One of our most favourite places in the world in the Rainbow Factory in Leeds, a haven for kids (and parents), it seamlessly merges EPIC fun with education, opening up new and well-loved literary worlds (and more) to kids aged 2-8.
It was my Dad, George's birthday on Friday so I wanted to arrange something a little bit special for the big man this weekend, and Gorgeous Cottages were just the company to call.
Now summer is nearing it's hopefully gloriously hot head, I'm plotting picnics in the sunshine, ice lollies in the paddling pool, football in the park, barbecues and alfresco summer parties : super fun times for my little family, retracing my own happy steps as a child in Yorkshire.
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.
Although I was born in Leeds and we've now lived in Leeds for nearly 4 years after many years in London, we are still discovering new happy-making places in this beautiful part of the world for all the family.
It's days like these are full of happiness, Betty's coffee and cakes, dirty wellies and smiley faces. Now the sun is out we can't wait to return again, observing the gardens grow through the seasons-what a joy!
Always on the hunt to visit new child friendly places in Yorkshire, we discovered the Yorkshire Wildlife Park before Christmas for a walk through adventure like no other. Look how happy my little people are..despite the cold! I can only imagine we will be living here come the summer!
It's May and it's raining...again. Like many parents out there, we find it a struggle to keep the kids entertained when the weather's cold and blustery outside. Not another soft play I hear you cry. I'm with you on that, there's only so many slides and ball pits I can cushion my tush on. Ouch.
A few weeks ago, we spent a truly delightful day out at Hesketh Farm Park near Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire. We stroked and fed the farm animals, Oliver raced around on an indoor tractor, Mummy and child played on the swings (my favourite bit) and we had hours of fun in the outdoor sandpit.