorgeous day we decided on having a BBQ.  We had brought some charcoal with us - thinking we were being organised - but the BBQ here only has a stand - no where to burn charcoal - so we had to get on our bikes and head back to the village centre where there is a supermarket - selling disposable BBQs, which are perfectly sized to put on their stands.  Oh hum - the exercise did us good.  Fancy that, a BBQ in February in Cumbria?!!!!!!  We didn't expect that - we didn't eat out because once the sun went down it was quite cool, and obviously very dark, but I was only wearing a jumper whilst cooking.

We then played a game of UNO and then after some telly bed for Tom and not much later bed for us.

Outside lunch

Tuesday - another brilliant blue and sunny day - what is going on?  Didn't wear a coat once today!  We had a lovely lie in and then breakfast (jam doughnut - naughty but nice) and then we decided to head to the pool hoping it wouldn't be too full.  We were lucky - it was reasonably quiet so we got to do all the rides quite easily.  I was the only one to get an injury - Matt hurt his (other) elbow on the outside canyon run (he did that last time) and Tom hurt himself on one of the flumes, but nothing was too major and it didn't ruin the fun.  Think we had a go on everything about twice, we wallowed in the outdoor pool IN THE SUNSHINE and had a very good time.  We came home hungry, but we were keen to try out the sauna, so we had a drink and some crisps and then headed to our sauna - it is an infra red sauna - so no steam and it got hot, but not quite hot enough to sweat - but it was very very pleasant.  Afterwards I put a pizza in the oven for lunch and we ate it OUTSIDE IN THE SUNSHINE.  We could have been forgiven for thinking we were in Spain - really!

Cumbria or the Med?

After lunch we went for a bike ride right round the Park - lots of hills - and yes I am the unfittest of the 3 of us by quite some way now (I have lost quite a bit of fitness since giving up Boxercise - really need to find something else to replace it)  I couldn't keep up with the boys at all!  I know my place and it is way at the back - humph!  It is certainly a big place and they are building more lodges on the fringes of the place - we reckon it takes about 6,000 when full and it isn't far off being full this week.  We've discovered it is half term in Wales as well this week - so pretty much everyone is either Welsh or Yorkshire.

After our bike ride, we had an hour's downtime and then headed to the Sports Pavilion where I had booked myself a 1 hour massage (my neck, shoulders and legs have become quite stiff recently).  So I went off to do that whilst the boys played two different types of pool: football pool and regular pool.  They seemed to have a good time, I had the best time: one hour of someone beating out the knots in my shoulders and legs - caused some pain, but boy it felt good and I was sad when it ended.

I found the boys, we headed back to the lodge where we had tea, a game of flags (we've added all the cards now!) and bed.  A good day.

Wednesday - wow what a day.  It was another glorious day with deep blue skies and sunshine - we don't think we have seen a cloud now since Birmingham on Saturday.

Today we were able to send Tom off to the shop on an errand for breakfast.  We are just under a mile from the village centre and the only form of transport allowed is bike (all cars have to be taken off site on Monday after unpacking).  This means it is mega safe for children to bike around.  Tom was desperate to go on errands for us - the route from our house to the centre involves quite a few turns, but he learnt it immediately and we were confident he would be fine (there are signs all over the place).  We had Hot Cross Buns ready for breakfast but Matt suddenly fancied some jam - Tom was insistent that he go and get some for him.  So, off on his bike he went.  How exciting.  We, of course were nervous, but of course we shouldn't have been - he was back in the blink of eye and he was excited that he had been able to do it and told us in detail about how many people he had seen etc.  We now need to 'run' out of things so he can go and get other stuff for us.

Our routine today was the same as yesterday and after a leisurely breakfast we headed to the pool which was emptier than it was yesterday.  We did some good rides on the flumes, canyon and slides and without too many injuries.  We have now decided that if you leave Center Parcs with no cuts, bruises, aches or pains then you weren't trying hard enough!

Out on our bike treasure hunt

Winners!

We cycled home, had a sauna and a pizza with salad for lunch (outside - again!) and then headed to the Sports Plaza for 2.15 as we had booked on a bike treasure hunt.  This involved reading a map to find clues.  Can't say we found all the clues easily - where they were marked on the map and where they actually were seemed to be different and some were up roads marked for Emergency Services only - meaning we couldn't find them without asking.  Anyway, we did good, the parc is quite hilly so  we got a good workout and we found parts of the parc we didn't even know existed.  All in all we did just under 4 miles which isn't much for us, but it felt much longer and the hills are quite hilly!  We got back to find that we were the winners (we didn't know it was a race!  Apparently the other competitors didn't turn up so actually we were the only entrants but hey, no-one needs to know that!)  Our prize: a choice of baseball cap / swim bag and a badge each and a 1st place certificate.  The boys choose a cap and I went for the bag.  We toasted our success with an ice cream which we ate outside in the sunshine.

The pool building at night

Then back home for an early tea (beef stew which I made yesterday) another game of flags and then back to the swimming pool for an evening swim - we had been recommended evening swim by the Holmans - especially the Canyon as you are outside in the cold but in warm water.  The flumes are also different - one is completely black so you can't see where you are going at all.  The pool was much emptier than during the day meaning more room and less queueing, always good.

We got out at 8pm and walked home (we forgot to bring lights for the bikes).  We collapsed shattered, a good but exhausting day.

Thursday - we had run out of smoothie and the milk was out of date - oh no, who can help?  The shop is a mile away...yay Super Tom to the rescue, up and out of bed, fully dressed with bike helmet on to save the day and off he went.  Only took him about 10 minutes again!

Pipped at the post!

We had breakfast and then headed out to the village centre and the bowling rink for a session of 10 pin bowling.  I had a shocker of a game and lost both games by quite some way.  Matt won the first one easily, in the second one Tom led the whole way and then Matt beat him on the last bowl of the game by 2 points.  Let's say there were sulks.  We offered him a fancy mocktail in the bar, no good, so then we offered him a game of pool in the Sports Bar - we had a flicker of a smile so we headed over there.  It was Tom vs me and Matt.  Tom won the first game (when Matt potted the black, the white followed suite!)  Matt and I won the second game and then we won the third game because Tom accidentally potted the black.  A face came back on!  Oh well, we cycled home and had an interesting lunch of left overs.

Pool

Then a full game of flags, a spa bath for both the boys and a sauna for Matt and I before heading out to the pool for another session of slides, flumes and wetness.  This time we all injured ourselves - I managed to bash my head twice on the same ride - the outdoor canyon, I got it completely wrong, was on my front at one stage, legs and arms going akimbo - completely out of control!  We had a good session though, eventually dragging ourselves out just before 5.  We got outside to get our bikes and found them wet - it had been raining?!!!!  What on earth?!!!  It wasn't much just mild spitting - but a shock none the less.  We cycled home just as the light disappeared and tucked into a chicken curry and jacket potatoes.

Local (FAT) wildlife!

Not looking forward to leaving tomorrow - we have all relaxed loads, and enjoyed the woodland life, cycling everywhere and swimming once a day - we all think we have gained quite a bit of fitness with all the cycling and swimming.  Doing one activity a day seems about right and generally we have enjoyed being with each other without the stresses of everyday life at home.

Notes for next time:
+ Bring lights for bikes
+ Bring torches
+ Bring tupperwares
+ Bring enough food for breakfast / lunch and dinner - really no point eating out here, way too overpriced
+ Arrange one activity per day - that with swimming pool is enough to fill the day
+ Bring board games for evenings / relaxing afternoons
+ If you want a BBQ - need to bring a disposable one
+ Don't need coffee or tea
+ Bring 3 rucksacks - so each person can carry their swim stuff whilst cycling
+ Remember wireless speaker - it has been on almost constantly.

Up the Baggies

Saturday - the first day of half term - yay!

Tom and The Baggie Mascot

In great tradition, we don't like to stand still so we found ourselves out of the house pretty early and on the way to Lancaster to get the train to Birmingham New Street.   Today we were off to see The Baggies play at home.  This was our main birthday present to Tom.  His ticket only cost £5, but the train ticket and over night in Birmingham certainly made up for it.

It was a lovely day - clear blue sky - Tom was in shorts.  It felt very spring like for February.  First stop though was lunch which we had in Tamatanga - which Matt knew from a translators' do.  Basically modern Indian and very very lovely.  I had a paneer and chick pea salad which was very tasty.  Matt went for a fiery curry and Tom a korma.

In The Hawthorns

We then checked into our hotel, made ourselves at home (ie made a mess) and then headed on the tram to The Hawthorns where we had a little look around the Fan Zone where there was live music and plenty to eat and then to the club shop.  Granma and Pop Pop had given Tom £20 to spend in the shop - and wow - there were a lot of things to buy.  You name it - it was there with a WBA logo on it - everything from a nanoblock kit of the stadium, top trumps of best WBA moments, shaving kits, cushions, soft toys, slippers - well pretty much anything.

Happy Boy

As we were looking round, Tom got given a £10 voucher from a WBA supporter who obviously already had everything and couldn't find anything new to buy.  Wow!  Tom came away with a duvet set and a cushion and was very happy.

We then entered the stadium, and found our seats.  Tom of course had the best seat in the house because he put his cushion on it!

 We were right by a corner post - only a couple of rows back - it was a good vantage point.

The stands filled up pretty quickly, there was a really nice atmosphere about the place.  The game started and there was loads of chanting etc.   They were playing Sheffield Utd who are 2nd in the league (WBA are 4th) so it should have been a good match....Sheffield Utd scored in the 14th minute - oooooooppppps.  The atmosphere dropped and unfortunately it didn't get going again.  WBA seemed intent on passing the ball backwards all the time.  There was some choice language coming our way because of it (Tom said - should I close my ears?!).  For a moment it looked like WBA scored an equaliser - so the crowd jumped up and screamed, but then it was disallowed as it was hand ball - oh well, at least Tom got an idea of what it is like when your team scores a goal.

Our View

Smart new bedroom gear

Final score was 0-1 to Sheffield.  It was a poor game, and apparently the first game they haven't scored at home in 13 months!  We have vowed to go back and hope for a better match.

We got the tram back to central Birmingham and got ourselves a quick tea from the new shopping centre at New Street before heading to the hotel for bed.

Sunday - another beautiful day - it was a little bit foggy in the morning, but the rest of the day was gorgeous.  We got the train home, and had a useful day - laundry, mending Tom's bike puncture etc in readiness for Centre Parcs tomorrow.  Funnily enough Tom had no problem at all getting his new duvet cover on today...

Hung Over

Friday - saw us hosting the Blezards for the night - they were returning from a week at Center Parcs in Nottinghamshire.  It was one of those nights that went with a bang.  They were late arriving - Matt and I had already started on the booze before they arrived.  Then of course they needed drinks (they had got stuck in awful traffic) and we had to accompany them.  One thing led to another and we had a great, boozy, chatty night.  The kids were great too - Rory and Lewis, in the past haven't exactly shown much brotherly love to each other - meaning that Tom has been a great foil, keeping between them.  This time they seemed to tolerate each other much better, meaning the 3 of them got on well together and very little need for any adults to interfere, probably lead to us drinking even more!
Needless to say, none of us got to bed that early!

Hiker!

Scalebar Force

Saturday was a bit of a wash out.  Tom went to football, I think we went out for lunch and then vegged for the rest of the day and went to bed early! Oh well, it was worth it!

Horns UP!

Comb over Cow!

Sunday we still weren't feeling great - but we managed to drag ourselves out to Settle and Scalebar Force and then up to the high road for a bit of a walk and to say hi to the cows.  We walked the wrong way and didn't see any!  Typical.  We found some near to the car though so Matt got his photos.  We then dropped in to Settle for lunch and to say hi to Grannie and Grandpa before heading home, more vegging and early night.

How rock and roll we are!!!!!!

Tom is 10!

Birthday Tea

So we had a birthday coming up.  Tom was going from single digits to double digits!!!!  Apparently that makes it a big birthday?!  Anyway this year it fell on a Sunday.  Tom wanted to do the same for his birthday this year that he did last year - ie have the boys round for a film, hot dogs & burgers and then have a mad game of hide and seek directly after school.  This time we invited a couple more boys from years 4 & 6.  It was as easy as last time - the boys watched Early Man an Aardman production about a football match in the stone age.  They were giggling away so seemed to enjoy it.  We certainly didn't need to do any supervising.  

Blowing of the (many) candles

Birthday Cake

They then had huge amounts of food and then a ridiculous game of hide and seek - where Ellis discovered that the airing cupboard shelves could easily hold the weight of a small boy.  They kept going for over an hour - finding more and more places to hide which was pretty impressive considering our bedroom and the office were out of bounds.

Anyway it went very well and Tom was happy.  We were happy too - very very easy to organise and do and very very cheap.  A good thing about having only a small number of boys in the class, all of whom are reasonably sensible.

Birthday Tea at Bollywood Cottage

Saturday was a miserable day: wet and windy so we decided to head over to Leeds to go to the cinema - so Tom could have his train fix.  Was a good idea - until the storm blew down some trees resulting in the closure of the train line.  By the time that had happened, we had already bought cinema tickets so we had to go by car instead.  Never actually driven into Leeds since we have lived here - it wasn't actually that bad and we found a park and ride meaning we didn't have to negotiate the city centre which I know is a nightmare from the many times I used to get lost there when I worked for Compass.  We decided to try out a new place for lunch - a steamed bun place with a craft beer bar attached.  It didn't disappoint.  The steamed buns were amazing and filled with things such as beer battered king prawns, chinese pulled pork, tofu etc.  They were delicious.

We then headed to the cinema to watch Lego Movie 2.  We had booked tickets at the Everyman Cinema which is full of lovely comfy sofas and chairs, with cushions etc.  You can have food and drink delivered to your seat too which is very novel (shame we weren't hungry or thirsty!).  The biggest problem with the cinema is that the furniture is so comfy, it is really difficult to keep your eyes open.  I had that problem at the start and Matt at the end.  The movie was ok - not as good as the first one, but it had jokes on many levels - so a bit of something for everyone.

We drove back afterwards and stopped off at Bollywood Cottage in Gargrave where we had arranged to meet up with Grannie and Grandpa for what is now Tom's traditional birthday meal.  Curries all round (we were hungry as only had small buns for lunch) before driving back home.

'Special' birthday boy in his new buff and hat!

Sunday and Tom turned 10! Wow!  He is a proper person now - with his own opinions, point of view etc, but always tries to please, is kind and very huggable.  He can sometimes frustrate me with his stubbornness to not understand something he finds slightly hard and lack of resilience towards pain / rough play etc, but would I have him any other way - no of course not.  I love him to death, he has enriched our lives beyond words, life before him, although a lot less complicated was dull in comparison and I can't wait to see what the next 10 years bring.  Anyway, back to his birthday - he had a lot of presents and cards to open and was very very happy with his gifts - so thank you everyone.

We had a slow morning - Tom had smoked salmon for breakfast and then we headed to Goat Gap for lunch as he wanted their giant sausage roll and chips for his birthday lunch.  We then headed to Settle to see Grannie and Grandpa (more presents) before going to the swimming pool for Lucas' swimming pool inflatable party which just happened to fall on Tom's birthday!  He was very happy to spend his birthday celebrating someone else's day - the inflatable party is always a good one.  As it was a nice day Matt and I headed out for a walk and drink as Julie was pretty much shooing us out of the door.

Came home and Tom was in bed almost immediately (still not completely over his illness).  

Snow and curry

Rosy cheeks

Eyes on the ball!

Friday - we have snow and Tom wasn't too ill or too busy to enjoy it, so we sped back home after school and headed out to the field across the road for some sledging action.  There wasn't loads of snow - but enough for a couple of good runs.

Saturday - we still have snow - yay!  Saturday morning it was still cold and there was still plenty of snow on the ground so after helping at the badminton jumble sale set up we got changed into our snow clothes and headed up to Ingleton sledging slopes (just behind the Hill Inn) where the slopes were full of local children sledging.  We have 2 sledges between us so we got stuck in - was good fun.  We recognised some faces (hard to recognise people when they are all togged up) and bumped into and hung around with the Mannings.

Family Young in the snow

It was a good session - although Matt broke a sledge by going over a stone, and I came to a sudden halt by hitting a stone and managed to bite my tongue (from above and below - lots of blood and it went completely numb - still not right now at the end of Feb!)  Usual thing:  kids had a great time and adults hurt themselves easily!  We gave up when our tummies started rumbling and headed back home to get out of our cold wet clothes and to Inglesport for lunch.

The afternoon was spent preparing for the Holmans to come round for tea (I went for a full roast).  The boys went up to Ribblehead in the afternoon to see a steam train head across the viaduct, they got home just before the Holmans arrived and then we spent a good night drinking and eating and playing board games.  The kids get on well which makes the evening so so so easy.  Didn't get to bed till late.

Caterpillar of sledges

Sunday - was a miserable day - it was raining so all the snow was disappearing.  We decided to head to Bradford for the day.  We drove to Connolly and got the train in.  First stop was The Kashmir for lunch where we over ate on poppodams, onion bhajis and cocony - was worth it though and this time we had service with a smile which is quite unusual.

The afternoon was spent at the media museum which has recently reinvented itself as the Media and Science museum.  We were pleasantly surprised.  The museum used to be quite dry and uninspiring, but the new science part was very hands on and vibrant and we got to see a science show all about light waves which even I understood.  Certainly it is now worth a visit, think we will visit Bradford a little more often now on cold, rainy days.

Tom fell asleep in the car on the way home - he is still not 100% after his illness!

January Weekends

Second Weekend

All tucked up

So, on January 11th, Tom and I went off on our little sleeper train adventure. The three of us drove to Lancaster after school on the Friday, where the boys hopped on an evening train to Glasgow. We were almost alone in a first class coach, and spent a couple of hours eating drinking and generally talking nonsense. Sir managed to wolf down a large game pie, crisps, chocolates etc., but still had enough room to go out for dinner when we arrived in Glasgow. We shared a chicken katsu curry in a very trendy modern restaurant before looking for a cozy pub to spend an hour or two before we could get on the sleeper train.

No such luck. No pubs in central Glasgow allow children after 8.00pm, meaning that we had to spend far too long just hanging around on benches on the station for court.
Fortunately, we were allowed into our sleeper cabin at 10.00 on the dot, so we dropped our belongings in there and retired to the lounge car for a very pleasant hour or so eating snacks and drinking squash/beer.

Our loco - a rare one for a passenger train

We were actually in our pyjamas and in bed when we left Glasgow Central (11.40). Tom was fast asleep by Motherwell, about 10 minutes down the line, and didn't even stir when the Edinburgh portion of the train was coupled to ours with an almighty bang. I almost fell out of the top bunk, but he was completely unaware. In fact, the next thing he knew was me waving a bacon sandwich under his nose as we passed through Harrow and Wealdstone. So much for thinking he'd be too excited to sleep. I did not too badly, but I was aware of us stopping at Carlisle and (I think) Preston. Still, all in all it was a fun experience and I think Tom really enjoyed it.

Tower Bridge selfie

We were actually kicked off the sleeper train at about 7.30am, and we already planned to go and watch some fast trains on the line out of Kings Cross, but it was still more or less pitch dark when we arrived at Hadley Wood station, so we retired to a local café and had a second breakfast.
We did watch trains for a bit, but it wasn't actually the best day to do it because the long-distance trains were being diverted and the cut the number of trains because of that.
So, we jumped on yet another train and headed down to Blackfriars, before walking along the south bank to Tower Bridge, where we did the museum experience, which comprises a trip around the pump room and then a walk to and fro across the top deck of the bridge, which was excellent. An interesting view of London, and there was an exhibition about famous bridges across the world. Plus, it was only £14 for the two of us, which I thought was good value considering how much you can pay for tourism in London.

Tom the tourist

As requested by Tom, we had lunch at a completely empty branch of Leon on Fleet Street, before whiling away our last couple of hours in London at the Japan Center, Hamley's (interesting people watching) and finally Starbucks to rest our aching feet.

We then staggered back to Euston on the tube and collapsed onto our Virgin train to Lancaster, where I had to summon all my energy to stay awake and not miss our stop.
Nik met us off the train, and we then headed home, stopping only at the Bridge Inn for tea.
A fun day out, if a bit manic.

Monday - another milestone - Tom walked home from school by himself for the first time ever.  He does Box Fit after school on a Monday and because he is in Year 5 he was given the option to walk home by himself afterwards.  He has said no up till this term when he asked to be allowed to do so.  We said yes, but we also said we might spy on him from time to time, so not to get lazy.  Matt couldn't wait for him...he went and met him half way - and of course he was fine.  The boy is growing up!!!!!

Third Weekend
It was a very cold start to the weekend - we had to be in Skipton at 9am for footie.  Poo.  It wasn't windy and it wasn't raining, but it was cold and by the end I was chilled to the core - don't think I warmed up properly for the rest of the weekend.  We went to Keelham directly after the footie for brunch and then headed via the high road back home.  The afternoon was spent doing lego and general house work.  We had a proper dinner - roast chicken etc in the hope that it would do everyone good - health wise and soul wise.

Sign of a good ride!

Sunday was a nicer day than we expected.  After exploring various options, Tom piped up that he wanted to go for a bike ride - so we did.  We loaded up the bike carrier and headed to Bull Beck.  We then cycled along the canal into Lancaster, had lunch at the Water Witch and then headed further along the canal along a very very muddy section to a bridge where we came away from the canal and then cycled down some very narrow country roads and came out on the Glasson Dock route so we continued back along that track back to Lancaster.  A quick stop at Crook o Lune for a drink before getting back to Bull Beck.  In all it was over 17 miles - all of us had tired legs, but it was a good tired.  We then headed back home, had a cupboard tea and then went to the OPO for their last ever day.  Very sad, but it is being taken over by a couple of retired police from Sussex who are keen (so they say) to keep it going as it is - although I'm sure they will change bits and pieces.

The following weekend Matt was away in London again.  Tom and I stayed at home.  Tom was ill with a virus - he was off school Thursday, Friday and Monday.  The worse virus he has ever had.  He had a temperature the first 3 days and then was lack lustre, full of snot and coughing etc etc, was in bed for 7pm most nights.  He went back to school on Tuesday, but didn't do any of his usual after school clubs that week.  He fell asleep in the back of the car the following weekend - a mark of how out of sorts he was.  No photos from the weekend - we only left the house once!

Mini Break

Thursday saw us dropping off Tom at Pat and Bob's for his standard 2 night stay.  Matt and I decided to take full advantage of this and headed off for a mini adventure ourselves.  First stop was Clitheroe and the hotel attached to the Beer Hall for a night.  We checked in and then headed to the hall for a cheeky pint (there are 42 different taps in the hall - so it would have been rude not to!) before heading out to do some exploring.  Clitheroe turns out to be a very pleasant place.  We went to the Castle for a romp about and then headed into town.  It had a bit of everything: Booths, Fat Face, lots of independent shops, a micro bar, an extensive toy shop and the most fantastic, traditional, old fashioned bottle shop I have seen for a while.   We looked at the house prices - cheaper than Ingleton!  Well if it all goes wrong in Ingleton (don't know why it would), Clitheroe would be a perfectly good alternative - especially with the beer hall!!!!!

Lots of beer

We had another quick pink at the micro bar,  before heading back to the hotel for a refresh.  We then got ourselves to the bar for a session.  Luckily they do platters of 3 x 1/3rd pints so we could work our way through the beers.  The food was good as well (although they had run out of loads of things) Matt had ribs and I had chilli and then as the portions weren't massive we had churros.

It was a very pleasant evening, didn't leave until 11pm where we had to walk all of 10 steps back to the hotel!

Friday morning we woke up not hungover, result!  We decided to stay away another night and booked ourselves in for another night away - this time in Liverpool: one of our favourite cities.  I went to grab my bag to go down to breakfast...where was my bag...we couldn't find it anywhere!  Oh bugger!!!!!  We went straight to the bar to see if it was there, it wasn't.  We asked the staff, the managed looked in the safe, nothing there.  Oh no!  What to do...

We got ourselves breakfast but to be honest neither of us were in the mood. I couldn't remember leaving it behind - which is strange, I have NEVER done that before.  It had my wallet with my driving licence in it.  A driving licence obviously has your address on it.  The bag also had my house keys and car keys in it!  We checked - the car was still there.  Phew.  We decided we couldn't go on to Liverpool - we wouldn't be able to relax.  We got Craig to check our house in Ingleton - all was still ok.

We checked out from the hotel and the Manager asked if we had any luck?  We said no, he suggested we get to look at CCTV footage - and then decided to do it for us, so we went with him.  I waited in the bar whilst he did it for us.  About 10 minutes later the Bar Manager came in with my handbag asking if this was what was missing.  PHEW!!!!!  A member of staff had put it in the wrong place in the office.  Everything was in it.  I gave them £20 as a huge thank you and we left very happy bunnies on the way to Liverpool.

Fallen man

First stop was Crosby beach, somewhere both of us have always wanted to see - made famous by Antony Gormley and his 'Another Place' statues: 100 iron men dotted about the beach looking out to sea.  It was really interesting, a bit of a science experiment to see them in different degrees of erosion depending on where on the beach they were located.  They went a long w

Man with seagull

ay out to see as well and as the tide was going out, we were able to see more and more as the morning went on.  We walked along the beach - managing to find a bit of quick sand on the way meaning we were up to our knees in watery sand - oops (on our return we noticed all the signs warning of it!!!!!).

Surprisingly there weren't any cafes or tea rooms in the area, so we went to the refreshment and bought a packet of very tasty chips.  We were just beginning to enjoy them when we got dive bombed by some seagulls, so we fled to the car and ate them in there.

Anyway, I would recommend a trip out there, interesting place.

Big bed!

We then got train into the centre of Liverpool and took our bags to the hotel "Hard Days Night Hotel" just off the central shopping street.  Nice hotel and big room.  We went for a walk around the City - taking in all the usual sights - Pier Head, Albert Dock etc, Liverpool One.  Then back to check in, have a rest and decide on where to go for dinner.

Liverpool at night

We decided on Yard and Coop - a cool restaurant which offers many different types of chicken to eat. If you are lucky you get to eat in a human sized chicken coop - very novel.  It was a nice restaurant, good music.  We then carried on for another drink in another bar before rolling into our enormous bed.  A good day.

Saturday morning we took it easy.  We went for breakfast at a diner and then checked out of the hotel and got the train back to Crosby before heading back eastwards.  We went the scenic way and found a farm shop for lunch.  We got to Settle around 2pm to pick up Tom - he wasn't happy to be collected.  He didn't want to come home and only the promise of a session of lego was good enough for him to be persuaded!

Sunday - Matt spent the day working, so Tom and I headed out.  We went to see Alice and the boys first thing and then we went for lunch for two at Goat Gap before returning home. We then had a session on lego before Matt came to join us.  An easy, relaxing day.

Monday - a miserable day.  I looked up various things to do but most things were closed so we ended up going to Stacksteads for the morning with Sierra.  The kids had fun and then we went to Ireby for lunch where we bumped into the Fosters and the Nicholls before returning home around 4pm.

Then back to school on Tuesday - shame we were in a good place.

New Year

We spent New Year's Eve at The Mannings.  Steph had made cauldrons full of chilli, with ALL the trimmings which I love and invited 5 families.  It wasn't a party, it was a gathering and it was very chilled and relaxed.  A perfect occasion for New Years.  Time went quickly as the kids played together very nicely, meaning we got to do adults chat for the night.  We all got together for midnight after which Tom suddenly came all over tired, so we called it a day and came home.  Was a lovely evening and we didn't over eat or over drink which was good.

New Year's Day was a lovely bright day.  We had a very lazy day.  We needed one!  We lazed about, ate left over food for lunch, started on the mammoth lego, watched a film and did a quick circuit of Ribblehead in the afternoon as the sun was setting.  A very lovely, very quiet day.

New Year's Day Day

Behind the waterfall

Being silly on the big stone

Today Tom and I did the waterfalls walk with the Holmans (Liz, Annabel and Owen).  Annabel wasn't really up for it and whinged most of the way round.  Tom hooked up with Own and became his shadow for the day.

This meant he suddenly became very brave, doing loads of stuff that he wouldn't normally do which was great.

This included climbing behind the waterfall - which was a little worrying as it was so slippy today.

Anyway it was a good day, we all made it round and Liz and I caught up.

Inbetween bit

Friday was cricket day: Tom had a session from 10.30 till 2pm which is way longer than normal but great.  It was a miserable rainy day, so he got loads of exercise and small person time which was fab. All the usual suspects were there which is grand, looks like there is now a 'cricket crowd' which is generally made up of all really lovely children, always a bonus.


I dropped Tom off, then bounced into Booths for a couple of bits, Matt, Mum and Dad went early to watch the match at the end and pick him up.

Then a lazy afternoon watching telly and a healthy tea.

Saturday was our last day with Mum and Dad, we decided to give Tom to them for the day without us pesky parents.  They seemed happy to do so, but it wasn't the best weather day so I suggested they went up to Hawes.  Dad was very happy with that as he was hoping for another visit to the creamery.

Cheese Press Stone

We took advantage of old people free time to go for a proper walk and headed to Kingsdale for a romp around the cheese press stones.  It was mega windy on top, but it was good to blow the cobwebs and get the old lungs going again.

We did a quick 4.5 loop and then headed to Dent for lunch where we went to The Sun for lunch: really really tasty chicken wings for me and quiche for Matt - we ended up sharing as they were both so good.  We got home about 15 mins before Mum and Dad.  They had had a good time and bought just the one block of cheese.  They came back and slumped for the rest of the day, before tucking into a huge pot of Christmas beef stew.

Sunday, Mum and Dad packed up and left, we did the same and headed to Manchester for a night with the Komorovskis - it had been a while, they were supposed to come up over summer but it didn't happen for one reason or another.  We decided that it would be a good idea to head to a pub on the runway at Manchester Airport for lunch (instead of our usual Chinese).  We didn't tell him as we weren't sure if the airport was even going to be open as we drove down to it in thick thick fog.  We were lucky...the fog cleared about 5 mins before we got there.  We were expecting a very average pub as reviews hadn't been that great.  We were nicely surprised.  You have to pay for parking which is understandable as otherwise people would stay all day and the pub not get any customers as there is literally no-where else to park.  Inside the decor was very tasteful - with tables made from what looked like engine outers.  But the big story was outside.  Literally as we turned up we saw a Cathay Pacific Tail, Tom ran out to see the A350 engage engines and take off.  We then went into the pub, the boys decided on their lunch choices and then left me to head out into the garden.  The garden was right at the end of the runway, where the planes turn and start on their way along the runway.

Plane coming in...

Tom was bouncing up and down and Matt was pretty pleased too.  They both spent as much time as possible in the garden - luckily it wasn't too cold, not raining and not windy.  Food was good - it was American Diner style, but more than adequate.  I haven't seen Tom eat a hot dog quite as fast though - he was desperate to be out watching planes rather than being inside.

When I finished my lunch (I seemed to be alone) I settled out and joined the boys outside.  I was lucky as the A380 Emirates was just about to leave (the only A380 that goes to Manchester).  It was ENORMOUS, the wings insanely massive (almost going over our heads) the pilot waved to us, and we were literally blown away when the engines came by.  Tom was very happy.  We did good.

What a spread...

After 2 hours, we had to leave (our carpark ticket was up) but we will be back.  We then headed to Salford and the Komorovskis.  They were all well and Leia - wow, when did she become a teenager?!  Last time we saw her (a year ago) she was a primary school child and now she is a fully flung teenager - going to high school really does age you!  We all settled in, Tom watching the footie with Adam on the lazy chairs.  He fits in well in their house.

In the evening we went in to town to the Manchester Bundobust where we decided to get the Bundo Combo which is one of every dish on the menu.  OMG - it was 17 dishes and there were only 4 adults and 3 children, two of whom pretty much didn't eat anything.  Ouch.  We tried our best and we did finish quite a few of them but there was a bit left over and we were all absolutely stuffed...we were all in pain...so much for being good over Christmas, we over ate big big time and we all suffered for it.  All 4 of us got back and lay on the sofas groaning for the rest of the night!

Christmas!

Belties!

Saturday was spent doing errands: Matt and Tom went to Settle to deliver treats to G&G and pick up  the pork pie we ordered from Lay of the Land.  We then dropped Tom off at the Holmans (he has a sleepover tonight, but today they were having a lego day so he was invited early), went to Ireby for a quick lunch before we headed to Kirkby to pick up the beef and get last minute bits from Booths.  Then back home in time for 3pm and our Asda delivery.  We were stocked up and ready for Christmas - lets hope Mum and Dad bring their appetites with them.

Tarn Hows

We had a lazy afternoon before meeting up with the Holmans at the OPO around 7.30 for a drink prior to dinner at the tapas.  We were all child free (Dave's parents were babysitting Tom, Owen and Annabel).  Dinner was good and then we did a bit of a pub crawl: bypassing the 3 Horse Shoes of course.  We then went to the Heifer and played darts - Matt won and then the big mistake of the evening: we went to the Top Club where I had very nasty wine and Matt had a pint of sour beer.  Neither of us could finish what we ordered so we moved on to the Masons.  By then Matt was feeling a bit ill from the bad pint and I couldn't face anymore wine and had a gin instead.  We didn't stay too long after that - a shame, must remember not to go to the Top or Bottom Club if we want a good night out!

Beautiful Day

We headed to Meadow Falls after breakfast in the morning to pick up Tom (not sure he wanted to be picked up - hey ho!) and as we were both a little hungover, we headed to Bernies for lunch.  We met the new owners who were nice and we had a breakfast bap each which were perfectly good - need to go back for something bigger at some point.  They seemed keen though and very much wanted to make a good impression.

Just after we got home Mum and Dad arrived.  Yay.  They hadn't experienced bad traffic on the way which seems amazing.  We didn't do much for the rest of the day: chat, eat, drink.

Christmas Eve dawned a beautiful clear and sunny day.  We decided to head to Tarn Howes for the day - always a winner as it is such a picturesque place.  We drove to Hawkshead and found ourselves in a nice cafe for lunch (Poppies - I think?!) and then on to Tarn Howes, where Mum and Dad got us free car parking which was fab.

We wore them out!

Wow, the place looked absolutely amazing, as I said it was very sunny, but it was also very still and warm, meaning that the water was giving off fantastic reflections.  Everyone was very happy, we couldn't have asked for better weather.  We all walked round in a good pace.  We were hoping to get Mallard on the way home, but it was closed, so we drove through Ambleside / Windermere etc and didn't get held up in traffic which was a first.

Yummy platters

The evening saw us at The Old Post Office for platters and drinks.  It was empty to start with but got busier as we munched on.  A nice atmosphere, and lovely to eat platters again.  Then back home where we thought we saw Rudolph in the sky as we could see a red light tracking across the very clear night sky.  When we got home Tom wrote a lovely long letter to Santa and left him a mince pie, carrot and whisky (Longmorn this year) before going to bed.

Christmas Selfie

Christmas - Santa had been and Tom managed not to come in to see us until 7.30 which was brill.  He was very excited and got an Eddie Stobart truck and a stocking full of gifts from Santa - he was very happy with what we got.  We had our usual smoked salmon and scrambled egg for breakfast and then everyone got ready whilst I prepared lunch.

Sillies

We then all sat down to open our presents, as usual, everyone had been very generous, lots of smiles all round.  Uncle Martin, as usual, came up trumps and got Tom  MASSIVE technic lego set - it is going to take him and Matt an age to put that together.  I had 2 bottles of gin and tickets to see Muse alongside lots of other wonderful gifts.

At 3 we sat down for dinner: roast beef with all the trimmings and it went down well.  Matt and I didn't think the beef was up to standard, but Mum and Dad thought it was as good if not better than 2 years ago, so the jury is out.  Anyway I was pleased with the yorkies and roast spuds and gravy.  Oh this time we soaked the beef in a full bottle of red wine before cooking it (see Xmas 2017 which is in January 2018 blog for instructions) which certainly helped with the gravy making if nothing else.  However, think the cooking time may have been a little too long, especially as the rib was much cheaper this year (so we think a bit smaller than previous years).

Tom's getting tall!

The evening was spent lounging on the sofa and watching Paddington 2 which was as lovely as I remember it.  A good day.

Boxing Day, not a beautiful day, and after much deliberation we decided to go to Morecambe for a walk.  As we couldn't be sure anywhere would be open, we decided to have a big breakfast.  I got some bacon out of the freezer and we had plenty of eggs and scottish black pudding, but didn't have any sundries.  I knew the co-op was open, so asked Tom if he would be good enough to go to the Co-op by himself to pick up some mushrooms and tomatoes.  He was told to cross the road properly and given money, he wrote a list, took a bag, put on his new flat cap and off he went, happily by himself to purchase them.  A nervous time for us, but of course he was fine and he bought exactly the right things so we had a fab big breakfast.

Boxing Day Buffet

We then piled into the car and headed to Morecambe.  We parked on the front by the new apartments and then walked to the stone jetty.  It was supposed to be a grey day, but we got some blue sky and it was still and warm again which was great.  We did find one coffee shop open, so we headed in for a brew, then went to the amusements (bit rubbish should only go to the big ones in Morecambe I think) and walked back.

Pat and Bob were due to come for Boxing Day buffet, but unfortunately Pat wasn't up to it, so it was just Bob.  He came with presents, so we had another mini Christmas day, and once again we were all very happy with what we received - thank you.  Then to the buffet.  I do love a Boxing Day buffet - cold cuts and pickles.  We broke open the pork pie from lay of the land which was lovely and I had every type of pickle going as well as salad, spuds, and the gooiest brie you have ever seen.  I didn't over eat on Christmas Day but I did on Boxing Day, it was worth it.

Thursday - Panto Day

Panto!

Today we had booked in for the Panto in Bradford.  This one is a bigger more expensive production than the Leeds one, and had Christopher Biggins starring as the panto dame.  First stop though was Settle to see Pat and Bob's house (they were keen for Mum and Dad to see what was new).  Then to Keelham for lunch (they were in chaos with not enough staff to man the restaurant so we all ended up with a scone instead).  We parked in Cononley and got the direct train to Bradford.

The Alhambra was looking good (it's been in scaffolding for a while) and the show was brill.  Panto this year was Aladdin and Billy Pearce stole the show as usual. It had a good mix of slap stick, silliness, singing / dancing etc.  There was a 3d movie bit as well, which was fantastic (although Tom and Granma both were scared!)  Plenty of opportunity for shouting out and joining in.  We were only a couple of rows back, so had a great view of everything going on and it meant that we were first in the queue for ice cream which was great as we were all hungry by then.

After the panto we headed to the Kashmir for curry.  The service was as surly as ever, but the food was good and even though the prices had gone up, it was still very cheap.  We then headed back home.  Another good day.