Tales of the unexpected with The Boy, my pride and joy.
My favourite aspect of Summer is seeing people of all ages out in the fresh air, laughing and joking, playing and having fun with friends and families. Everyone seems happy, laughter fills the air as children play and explore their world, and smiles play on the faces of everyone enjoying the sun's touch.
What better way to welcome the Summer back than with a competition which promotes that outdoor play aspect?
After four holidays to the Butlin's resort in Bognor Regis over the past few years, I've decided to collate some of the things we've learnt into a top tips post. Planning, forethought and research can help get the most out of what will be a very busy holiday.
Ever since I was pregnant with The Boy, I always knew subconsciously that I was going to have to show a very positive outlook towards exercise and outdoor activities, especially as I am not the fittest parent around. I spent much of my childhood playing outdoors in the garden, and whilst I attempted a few sports clubs and activities, it wasn't an area that came naturally to me and as a result I wasn't encouraged actively to pursue it.
Maybe that's why I am so keen to ensure that The Boy is active on weekends with plenty of opportunities to exercise those muscles.
For a few weeks now The Boy has been asking us to take the stabilisers from his bike. At first I almost ignored him and distracted him with something else to hand. Knowing how tentative he was with the metal balance bike that he used to have, I thought there would be no way he's cope with the weight of a bike. Combine that with his inability to stop looking at everything else around him, apart from the direction in which he should be cycling, I thought there would be no way he'd be able to cycle without stabilisers.
We're never happier than when we're outside exploring the natural environment. We have a few favourite places around the area which we know we could happily while away an hour or two at, with plenty of things to see and so. This Spring I've noticed that The Boy is becoming fascinated with more than just the superficial surroundings and wants to know more about the creatures that live there, and to become a proper explorer.
I love Spring and Summer, not least of all because of the fun weekends away we have interspersed with holidays around our fine country. We don't go further than around three hours away, and while I'd like to blame that on The Boy, it's actually me that is a dreadful traveller.
When Butlin's sent us an emergency travel kit to aid 'the long and whining road', I chuckled. There are some PR pitches which are spot on quite frankly, and this is one of them.
