So ‘passportgate’ was rather stressful but it sort of all ended up for the best with each of our sons getting undivided attention and time from my husband and I respectively.
I enjoyed Marbella with my toddler and folks and Oliver and Daddy had a truly wonderful week in the UK with sunny adventures in Yorkshire where we live, and mini breaks in Liverpool, Southport and Anglesey in Wales, fishing, catching crabs, playing in fields, visiting castles and having lots of father-son bonding time.
The shots below that Peter took of their week are simply awe-droppingly wondrous, and I felt happy and sad in equal measure that the twosome had so much fun together and that I missed out on their escapades.
Next time…
Here is what they got up to-
One of this family’s happy places, a stomping ground since my childhood, Peter and Oliver spent a day in beautiful Bolton Abbey-
Peter informed me that my little adventurer crossed the bridge holding hands with Daddy and discovered this tiny beach himself…
Blissful.
Another day was spent at the world-renowned Eureka science museum in Halifax outside of Leeds, for a stimulating, educational day of exploration and fun.
I love his concentration in this massive sand pit outside, in the museum grounds. The sunny temperatures in the UK that week, meant lots of outdoor fun for the ‘boys’-
Inside, Oliver played science based games, learnt about his body and picked up this spooky eyeball from the gift shop!
Here he posts a package at the children’s post office in the museum. I love how it encourages independence and offers children real life experience. I often let Oliver post letters for me but a package, he’s yet to send. Until now.
Oliver controls the water levels in the bathroom operating a shower and jacuzzi on site.
Here, you are encouraged draw a recent dream on a piece of paper as a memory prompt, or alternatively, if you note a nightmare you can dispose of it in the elephant’s’ mouth-a great way to deal with, and overcome fears and anxiety.
Below is a simulated X-ray to show what’s inside your body. Oliver is fascinated with biology and often says he’d like to be a doctor when he grows up. Museums like Eureka really support young children’s education and plant the small seeds that can potentially affect life choices and most importantly they make science appealing for all.
You’re an active participant at Eureka, learning by doing.
A football goalie game where buttons are pressed to catch the ball. Oliver’s not keen on ‘real’ football but he loved this.
Then it was onto brushing enormous teeth. How fun?
Back outside for a game of giant size Connect 4, I’d love this in our own garden.
The following morning, more playtime as they hit a local playground close to our home-
Another sunny day, another day out!
Hesketh Farm is adjacent to Bolton Abbey and is one of our favourite family days out.
A working farm open to the public, you can pet and feed the animals, play in their outdoor playground, drive toy tractors (and ride real ones), and picnic outside taking in the glorious views of Yorkshire countryside that surrounds the farm.
Lolly o’clock.
Hello handsome (Oliver’s rather cute too) 😉
I want some piglets as pets now. Aww!
And some chicks…
And a tortoise (OK I’ll stop now)!
Towards the end of the week, they booked a picturesque cottage in Anglesey cottage enveloped by forest and close to the beach. It was postcard perfect.
There was even a playground round the back-
They found broken bird’s egg on the forest floor, Oliver commented a bird had hatched.
And tennis courts-
A day at the port and beach, blue skies and bright sun.
Visiting nearby castles
A gorgeous break for my boys, and on our return from holiday and reunion, I’d noticed that my Oliver had grown somewhat, he seemed a little lively and envigorated, and more mature than when I’d left him. It might have just been a week apart, but he’d clearly relished the attention, time, fun, and adventure with his Daddy and it showed.
I won’t lie, I can’t wait for our next holiday altogether but I’m so glad they had an amazing break, a holiday they’ll always cherish.
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Oh wow what stunning photos =)
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…Review – Trunki Toddlepak
Thanks lovely, they had a blast x
Oh passportgate created such positivity for you all – yes, not what you wanted but what a wonderful time you all had anyway. I love that you just all got on with it and made the best of the situation. Oh those daffs do make me happy, amazing photos as always. Mim x #brilliantblogposts
Mim recently posted…Mini ASOS Haul for Summer 2015!
Thanks darling, we are a positive family and it really ended up well for all of us in the end x
Aww, lovely photos! We went to Bolton Abbey last year (we walked from the steam train up to the abbey) and loved it! The beach there is just gorgeous! :). Eureka looks amazing to visit too! 🙂 xx
Wonderful isn’t it, so much beauty and exploring to be done in Yorkshire x
Wow, what an amazing time was had! Beautiful pictures of Oliver but also a lovely pic right at the end there. I just love that sky 🙂
Carol Cameleon recently posted…‘V’ is for Vibration #AtoZChallenge
Thanks Carol, they had a wonderful time and I adore Peter’s photos of all their fun. That last picture is gorgeous isn’t it x
Such beautiful pictures. Its so nice to know you can still have a fab holiday in the UK 🙂 x
Fab photo’s (don’t laugh, but I did actually say to myself ‘oh that’s a cool chicken photo’ – not something you get to say every day, haha) – looks like they had perfect weather!
And how beautiful is Bolton Abbey – that’s definitely just made it on my (ever growing) list of places to check out one day.
Looks like they had an awesome ‘staycation’ 🙂
Penny @onepennytourist recently posted…Celebrating Nature: Disney Wordless Wednesday
It was just wonderful and love that you said that, made me chuckle! Haha. You must see Bolton Abbey x
What stunning pictures. Looks like they had a great time!
Thanks, they really did x
Wow! He had such a fabulous time! Love those pictures of Bolton Abbey – it’s great around there. And the Eureka museum looks so fun and educational! If I’m away for even a couple of days I feel as though my daughter has grown and has a few new words and seems more mature – so am with you on that! #brilliantblogposts
Wander Mum recently posted…12 Tips For A Successful Multi-Stop Trip With Children
I know, they change so quickly don’t they, so pretty in Yorkshire x
just goes to show you can have a fab time in the UK 🙂 Great photos ( as always ) x Thanks for hosting #Brilliantblogposts
Baby Isabella recently posted…A spring in my step at The Vyne
Looks like the two of them had an amazing time exploring the UK, all too often we think we must leave the UK for adventure but there are so many wonderful places here to visit it just goes to show you can have as much fun here 🙂
Great set of photos too.
Ashley @ When the Dust Settles recently posted…Booking Fees a Rant
OOh we love breaks and holidays in the UK, really can have a gorgeous time here x
Looks like the had a great time lots of fun days out and your husbands photography is stunning!
Everything mummy recently posted…The Disney Tag
They really did, thanks darling x
Oh, it looks like they had such an amazing time! That Eureka museum looks amazing! Gorgeous photos (of course!) and a lovely post. I’m so glad that passportgate all worked out ok in the end! #brilliantblogposts
Lisa (mummascribbles) recently posted…I have a wee problem!
Looks a lot of fun. Stunning x
Susan Mann recently posted…Go Catch a Bubble
Thanks darling, they had a fab time x
Wow Vicki, what a great week they had. Those photographs are stunning. Is your hubby a professional photographer? Some really wonderful picture of your boy!
BattleMum recently posted…Wordless Wednesday 1: 22/04/2015
He is really although his full time job is in IT, he is is commissioned regularly and is just a genius behind the camera, thanks x
Looks like they had a wonderful holiday! Yes, it wasn’t how it was meant to go, but what a time they had -memories to cherish forever. I can just imagine Oliver when he’s older, “Hey Dad, do you remember that time it was just you and me at home and all those mini adventures we had?!”
Lovely pics! And I adore Bolton Abbey, went on a press trip there last year and had a guided tour. The history and the scenery is just breathtaking x
Katie/Pouting In Heels recently posted…All About You – Shoot The Moon!
Aw you are so right hun, they are already reminiscing about it now, so sweet. Bet the press tour was wonderful, such a stunning place and one we visited so often as children, my Mum has a picture of my brother and I skinny dipping, naked as toddlers framed in the lounge (!) x
I’m glad they had such a lovely time together! My boys would love that glowing eyeball, and the Abbey looks beautiful!
Stevie x #brilliantblogposts
A Cornish Mum recently posted…The NSPCC Really Big Board Game Day
It is just so beautiful there, please do try visit (and we can meet too) x
SOLD on Wales! Never been but looks amazing and what stunning pictures. #brilliantblogposts
I love Bolton Abbey, ’tis the scene for some of my very favourite family outings!
Kel recently posted…My Little Dream Box
Gorgeous huh x
Wow! Lovely photos. Looks like you had a great time!
They loved it thanks x
Stunning photos – especially love the Bolton Abbey ones. Brings back great memories for me (grew up in Harrogate) x
Rebecca U recently posted…Dating All Over Again…
No way, down the road from where we live now, where do you live now? If you visit, let me know, would love to meet x
Stunning photos as always – some of them would make perfect wall art! I’m so pleased you all made the best of what happened – such a nightmare but so easily done. It must have been lovely to be reunited and share your tales together, whilst looking forward to a break all together soon. PS – Well done Oliver for the beach discovery – he’s obviousy a natural traveller! #Brilliantblogposts
Yvette @ Big Trouble in Little Nappies recently posted…Dear Toddler – Dear Mummy
Aw thanks Yvette, he is, he absolutely loved it and I can’t wait to be going away together soon xx
Glad to see the rest of the family had a great time while you were away. Lots of play and edutainment in some wonderful settings. Looking forward to our holidays now.
Dawn of the Dad recently posted…Midweek Medical
Aw they did, happy holidays to you guys
lovely photographs, I particularly like the ones of Bolton Abbey and it looks like they had a fun time at Eureka too x
Beautiful isn’t it and Eureka is a haven for kids x
What an amazing time they must have had. Being from Yorkshire myself, this makes me a little bit homesick. Its so beautiful. I went to Eureka as a child, I can’t wait to be able to take M when she is a bit older! Such amazing photos too 🙂 #brillliantblogposts x
Sophie @ Mum, M & More recently posted…Toddler Baking; Cookies
Oh you must visit again soon, lovely to connect with another Yorkshire lass too x
Passport Gate – love this Vicki, and your whole attitude towards life. Looks like Peter and Oliver had a fab week. Stunning photos as always xxx
Mummy Tries recently posted…The Bittersweet Truth about the Early Days of Motherhood
Thanks darling, I am insanely positive and everything out well in the end xx
I always feel a little indulgent when I read your photo posts, like I’ve sneaked in some time to look through a magazine. Just beautiful pictures. Some of our best holidays have been in the UK. You can’t beat some kind to one time with your children. Xx
Juliet McGrattan recently posted…Beware the post-marathon blues
Oh you are too lovely Juliet, thank you, so glad it all worked out well in the end x
I had my heart in my mouth when I read about passportgate (as you know we had a similar problem when we went to Spain) but sometimes things happen for a reason and from Peter’s utterly stunning pictures it’s clear that they had such wonderful bonding time together and moments to cherish for a long time. Gorgeous post honey xx
Michelle Reeves (bodfortea) recently posted…What can Snow White teach me about Joy?
Thanks darling, they really had a wonderful time together, the pics are beautiful aren’t they xx
Peter takes stunning images. Glad to see father and son made the most of the situation. Looks like they had a marvellous time. Thanks for hosting #BrilliantBlogPosts
John Adams recently posted…Sorry Toddler Adams, you’re not a fussy eater after all
Thanks John, they did. Thanks for linking up.
What amazing photos as always, it’s so nice as you havent missed out on seeing what they did on their boy break. Glad it worked out ok for you all in the end.
Ali recently posted…My Captured Moment
I know it was lovely going through all the pics x
Looks like they had a fab week! Maybe passportgate was meant to be!! x #Brilliantblogposts
I know, I reckon it was x
What a fun adventurous week he had, land they got such lovely weather too! We love Hesketh farm, such a nice day out and I was just thinking about Bolton Abbey today 🙂
Oh all wonderful, let me know if you visit as not far for us, we can meet up for a cup of tea!
Lovely photos!
Well, it might not have been what you planned but it seems like the boys had a great time. Kind of like an extended parent’s ‘date’. I think individual time with each child is important.
#brilliantblogposts
I know, it was, and both said it was a wonderful week x
It looks like you all had a great time. Bolton Abbey is just gorgeous I can see why it is a family favorite!And the beach and castles! Thanks for the mini vacation!
Oh my absolute pleasure, some of our most favourite family days out were had in that week.
It looks like they had a great week. Eureka, Bolton Abbey and Anglesey are all favourites of ours too. Anglesey is magical, I think, for children, we went last Friday and it was wonderful. Your husband takes fabulous pictures, Oliver does look very grown up x
Thanks Lisa, I really want to visit, he is gifted behind the camera isn’t he. Such a fab week for them x
Looks like they had a fab time, despite all the hassle of passportgate! Lovely photos, as ever. Bolton Abbey has long been on my must-visit list, love those moody weather shots of it.
Oh you must visit, a stunning place x