FUN IN THE SUN! part two.

Sunday we decided to stay local. Stanley seemed tired - all those late nights catching up with him! The morning was muggy but cloudy but suited a napping beach baby. Myself and Donna caught up on yet more chats. Honestly the day we ever run out of things to say will be a sad day! The afternoon brightened up a bit and Stanley woke up in time to enjoy the sunshine and play with his bucket and spade. We coaxed him into the water again which he was really beginning to enjoy. I think if we'd had a longer holiday by the sea by the end of it he would have been super confident.

We cooled off in the afternoon with THE BEST ICE CREAM EVER! Donna had Earl Grey flavour...amazing. Perfumed and sweet. If only we could recreate! Stanley had Mango and loved his, even licking the bowl out and getting it all over his forehead! We went back home showered and popped out for amazing steak & frites under the market. A lovely final evening to a fantastic weekend.

Again the flight home was a dream. We had to get up super early as Donna had to catch a different flight to London so Stanley was tired by the time we reached the plane. We'd again amused ourselves for two hours at the airport. Stanley 'asked' to see the fish again which was sweet. Landed with him asleep in my arms! As we got home I thought how lucky I was to have such a good friend to offer up her little flat to us. To make sure Stanley (and I) had everything we needed. She takes turns, amuses Stanley, holds him, soothes him automatcially. I find it amazing that someone can do that so easily when the baby is not theirs. She really is a special friend.....I hope we can visit her again soon.

FUN IN THE SUN! part one.

It feels like an age ago now but I thought I'd share photos with you all from our little mini break. So our trip was a total success! Stanley really was the best baby. A super good traveller and flyer...I feel very lucky I had such an easy time. We left the house, me, him, the buggy and one small backpack and off we trotted to the train station. We arrived at Gatwick with plenty of time and got through all the security faff. I had timed the flight with his nap, and there was a nasty moment when I thought we were going to be delayed but luckily he was amused with maize snacks as our flight got back on track. Boarded happily and settled down in a window seat and he fidgeted for a bit and then he SLEPT THE WHOLE FLIGHT! All one and half hours of it - including the landing. I actually had to wake him up! Easy peasy! Phew. We had two hours to kill at Nice airport while waiting for my friend but that was no problem with a lunch and a seriously good fish tank to keep him amused. My sweet friend picked us up and we went back to her cute little flat, bathed and changed Stanley and went out for dinner. He was awesome and stayed up until 10pm when he feel asleep in his buggy as we walked around looking at fancy power yachts! We got back to hers and popped him in the travel cot and he slept right through to morning. Excellent!

Saturday we went over to one of the Lerins Islands, Ile Sainte Marguerite with Donna's friends for a picnic. We crossed by ferry (Stanley missed the boat trip as he was napping!) and trekked buggy and all to find a secluded bay. Beautiful picnic and the warmest little cove waters all day. It was blissful. Stanley got quite brave towards the end and went into the water with me for some plunging and waded in holding hands with Donna too. We left the island again on the boat and stopped for dinner at Juan Les Pins. Stanley was in his element flirting with people on nearby tables and playing in the sand. He really embraced staying up late and being a 'continental baby!' We got home, bathed him and put him to bed again no trouble while me and my friend stayed up gossiping! Such fun.

footnote: part two up tomorrow

WE'RE BACK!

We are back. Holiday blog post coming soon when I've sorted out photos. All was lovely though. the weather was glorious and Stanley was a superstar traveller. Now back to the reality of washing all the clothes and a rainy England. Hope you all had good weekends.

♥ S & s

HOLIDAY!

We are off! Well, just me and Stanley. We are going to see a friend for the weekend that lives in Antibes. I am so excited, but also nervous about the flight and how well stanley will adjust to his new {hot!} surroundings. I guess we will just have to see. He such a happy content little mister most of the time that I'm hoping he will take it all in his stride. I have taken flying tips from this blog and this one, and along with a new sticker book and some serious cheesy maize based snacks i'm hoping we will be ok! I have flown before with him by myself when he was just one - to Stockholm and back and that was ok. I have tried to time the flight with his nap too so i'm hoping my mama planning will pay off.... In a way though I guess you have to try these things. Go on little adventures now and then. It is a shame Ben can't come with us, but I am also excited (with an equal dose of fear!) for our little trip, me and him.

I've tried not to take too much. Yes, all that stuff is supposed to fit into that rucksack - I'm thinking I'll need to remove a few bits. I have everything I think I might need for Stanley, and probably more...and the absolute bare minimum for me! I'm hoping to borrow an awful lot off my lovely friend! So there you have it. Travelling light with toddler in tow. We have a buggy and that is it. Wish me luck people and see you on the other side!

See you when i'm back for hopefully a French 'Stanley Style'!

♥ S & s

footnote: Stanley's amazing new shades came from dinky vintage. I am seriously in love with that shop!