Back to the grind..

The blog has been quiet for a few days, but if you follow me on Instagram, you'll know why - a break at Centreparcs, Longleat!

We've been going to Longleat for the last few years, this was our 5th time.  We've always gone at the same time of year, the first or second week of October.  This will probably be the last time for a while though, due to Ethan's age.  At the moment, it's OK for us to take him out of school because he isn't 5 and therefore doesn't legally have to be there, but this time next year, he will be, and schools really don't like you to take children out of school.  Personally, I don't see the problem with a week off for a holiday a year when your child is young.  I actually think holidays are hugely important family times, and can be educational as well.  The fact is that for us, as for many families, holidays are too expensive during school holidays.  If we were to go to Centerparcs in the October school holiday, the price would triple!  There is no way we can afford that!!  SO, this was a bitter-sweet visit for us...

It was lovely taking Ethan again this year, each time we've visited he's got more out of the experience.  This year he enjoyed a pottery painting session with Pete and I, he painted a picture of his Gloworm on a plate.  We all had fun splashing around in the pool together and it was lovely taking Felix in.  Getting changed and dressed after as a family of four was more of a challenge, but never the less, the pool is always a fun family activity.

Ethan has really got the hang of his bike without stabilisers now and it was fantastic seeing him enjoy whizzing around the bike routes.  So nice not to have to worry about loads of traffic!!

As we go with my parents, we have babysitting on tap which is lovely.  Pete and I had a lovely night time walk one evening and a meal out another evening.  So good to spend a bit of time together without the children.  It's such a rare thing to be able to have a conversation without being interrupted!

It's been refreshing to have a break... back to the grind tomorrow, back to school for Ethan, work for Pete and normal life for all of us.  Unfortunately, we've come down with another cold, so none of us are looking forward to the alarm tomorrow!!