Center Parcs round up

Monday 16th March

We set off around 10.30am, and after a very smooth journery, arrived at Center Parcs at 12.30. We checked in, left the car in the car park and went to explore until we were allowed to take the cars to the accomodation to unload. We walked up to the village centre and got some lunch from the Parc Market. We had a good walk round the village centre, taking everything in and getting our bearings. We then walked to the Lakeside Apartments to check out where our accomodation was before heading back to fetch the car. We unloaded and unpacked and then walked back to the shop to get some pizza for tea and to collect our pre-booked breakfast passes from guest services.

Tuesday 17th March

A lazy morning in the apartment before heading out to breakfast at the Sports Cafe. Joseph had already eaten and was in need of a sleep, but that still didn't stop him from pinching some of my toast!



After breakfast we went to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. It was already pretty busy, but we managed to find somewhere to sit. Joseph was still awake, so we took him for his first dip in the pool! He loved it. After a short while we brought him out and gave him his bottle and he eventually fell asleep.



Unfortunately it was very hot and noisy, so he didn't sleep for long. We took him back in to the pool, venturing to the big pool from the kids pool, even trying the waves!

After swimming we headed to the Lakeside Inn for a late lunch of pie and chips, which was delicious, while Joseph had another brief snooze.
In the evening, I headed over to the Aqua Sana for a couple of hours me time. Bliss.

Wednesday 18th March

Our third wedding anniversary!



After breakfast Adam and I played crazy golf, while Joseph watched from his pushchair. I wasn't anywhere near as bad as either of us expected, and the game as far closer than we anticipated! We went for a nice long walk, exploring all of the grounds, during the afternoon. In the evening we went for a lovely meal at Cafe Rouge in the village Centre

Thursay 19th March

Our last full day came round far too quickly :(

Adam and I both went out separately for a run before breakfast. We went swimming again, and we all spent more time in the pool. Joseph thought it was brilliant!



We went back to the apartment for a rest, and while Adam was snoozing, Joseph and I went for a walk. I took him to the beach, where he was far more interested in the toys than the sand



Eventually though he fell asleep while we were walking and I enjoyed the scenery.



When we got back, Adam beat me at Scrabble, before we went out for a marvellous chinese banquet, at Yang.

Friday 20th March

Joseph is 9 months old



We packed up and loaded the car before having a late breakfast. A last visit to the village centre to pick up some snacks from the shop, and then we set off. The journey home was a bit of a pain, as we got stuck in traffic a few times (I hate the M6!) but it wasn't too bad. A lovely week, and some lovely weather. Already looking to go back later in the year!

Joseph @ 8 months & 3 weeks

Sorry sorry sorry; it's been an absolute age again, I don't know how I do it! Life just gets in the way. So, where to start...

I am now properly back at work, working all day (8am-6pm) Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Fortunately Joseph has now settled in to nursery and loves it, it only took him a week or so. I'm so proud of him, and I often get a little tear in my eye as I watch him through the window playing so happy, confidently and independently. He still loves cuddles as well, but doesn't need to be sitting on someone's knee all day like he did at the start. In the last couple of weeks, he finally started to notice the other children as well, and its great to see him interact with the other babies. The downside is that he hasn't been well since he started. He's had a couple of viral infections, and the last one was coupled with a secondary ear and chest infection too! He doesn't let it bother him though, and on the whole he so cheerful.

I am working hard, and loving it. At the moment I think I have the balance just right. 3 days at work and 4 at home seems to be working really well for all of us. I'd love to be able to chop my days down by a couple of hours, to 9-5 or 8-4, but the nursery fees would still be the same, so its just not affordable.

We haven't been travelling as much lately, as at times it was starting to feel like we were never at home, but we have had a few visits from family, which have been lovely. We are off on holiday next week, which Adam and I are very much looking forward to. Just a short break at Center Parcs, but hopefully it'll be nice and restful and a much nicer experience than the time we spent at Haven last year! It's also our wedding anniversary while we are away - the last 3 years have absolutely flown by, and our lives have changed so much, but we are extremely happy, and I feel blessed to have a wonderful husband and a beautiful son. We also love living in Bollington, it's been such a great move, if only family weren't so far away.

I don't really have much else to report, it's been quite a quiet time, just wanted to let you know I'm still here. We'll have internet access while we're away next week, so you never know, I might blog again soon! Joseph is hoping to update his blog later on tonight.....