Home for the Holidays

Last week it was Spring Bank holiday in the UK, which meant the schools were closed for a week. J took the week off work as he usually does at this time of year, but unusually for us we seemed to be at a loss as to what to do. For the past three years, this week has seen us head off with Connievan for a bit of pootling by the coast (2010 :: 2011 :: 2012), but this year with so much else going on we left it very late to organise ourselves. And by the time the week was upon us, suddenly nobody wanted to actually go away from home excepting me. Just me. I had a little whinge about it (actually, more like  a stroppy tantrum), but soon realised that complaining about something that I hadn't managed to organise in time was pretty pointless. So I stopped myself from being cross and accepted that we were going to enjoy a Stay@Home holiday instead.

Luckily, the weather decided (for once) to play ball and for most of last week we were treated to some glorious sunshine and warmth. It was absolutely wonderful to wake up on the first day of the holidays and see this gorgeous blue up above. What a relief.

We didn't make any extensive plans for the week, but we did decide that we would try and get out and about each and every day, even if it was just a short walk locally. We are surrounded by green hills and beautiful views here, so even a short walk up the road and across a few fields turns out to be pretty good.

I've already written about a couple of lovely outings we made at the beginning of the week. We day-camped by the river.....

....and we climbed the Crag. Both of these days remain very memorable for us, and I'm really glad we made the effort to head out for some fun family time.

Other days saw us stay much closer to home, and that was pretty good too.

On  one of the days when the weather turned a little bit chilly with the threat of rain, I suggested a visit to a Play Barn in the pretty North Yorkshire town of Settle. I was fully expecting J to dig his heels in and refuse to go (he hates these places), and was pleasantly surprised when he agreed to it. The Little People were also amazed (they had also expected a firm No) and were suitably excited. 

We decided to take the train there, and it turned into a really great little outing. The Little People  enjoyed the physical play, and J and I enjoyed a chat over a pretty decent cup of coffee. Afterwards, we meandered around the pretty little town and picked up some supplies for a picnic lunch. In fact, we ate a lot of picnics last week. Four in total I think.

This was where we ended up on Friday for a late afternoon picnic tea. The village green in the picturesque village of Linton is, well, picturesque. There really is no other word to describe it. It makes a lovely picnic destination with it's little stream for paddling in and wide open green space for running in.

And there just happens to be a rather lovely pub on the edge of the green, to supply rather lovely pre dinner drinks. Perfect.

For the most part, the Little People were happy with all the outdoor activity we forced upon them and didn't complain too much. And I'd even say they did genuinely seem to have fun and enjoyed the various walks, climbs, picnics and outings that we took them on.

One morning after breakfast, mid way through the holiday, I happened to catch sight of Little Lady snuggled up on the sofa writing a list. Well, typing a list actually. I nosied in on what she was up to and discovered a beautifully modest and endearing list of requests which I felt overwhelmingly compelled to fulfill. How could I not? I'm pleased to say that every one was ticked off by the end of the week. 

Beginning with swimming. Urgh. Now I really don't like swimming. I don't like the smell, the noise, the stifling heat, the closeness of half naked strangers, or the sheer amount of effort it all takes. But the Little People love going swimming, and were delighted when I finally agreed to a definite day and time to go. The highlight for me was coming out of the pool almost two hours after I'd gone in and breathing in the fresh, cool air, knowing it was all over. Then the walk home through the park under the most gorgeous little row of blossom trees, shedding their snowy petals down on my wet hair.

Next up was a trip to my favourite café in town (the café beneath my studio of course) to fulfill number 2 and number 6 on the list. It made me laugh that she had written about soup, I have no idea where that desire came from, but eat soup we did. Suzanne at the café makes the most delicious fresh soups for her customers every day. Always something different. On this day we were treated to "roasted red onion and sweet potato soup" with soft warm olive focaccia bread and crunchy garlicky croutons. Yum yum yum.

And a hot chocolate to finish. Little Lady demolished this with delightful appreciation, her face was a picture of joy from start to finish.

When we returned from our Girls Outing (the boys had gone off clothes shopping, Little Man is growing at a fast rate of knots and was desperately in need of some new things), we attended at once to item number 7. Nails. Her choice of colour from my extensive collection (all six bottles), a favourite shade called Green With Envy. Tick.

Saturday morning saw me slaving over a hot pan making a stack of pancakes for breakfast (item number 5, tick). Actually I didn't mind this at all as I love doing these little scotch pancakes (recipe from here). I keep them wrapped up warm in a tea towel as I make them three at a time in my little pancake pan. Then when they are all done, I let the Little People loose on them with their choice of golden syrup or strawberry jam smeared on. It's a little messy (Little B, I'm looking at you), but nothing a damp cloth can't sort out.

We had item number 3 for our tea on Thursday night, and the week also contained several ice creams and a good many bits of cake. I think all in all, there was a great deal of foody enjoyment in our week, both at home and out and about.

Our week felt very full as we were out each and every day, yet we still enjoyed plenty of home time.

We treated Little B to something new to play with, which has been a great success. I can't recall the other two ever having this kind of giant Duplo Lego, but it really is excellent for three year olds.

Little Man also had something new for the holidays, although he saved up and paid for it all himself. He bought a half size pool table, such a cool thing for a ten year old to want/have don't you think? We ordered it from Amazon (it's this one ) and I'm happy to say it's been another success story. He has spent countless hours playing on it, both by himself (I often hear the knock of balls early in the morning), with the other two (he sweetly tolerates Little B and LL having a game with him from time to time), and with his mates too (they have been suitably impressed).

Due to the rather fabulous weather, there was also a welcome amount of outdoor play last week. The jumbo chalks came out again.....

....and a giant helipad was created.......

....complete with approaching helicopter. I love how safe our street is for the Little People to play in, and that the "street chalks" were literally used in the street/road.

There was much going on outside that I couldn't photograph. Huge water fights took place with bags of water balloons. There were lots of running/tag type games, scootering, football and biking. Gangs of kids having fun the old fashioned way. It was refreshing to watch, and once again I felt so blessed for the lovely, friendly, safe neighbourhood that we call home. It's a great place for my Littlies to do their growing up.

So. Our week sped by in a flurry of gentle, happy activity.

There was work.....

....rest.....

.....and play.

Ahhhh Connievan, how I have missed you! I felt so sad that we didn't manage a trip away in her this holiday, more sad than I care to admit. It somehow felt like our caravan holidays suddenly belonged to the past, and that was not what I wanted at all.

But there is a happy ending to the sadness. I did eventually get to spend time in Connievan at the weekend when we finally put a stop to our umming and ahhing and moved her to a new home. A New Connievan Chapter is about to begin. Watch this space..........

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Comments

[http://acaibeerepillen.de/]

Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips for newbie blog writers? I'd definitely appreciate it.

[Carol]

Is it me or your area has a little taste of paradise ? :)

[lilito handmade]

What a beautiful blog full of joy and happines!!

[Barbara]

Great post as usual. We recently spent a few days in North Yorkshire and it was lovely to see the photo of the train station at Settle, we had a very enjoyable train journey from there to Carlisle - well worth a visit.
I had a look at the pancake recipe to see if it was any better than mine and it was exactly the same! I make mine with wheat/gluten free flour which
works well, I add blueberries and have them most mornings for breakfast.
Stay-cations can be so much fun, I can't remember the last time I saw chalk on a pavement - do children still play hopscotch I wonder?

[Andrina T]

I love your holidays, even when they are just outside your door! If I lived in a town like that I'd never get tired of seeing the sights. And how adorable are your kids!? Scrummy, to borrow your word. Your daughter's list was soo sweet, and your older boy to be so grown up to save his money for his own purchase (and then get so much joy on his own and with the youngers). The three of them are a trio of bliss. I want a colorful, childlike, hooky life like that! :)

[Lu Douglas]

Dear Lucy, Well, we have the very same blue blue skies here in Brisbane, Australia, so I was sorry to hear that other Aussies thought that they were hard done by. And we have the same street play too where the kids all get together and ride their bikes and play football or chalks on the not so busy roadside or path...and the neighbours are friendly here too. Our green hills and ocean are gorgeous so sharing yours made me doubly glad of the simple things in life that many children don't get to share these days with busy parents. happy weekend.

[OkeCrafter]

What a lovely way to spend a holiday. My three little people are now big people (one of them with two little people of his own), and one of the things I miss the most is holidays when we did 'stuff' together. Of course, I am now starting to do it with the grandchildren, but they live 200 miles away, and I am abroad for several months of the year, so our time together is very precious.

I especially loved the list of 'wishes' and I am so glad you got to do them all - making memories is so important. Some of my children's best memories are of simple 'things' we did together, and they grow up so fast...

I am lucky enough to live in Devon, and I do try hard to make sure I get out and about now I have retired, and make sure I am a tourist in my own backyard.

Thank you for sharing your holiday with us

[CJ]

I'm with you when it comes to swimming, although my little people love it. We did go during the half term and it was very helpful to the littlest boy who made good progress with his swimming afterwards. It looks like you all had a wonderful break. Your photos are really beautiful; you live in such a stunning part of the country.

[Paula]

Oh, yes...you are the best mum ever! I do love that she had such a simple list, too. That is a wonderful sign that she enjoys all the little things in life, the important things! And what a lovely hot cocoa ~ who could resist that?!

I'm following your lead with getting our grands out and about the lovely area around us, last night was a first official picnic at the beach :)

I'm happy that your unplanned stay-cation turned out nicely for you!

[Tracy From Norfolk]

Sounds like you had a wonderful half term. We did too. We managed to get way to our caravan,which we have sited on the Norfolk broads. The weather wasn't great we we made the best of it (we're British after all!) looking forward to hearing your news.

[RJ]

Love seeing pictures with your feet in them! you have the cutest toes!

[curvywitch]

I think Little B's Lego play shows a fine sense of colour similar to his Mum's. Looks like you all had a lovely week. Looking forward to seeing your plans for Connievan and here's hoping the glorious weather lasts... :-)

[Taylor]

What fun! I'm glad you could please Little Lady with the cafe and hot chocolate, along with the whole family (pancakes!). I throughly enjoyed your post! Glad your family had a good staycation (vacation at home).

[Alexandrea]

I've been wondering when we'd hear mention of Connievan again! Now that it's summer here, I've resumed my desire to have a little camper of my own. :/ It looks like you had a lovely time, even though you were at home. :)

[Jill]

What a great week you all had! The compromise seemed to work well for everyone but a Connievan trip would have been nice as well. I've been to Linton and the green is wonderful. We stayed in a lovely B&B that had been a pony barn in its former life.
I have a question about yarn bombing. After the Yarndale event will you take everything down off the trees, benches, light posts, etc.? In my neighborhood there is a bicycle stand in front of a grocery store that has a crocheted covering but it is beginning to look pretty ratty. It's been up for 2 or 3 years and it's coming apart. I just wondered what the yarn bomb protocol is. I don't know who put it up. Just wondering how you'll handle this in your area.

[Shona]

A first comment from me, for this lovely post that brought back so many memories of stay at home holidays when my children were little. my youngest son loved those giant building blocks too!
Sadly for my family I also hate swimming pools and anything to do with them, shudder!
As a Brit who lives in Spain, I enjoy seeing the photos of town and country, so pretty.

[lesley1202]

I miss the family caravan holidays we used to have when I was a child. Unfortunately, I really don’t fancy towing a caravan now I’m a driver myself. I’ve been meaning to get round to camping for years tho’! Gorgeous photos, even if much closer to home!

My son loved Lego Duplo when he was small – we still have masses of it, even tho’ he’s now 12! Would LB like some of ours? A lot of it came originally from ebay and we have lots of vehicles and train track.

I look forward to spending time with my daughters, like you have with yours, once mine are a little bigger!

[Anglesey Ann]

You seem to be doing everything right for your little ones. Treasure every moment, and store up good memories for them. Their childhood is really very short and it whizzes by in no time. you will look back and wonder where it went , but a big plus factor is getting grandchildren,(that's my age group disclosed) they are a real joy, you seem to have more time to savour every detail.
I found that if things got a bit sad it was always a help to recount the good days and the falling in the river episodes etc. Keep up the good work.Lovely memories don't have to cost the earth.I've made two triangles so far, havent crocheted for years, waitnig for details of what to do with them

[Maggie]

It's great to see children being allowed to be children and not little adults way before their time... to be able to play safely in the street... to enjoy good old fashioned pastimes and not sit indoors with electronic games and so on... to save for that special something.... to ask for such simple things. You are rightly proud of them, and of the way you are raising them, and so lucky to live where you do. I live in a village in Norfolk, and there are children on bikes, skateboards and so on on the green, playing football, going for rides along the lanes. Much like in my own childhood, happy days, happy memories. And I'm sure your children will have the same.

[bloepper]

what a glorious week. such an inspiring list. i look forward to my new little family having many such holidays.

[Anna-Marie Field]

Hi Lucy,So glad your holiday at home turned out so great!!!A happy time was had by all!!!Can't wait for the connievan story to continue!!!Have a great week!!!
Love
AMarie

[Georgina Tranter]

Am so thick, thought Connievan was a place I had never heard of!!!

[Kate]

Excellent! How lucky was the weather for you over Half Term? We had rain, plenty of RAIN on the days my Great Nephews were staying...but also pancakes.

[Wendy]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels that way about swimming. It's one of my 'guilts' that I don't take my kids more - I can think of a solution, a private pool!!

[Sheryl]

Looks like yo had a great time! But, I am with you n the swimming...my least favourite thing to do . I always need bribery to get me to do that!