BLUEBELL RAILWAY

We had a pretty wholesome time celebrating Stanley's second birthday. It is so nice having a small child around as it often means you wake up early (probably hangover free) and make the most of the whole day. We took the opportunity to go and visit the Bluebell Railway as his birthday treat as it was one of the things both myself and ben visited as children and it is so lovely to be able to re-visit and share childhood experiences we had with our own child. The day wasn't sunny as promised, but it was at least dry(ish) and we had such a fun time.

 

Stanley of course loved it, giant life sized 'Thomas' type trains....hey what is there not to love! The whole station is kept so well, thoughtful details like old posters which makes it all feel very real. There have a lovely little museum there too which we took a wander round. The only part I felt disappointed about was the restaurant. It looked really old fashioned british and not in a good way. Maybe like an early '90s Weatherspoons pub or something. I was surprised it hadn't been given a make-over in keeping with the rest of the place. I was hoping for an old fashioned tea room or cafe like in Brief Encounter, but alas no.

Our train called at two stations (where you can get off it you want to) then it takes about 20 minutes to move the front section of the train to take us back again. We saw lovely countryside, plenty of wildlife including a large herd of deer as well as some hunters out for, I assume,  pheasants. We were frightfully british (and on a budget) and took our own packed lunch, egg sandwiches and leftover birthday cake no less washed down with a cup of tea. I felt like we had fallen straight out of the Railway Children or a Famous Five book, either way I couldn't have been happier!

Here's to a happy 2013 exploring what Sussex, and maybe further afield in Britain has to offer.

LONDON TRIP

Last week Ben had a half day at work so Stanley and I travelled up on the train to meet him at London Bridge. We wandered along the Southbank dodging the crazy rain downpours and looking at all the boats on the river. I had decided to re-join Tate. I used to be a member when I lived in London, but had let my membership slide when I fell pregnant and moved out of London. Anyway now Stanley is at an age where a). he can walk b). he enjoys train journeys and c). he can start to appreciate modern art. Ha. Well obviously 'c' is not really a reason, but I think there are a lot of exhibitions that someone as young as him can enjoy in their own way. Damian Hirst was a good example. Not old enough to be weirded out by all the cows cut in half and the tank full of alive flies & dead flies, he just enjoyed it for what it was. Especially the butterfly room - completely amazing - real butterflies flying about and landing on his Mama! Tate Modern is a nice place to meet people, and yes I think I'll be using my membership as an excuse to meet other Mum's there too. The members room is nice, a bonus with lovely views across the Thames. I can't be going up every week, but as long as I visit every other month the membership pays for itself. And when the Summer has been as disappointing as it has been (up until now!) it is always good to have more indoor activities.

 

Enjoying a slice of lemon in the members room. And if the Turbine Hall was not made for chasing toy cars down it's slope then I don't know what it was made for!

Ben and I enjoyed a beer on the Southbank in a 'pop-up' bar and then just as the rain became too much we headed into Wagamama for dinner where Stanley enjoyed his first proper meal from the children's menu! He did pretty well with it, but avoided all the rice. A hot chocolate for us on the way home and a little warm milk for Stanley, and this was a happy family trip.

♥ S & s

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