This weekend was gushingly one where I literally kept thinking, ‘Wow I’m so happy, I’m so lucky’…stick with me…You see we are all so busy rushing around aren’t we, running from here to there, working, hustling, multi-juggling that these last few days went by a bit slowly in comparison and allowed me to truly take stock.
I could really saviour how happy I feel, so fortunate that I’m able to do what I love every day, to have the most incredibly loving and supportive family, I just feel so grateful for all the fun we have and how good life is.
I really don’t take any of this for granted.
When I had my first child, Oliver, we all lived far from family in London, I felt lost and alone after a traumatic birth-then we moved to beautiful Bristol but finally returned to my hometown of Leeds and just like that, the jigsaw pieces fell into place.
I felt supported, back close to my parents and brother and my husband and I decided to settle here in Leeds, with me making my way back to London once a month for work and to see my much missed friends.
I can’t imagine living anywhere else than glorious Yorkshire to be honest. OK, maybe LA for half the year but then back to Yorkshire for the rest. That’s the dream I reckon. Who knows, the US is my 2nd biggest audience so watch this space!
Now though, back to the weekend up North…
Friday night was double date night with my husband Peter, and my brother and his girlfriend Lucy. I was a bad bloggery though and totally forgot to take any pictures (we all need a night off right?!).
Saturday was rather excitingly (more for me than the kids I think) dedicated to a Cbeebies’ Dancing Beebies family event at the Trinity Leeds shopping centre in the centre.
Press bands on, we were ready to rock-
Breakfast at the gilded and gorgeous Everyman Cinema with croissants, fruit medleys and colouring in for the kids commenced before a viewing on the big screen of the Cbeebies televised adaptation of Northern Ballet’s Elves & the Shoemaker, with commentary from the main man himself, Mr Bloom and the cutest group of ‘Tiddlers’ you’ve ever seen.
Oliver got stuck in to the colouring in and sticker fun before the screening-
Xander loved that this bar stool spun. Argh it’s the little things right?!
Proud face at his perfect picture-
Croissant and coffee then Elves & the Shoemaker time-
Having seen the Northern Ballet production last year, it was fun for the kids to watch it again in a televised version with Mr Bloom and a group of children explaining the narrative as it unfolded. It’s a truly stunning show that introduces ballet in a way even toddlers would grasp and will no doubt encourage kids to dance all over the UK. Utterly brilliant.
Just look at this excited face-
It will be broadcast this Easter so do look out for it.
I previewed it for Time Out Leeds whom I write for and wanted to write about it right here too.
I LOVE this shot!
…The whole of the shopping centre had a Cbeebies make-over and the power of dance was celebrated for the day with local children dancing on a stage to a captivated crowd.
The kids were utterly engrossed and Xander wanted to join them!
The highlight (for me at least) was getting to meet Mr Swoon himself, ruggedly handsome in real life too and don’t we look like a little Cbeebies family here?! Haha!
It’s so funny, before I was a pro-blogger I was a TV director so by rights I shouldn’t really get starstruck but there’s the odd person that comes along and makes you go, ‘Ooh’ and Mr Bloom really is one talented dude and a little bit of Mummy eye candy that’s gotten me through many a sleep deprived sofa day.
…Thanks Mr Bloom for chatting to Oliver about the show and making him feel so special. As we left he gasped, ‘Wow, that was Mr Bloom in real life’. It certainly was.
Next stop was sushi and I was pretty impressed that Oliver tried raw salmon for the first time and devoured it too. Xander wrestled with chopsticks and won (kinda)- I had to clean the floor before we left!
Then, it was big strides in the sunshine to the Leeds City Market for fresh fish and seafood (halibut, swordfish and prawns) and brown bags full of seasonal fresh fruit and veg.
The fishmonger kindly accepted Xander’s request for a seashell. Pulling it to his ear, he listened to the sea.
I just love the hustle and bustle of the market, the characters, the flowers in bloom, the shops of bygone times (a button shop bursting with ribbons of every colour, and an M&S from a million years ago).
If you’re ever in Leeds, you must pop in.
Back home, Peter snapped some cherry blossom and pansies before they’re soon to be no more. So pretty.
…It was another first for Xander, as he gulped down cold Rooibos tea and loved it. Grandma Cathy and Grandad Davide who live in South Africa will be pleased!
He particularly enjoyed dunking a biscuit in the cup and gobbling it up…
And then pretend-sleeping when we went on a little pre-dinner walk. This child never fails to crack me up! What a cutie.
And what a weekend, I know I say it every week, but it really was a good ‘un.
A chance to rest, relax and hang out with my favourite people in the entire world (yes that includes you Mr Bloom). Bliss.
Linking up to fabulous Michelle of Bod For Tea’s #sharethelovelinky
What an amazing weekend and how lovely to meet Mr Bloom. I love how CBeebies introduces children to dance through the Easter ballet – we watched a few of them over the holidays and the girls both loved them. Looks like Xander enjoyed it too!
Louise recently posted…Motherhood – the little moments
Utterly fab aren’t they, thet televised ballet was wonderful x
It’s lovely that your hard work brings such amazing things for you and your family to share. I would be in such a happy place too if I got to spend time with Mr Bloom x
Aw thanks darling, it was a lovely weekend, Mr Bloom is rather fab isn’t he! x
Wow, I’m very impressed that you got to meet Mr Bloom. My daughter would be very envious. I agree, he is a bit of a Mummy crush, probably because he’s kept us sane during sleep deprived days. You are so lucky to have all these opportunities, a much deserved result of your obvious hard work. As a newbie blogger, I’m finding your posts very inspirational and encouraging. Thank you! x
Isabella @ Fairies & Pirates recently posted…Double Trouble
Thanks Isabella, so pleased you enjoy the posts, I was a TV director before I became a pro-blogger and my very first job in the TV industry was on work experience at Cbeebies, funny how life can go full circle. Blogging is brilliant, you will love it x
I love the way your photographs tell the story of your weekend – while I love the way that you write, and feel as though you are literally recounting the weekend back to me as we chat, the pictures really do colour in the tales. Stunning work! xx
That’s so lovely to read Zaz, thank you- a new reader actually sent me an email to say they love how they feel they know me from my tone on the blog-Peter and I make a good team I reckon x
Ahh what a lovely weekend together and mr bloom. Lucky kids indeed. They are so adorable. Love the photos. Thanks for hosting darling. Linking up a bit late this week. Sorry!
jenny recently posted…At the park with Grandma
Please don’t be sorry sweetie, thanks for linking up, it was a really fun weekend x
Wow, what an amazing weekend, your lovely boys and you are so lucky. And as for Mr Bloom, swoon, oh my goodness! xx gorgeous pics too. x
MyLifeMyLove recently posted…My Sunday Photo
Hehe, they (and I) had a fab weekend x
Aww I miss CBeebies! Mine are too old for it now, although considering how broody I am, there may be more Cbeebies days to come at some point 😉
Sounds like you had a lovely day, and gorgeous pics as always, Stevie xx
A Cornish Mum recently posted…Make Me A Will!
Ooh how exciting. Cbeebies is fab, as are babies xx
honestmum recently posted…Honest Mum (And Some of the Family) On Holiday
Having that supportive family makes all the difference in the world doesn’t it? I don’t know what I’d do without mine. Looks like a fun time. Keep that great perspective and gratitude.
So true, they are my everything x
honestmum recently posted…Honest Mum (And Some of the Family) On Holiday
Ha ha awesome – and wicked pics to match! How cool to meet Mr Bloom – I’m not sure you get much more Yorkshire that him 🙂 I do miss Leeds. Mim @ http://www.mamamim.com #brilliantblogposts
Mim recently posted…37 Weeks Pregnant – My Pregnancy Week-By-Week
Think he’s Cornish or from Devon. Nice chap and fab family day xx
honestmum recently posted…Honest Mum (And Some of the Family) On Holiday
Ah, Mr Bloom – the secret (and not so secret in some case) mummy crush. Never quite sure how old he is. Looks like you had a fabulous time!
Ha nor I, reckon early 30’s,twas fun x
honestmum recently posted…Honest Mum (And Some of the Family) On Holiday
Can’t believe you met Mr Swoon! I’m so jealous! You certainly make a lovely couple in the photo 😉 The boys look supercute as always. I love Xander’s doggy jumper, I saw you feature it a while ago and I still love it. Hope you have an awesome Easter hon! xxx
Ooh love that M&P jumper, so cute, a bit like Bloom x
honestmum recently posted…Honest Mum (And Some of the Family) On Holiday
Awesome weekend. The Cbeebies event sounds great. Can’t wait to see the ballet on TV. My boys loved the last one.
I’m very jealous that you got to meet Mr Bloom. He has certainly made watching hours of kids TV just that bit more bearable!
Thanks for hosting brilliant blog posts x
Sam recently posted…5 Great Things About My April
I totally agree! Your boys will love it x
I’m so jealous! I love Mr Bloom – I would definitely be star struck should I ever be lucky enough to meet him. So far we have only met Nina from Nina and the Neurons – I was pretty star struck then too!
morna recently posted…10. Foods my children won’t eat
Oh she is fab!
What an amazing weekend that looks! you certainly seem to have enjoyed it 🙂
Ashley Beolens recently posted…Chocolate Easter Nests
Thanks, it was a lot of fun!
Never mind Mr Bloom, was Andy there? He can take me on a Wild Adventure any day!
Evidentially I need to get out more and watch things other than cbeebies. Looks like you had a fab day out though x
Doctomum recently posted…The Medical Baby Name Dictionary: What Not to Name Your Child.
Bahah! He is hot! Nope, they need to do a Cbeebies calendar for us mums!
Never mind swooning at Mr Bloom, in a few years all the girls will be swooning at your boys with their beautiful eyes.
#brillinatblogposts
Claire @ life love and dirty dishes recently posted…Friday Frolics Linky – 3rd April
Haha thanks darling xx
Looks like so much fun and gorgeous pics as always x
Mum Reinvented recently posted…23 Things You’ll Appreciate as a Mother of Teenage Girls
Thanks darling x
Hey is that man your husband?! Haha you look like a perfect cbeebies family, still laughing about someone thinking it was your husband… I wonder why they thought he was dressed like that?
Looks like a lovely weekend, you are a very lucky lady x
Bahah! Hilarious! You too xx
What an amazing time! And so many gorgeous photos!
Hehe Mr Bloom =D
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…My Top Ten Worst Parenting Jobs
Mr Bloom was hot! x
Gosh what a fun weekend!!! The kids look like they had a blast! I bet they love your job as much as you! Have a wonderful time in Spain. I hope you get some rest.
Vicki Montague – The Free From Fairy recently posted…Gluten-free SCD Longleat & A Video!
They really do Vicki, best part of blogging is seeing how happy it makes them x
I confess I’d never heard of Mr Bloom and was very confused by the photo as I thought this was a reference to Orlando. Anyway, seems like you had a great weekend. Just wish I lived closer to family, no one wihtin a hundred miles! Love reading about Leeds, I used to spend alot of time there. #BrilliantBlogPosts
John Adams recently posted…The House of Fraser look book challenge
Haha nope not that Bloom, the other one although funnily enough, people think Xander looks like a baby Orlando Bloom! Have a trip to Leeds with the family, be great to all meet up!
Wow, that looks like sure a great event and what gorgeous pictures. We are more Disney Junior here, but I am sure Baby would have loved it x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…My Weekly Weigh In
It was fab thanks, my first job was at Cbeebies so love it, Oliver is now moving onto CBBC too xx
What an utterly fabulous and fun weekend! Love all the shots of your family – the boys looked like they had such a great time. And so impressed about the sushi – go him!! Thanks so much for linking this happy post at #sharethejoy this week xx
Michelle Reeves (bodfortea) recently posted…New Series: Countdown to my first half marathon
Thanks darling, I know, how cool! I dream of going to Japan with the kids one day so he’s all set x
This had made me really homesick for the UK! I’m desperate for my kiddo to get to experience stuff like this. It’s just not the same here in Thailand! Great post, gorgeous kids and piccys. Thanks for hosting!
#brilliantblogposts
Mama, My Kid Doesn’t Poop Rainbows recently posted…Oh, the bureaucraZy.
Oh but you have sun and gorgeous food at every turn darling, pros and cons everywhere thought I know xx
What a great weekend. Your children are so adorable, like their mother! It looks like a great time and I believe that I would love that market! Have a good holiday, looking forward to seeing the photos when you get back!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton recently posted…Pinterest Recipe Review
Thanks so much Nikki, what a lovely comment, we had a lot of fun x
Great pix and funny you lived in Bristol – I was there for 7 years studying Physiology and then setting up the Heart Valve Bank there. At the grand old age of 24! Beautiful city. So pleased you’ve found your place – everyone needs that. Somewhere where they fully settle. Home.
International Elf Service recently posted…Carry on Self-Catering…
How fab, we only stayed for a short while but really loved it, adore Leeds, it’s where I was born and really feel right since having kids, I’m really close with my family so love being near to them x
What an amazing weekend. Love all the photos of the boys, they look like they are having the best time, as do you 🙂 Thanks for sharing all these lovely photos x
Sara (@mumturedmom) recently posted…Childhood: a first visit to the dentist
Thanks Sara, we had such a wonderful weekend x
What a great weekend to have! And good on your son for trying (and loving) roobois (or redbush as I always call it!)
Carol Cameleon recently posted…How to make a surprisingly non-scratchy itchy Easter bonnet
He absolutely loved it. My husband was born in SA so we are all mad about rooibos/redbush here x
Aww what an amazing weekend! Looks and sounds amazing! Monkey’s auntie took him to see the elves and the shoemaker ballet here yesterday and he loved it by all accounts so will definitely look out for it on TV! Oh and Mr Bloom? You lucky thing 😉 xx
Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) recently posted…Me & Mine March 2015
Oh wow, how fab, brilliant production, kids loved it live and via the Cbeebies show! Mr Bloom was rather lush x
You do indeed all look very, very happy. So glad you had a great weekend and yes you are definately allowed a night off from photos and blogging thoughts Mich x
Michelle Twin Mum recently posted…Dear So and So – The weekend away edition
Hehe thanks darling, it was a lot of fun and we all need a night off right xx
Great Pictures! Looks like you had a great day and so exciting 🙂
Erin @ Nourishing My Scholar recently posted…What Homeschool Looks Like
It was a lot of fun!
Looks like an incredible weekend lovely. Still have to laugh when I asked you on twitter who Mr Bloom was… and really thought you meant Mr Orlando Bloom! We had a great weekend too, my friend’s two daughters stayed for a sleepover, so lots of giggling. Love all the photos as that way i feel like I am with you! x
Mirka Moore @Fitness4Mamas recently posted…Win “2 for 1 on Mum & Baby Breaks 2015″ at Villa Radicata Tuscany
Haha flipping heck we weren’t in LA over the weekend (I wish!) So funny, people think Alexander looks like a baby Orlando Bloom! Aw miss you, wish you had been with us, soon! xx
What a gorgeous post, sounds like the best weekend ever! I’ve never been to Leeds, but have a feeling I’d love it, that market looks awesome! Cbeebies event looked pretty fab too and you’ve shared some beautiful shots of the boys. Really lovely post xx #sharethejoy
Mummy Tries recently posted…My First YouTube Video
Oh so pleased you liked it Renee, come to Leeds, I’ll take you around, it’s a fab city xx
Such an ideal week-end! Love that picture of Alexander trying to escape, he he! My little Jumpy would have done the same! My little ones would love to see the Elves & the Shoemaker live. Beanie was given the book when she left her last pre school, and it is one of her favourites. xx
It’s wonderful, we adored it live last year at the Ballet and again in the televised version, hope you can catch it at Easter x
I think I would be a bit star struck too if I met Mr Bloom! I’ve seen him in live shows but never actually spoken to him, then I’d probably leg it 🙂
Hehe, hot right! Bet the live shows were fab!
im very jealous you got to meet Mr Bloom!
Looks like you all had a fab day and yes you look like the perfect Cbeebies family – just don’t tell your hub! xx
Beth Twinderelmo recently posted…Pink Lining Notting Hill Tote Bag
Baha! Poor husband x
Sounds like a fabulous day out — very exciting and gorge pictures.
Jennifer Howze recently posted…Even after the Germanwings crash, I’m still flying
Thanks Jennifer, it was a lot of fun x
Looks a fab weekend all round – and your boys have such expressive faces, the concentration for the colouring and the mischievous eyes with that stool! 🙂 #sharethejoy
Stephanie recently posted…More from our visit to Trinity Buoy Wharf
Aw thanks Stephanie, such characters x
As a ballet fan I love the children’s ballet shows CBeebies do. Your little son is so cute. That ‘pretend sleep’ photo is hilarious! Love the market shots too. What a great weekend you’ve had. X
Juliet McGrattan recently posted…Aiming high: double marathon challenge update
It was a lot of fun thanks lovely x
Wahooo! What a fab event and weekend! Loving all the photos and one in particular! You have gotta love the bloom!!!!!! He’s amaze xxxxxx
brummymummyof2 recently posted…Seven Bang On Trends: Mummy Style
Haha Mr Swoon lived up to expectations, such a fun day xx