The back-to-school germs have well and truly hit our house this week. It started with Daddy being sent home from work and having 4 days off (when he's never had a sick day in over ten years!). We isolated Daddy in the bedroom for the first few days until he had a negative PCR test result then he was allowed out but by this time Iris had been struck down with the lurgy.
Festivals, not something that's been on the top of people's to do list over the last 18 months but as normality gets ever closer and we begin to emerge from a time of lockdowns and restrictions we finally get the chance to stand in a field of strangers, sharing portaloos and common interests. Joyous. Gloworm Festival is the UK's absolute best family orientated festival. It's a heady mix of Cbeebies characters, Playmobil raves, glitter face paints, arts and crafts and circus tricks. Whatever your little ones are into they'll find something to enjoy at Gloworm.
Iris loves Paw Patrol. Most kids have phases where they enjoy different characters but Paw Patrol seems to have outlived all previous phases and has been going strong for over a year now. Her birthday party Paw Patrol themed, her presents were all Paw Patrol based and she's asked for a Paw Patrol bedroom when her room gets painted next month so what better way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon than a trip to our local cinema to see the movie.
I live in an ex mining town in the district of Bassetlaw- I've lived here all my life and I grew up thinking it was boring, bland and there was nothing to do. I couldn't have been more wrong. Bassetlaw is a district steeped in rich history, from the cave drawings nestled deep in Cresswell Crags to Robin Hood's rumoured residence, Sherwood Forest and The Major Oak. It's the district that birthed the Pilgrim Fathers and is home to The Harley Gallery and the untouched Mr Straw's House. There's walks galore at Clumber Park, Rufford Abbey and Idle Valley and action packed attractions like Sundown Adventureland and Yorkshire Wildlife Park are on the outskirts. I've lived in the centre of a hive of activity for many years and really didn't appreciate it.
'You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth' Khalil Gibran.
I am a big fan of a city break and I love to visit London. We live around 2 hours away via train and are fortunate to have a direct train route depart from the neighbouring town. Being from 'up North' means London accommodation prices always come as a shock. We look for something affordable, comfortable, clean and practical. We're not bothered by luxury when it comes to a city break as we spend most of the time out of the hotel exploring the local sights and as we travel by train we don't need to consider our parking options. I'd never heard of NOX hotels before but there are quite a few branches in the London area. We were travelling with Iris this time and had planned to spend the majority of our time around the museums so we chose to stay at the NOX Kensington branch.
