We're just back from one weeks holiday, part spent in the Lake District, and part spent at centre parcs in Sherwood Forrest. My husband and I have both returned from this 'holiday' needing another holiday. It was the most exhausting week we have had!! Duncan in an energetic two year old, and Floraidh was in the middle of her fussy 12 week growth spurt, so was constantly feeding in the evening! We knew it was never going to be much of a holiday, and we knew it wouldn't be relaxing, but we never thought we would still feel so shattered!! We started to wonder why we go away to relax?! Taking young children and babies out of routines and familiar beds doesn't make the week run smoothly !!
I have mixed feelings about center parcs too! I am not a fan of busy places! My ideal holiday would be a very small hotel, consisting of 10 bedrooms, or a small holiday cottage by a beach. I feel center parcs is too institutionalised, where people go to have fun fun fun , in the outdoors , participating in every activity possible, with every other tom dick and harry! I shouldn't be too harsh, as I think when our children are older it will be super! But it's currently off the cards for the next five years!
Our holiday had lots of firsts... Duncan became obsessed with cargo nets, and climbed his first one, then he climbed it again and again and again... he also went down a flume for the first time, (and all by himself, bless)
On holiday I read a lot of blogs, and got lots of ideas for little activities to do with Duncan on rainy days. I read some blogs on kids montessori activities, so I decided to purchase a set of lacing beads from 'Melissa & Doug' on Amazon. They came today, and are gorgeous. I thought they'd be a greatactivity for the two of us to do when Floraidh was sleeping. Duncan couldn't give two hoots about lacing beads, and grabbed his load all,tractor and trailer, and started to use the beads as cargo for his trailer!! A typical boy! You have to love it! Another Amazon purchase was 'French children don't throw food'. I can't wait to start reading it!
I'm sorry that your holiday wasn't a great success and can remember the feeling when the breaking of routine with a baby/ toddler was more hassle that it was worth. We, after several disasters found that caravan holidays seem to work best with kids activities available if you want to join in, or just a stroll along the beach, if not. I hope you recover your energy and the weather improves for some outside strolls. Ps. Love the pictures, and Duncan's hat! x
Posted by: Phyl. | 01/23/2012 at 09:51 AM
You could have scheduled interesting activities for Duncan to redirect his energies. Next time you have your holiday, he won't be much pain. He's starting to explore a lot of things at his age.
Posted by: cargo | 04/11/2012 at 02:01 AM
In some point, you should have been happy at least you were able to spend time with your family.
Posted by: skeltonsherborne | 05/10/2012 at 03:58 AM