Glamping and Grandparents

This half term Zachary enjoyed lots of attention from the Cardiff girls as we headed to a glamping ('posh' camping) location near Taunton. The site was lovely and Zachary could run around freely across a large grassy area, which he loved. Unfortunately the weather wasn't too great on the Saturday, but Zachary loved roaming around the glamping tent and reading stories with the girls.

Reading stories with Auntie Bev

 

Snuggling up on a rainy day

Zachary sees dinner coming

Swinging with Auntie Vickrum, Auntie Beckrum and a tiny baby!

Mummy and Zachary slept in this gypsy caravan which was nice and snug

Around the campfire

Tired out after a long day in Bridgwater, Zachary fell asleep holding a piece of cheese and a tub of tomatoes

After a few days of glamping, we headed up to Lancashire to visit Zachary's grandparents, plus Auntie Marilla and Uncle Bar.

Zachary spent ages stepping on and off this roundabout

Zachary eats a yogurt at the Longley Farm cafe in Holmfirth

On the last day we visited the beautiful Arley Hall Gardens in Cheshire. Zachary spent most of the time jumping in puddles in his wellies.

A tempting puddle

Pretty garden walk with Grandma Jeanette

Weee!

Just before he slid over trying to get down

Zachary's Day Out with Thomas

Zachary stayed with his Grandparents in Exeter last weekend, while Mummy and Daddy visited Cardiff for a birthday party. Zachary had a wonderful treat on the Saturday, as he visited the South Devon Railway for a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine (and with Bumble and Grandad). He had a ride on various steam trains, including Thomas himself and also got to meet the fat controller (Zachary LOVES Thomas)! They then travelled in one of the trains to a rare breeds farm and also visited the otters and butterflies at the Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary.

Zachary looks delighted as they are about to set off in the miniature train

The trains were all decorated as 'Thomas' characters - I'm not sure which this is.

Zachary looks very interested in the Fat Controller

Zachary loves owls and snakes, which he got to meet up close at the rare breeds farm.

Meanwhile, here's what Mummy and Daddy got up to at Dan Jones' 80s themed fancy dress party. And no, I'm not supposed to be a green chef (Bar!) - I am in fact the Smurfette and Swith is Arnold Schwarzenegger in Commando.

All ready to party

Easter in Leyland 2

Here's the second part of our time away in Leyland over Easter. 

Zachary had a wonderful time feeding some ducks, although he wasn't very good at throwing the bread and most of it landed at his feet. 

"Come closer and eat my bread!"

We visited several playgrounds, as they are Zachary's new favourite thing. He could have spent all day there if we'd let him:

Hiding in a house

Bouncing up and down with Auntie Marilla

He had to be dragged away from that playground...

Swinging at another playground

In charge of the battleship

We also enjoyed a wonderful orchid-filled walk up Warton Crag on a gloriously sunny day. The views at the top were fantastic. Zachary had a great time walking over the rocks (probably because they reminded him of walking on walls, which he so loves).

Nearly at the top

Zachary hasn't noticed the sheer drop behind him; Grandma Jeanette has!

Zachary acquired a stick and used it to hit Daddy on the back of the head whenever he stopped for a rest.

Here's Zachary enjoying himself at yet another playground...

Thanks to the Dobsons for a wonderful time once again.

This weekend Mummy and Daddy are going to Cardiff for the weekend, while Zachary is staying with Bumble and Grandad. Rumour has it that he may be seeing Thomas the Tank Engine...

Easter in Leyland 1

We spent the Easter holidays visiting Zachary's Grandparents in Leyland, Lancashire. Here's how Zachary spent most of his time...

Zachary spent ages emptying the cupboards, then putting it all away again.

Here we are at a nearby farm, where Zachary had a wonderful time petting farm animals, playing at the playground and even feeding a little lamb (Zachary cried because we wouldn't let him drink from the lamb's bottle).

Stroking a goat

Climbing on an amazing wooden tractor

Zachary didn't want to stop repeatedly climbing this ramp

Feeding the goat a glove

Feeding a very violent hungry lamb

We headed to Chester Zoo for the day and Zachary very much enjoyed seeing all sorts of animals, especially the lions at feeding time and the funny monkeys. The monorail passed by above our heads every 10 minutes and Zachary stopped each time to watch and wave.

Riding an elephant

Who's a cheeky monkey?

Zachary spent an afternoon at an indoor soft play area in Leyland. He loved climbing high with Grandma Jeanette (who had even more fun climbing through the small spaces), using the slides and bouncing on the trampoline.

He didn't realise he was quite so high until he reached this viewpoint

Weeee!

Driving the bus

Zachary found Uncle Bar hilarious in his pyjamas...

 See part 2 of our trip next week!

Fun With the Lewarnes

Zachary had a wonderful time on Mother's Day when we went for a bike ride along the canal with Bumble and Grandad. He wasn't too heavy on the back of Mummy's bike, although we couldn't quite make it up Stoke Hill on the way back.

All ready to go!

Stopping at Turf Locks for a rest

Zachary helps himself to Bumble's munch box

Here's Zachary at the soft play area, 'Bear Feet', in Kingsteignton. He could climb up to the top himself and sit down at the top of the slide but he decided he liked it up there and didn't want to slide down. It took a long time to coax him into taking the plunge.

Zachary almost gets stuck on the bump

Climbing to the top

Here are a couple of videos of his soft play adventures...

Housewarming with Cardiff friends

We were delighted to have a group of our Cardiff friends down last weekend. It was quite a crowd, with 9 people staying in our house, with just enough room for everyone. People arrived on the Friday evening for a buffet tea and we split into two groups for some Saturday activities. 

Excited to open his housewarming gift

The girls had American-style pancakes for breakfast, then headed to Sidmouth with Zachary for a wander and cake at a cafe, whilst the guys went for a morning fry-up and had a tour of the city centre, followed by an afternoon of board games. We then all got together again for dinner and an epic quiz!

Enjoying the coastal views

Zachary had a good long walk through the gardens with Auntie Vickrum

Mmm, tasty cupcakes

Auntie Beckrum runs in for a quick dip...

Zachary had a fantastic time with so many playmates...

Teaching Auntie Phobe how to use the one-armed bandit

Showing Auntie Vickrum how to use the one-armed bandit

The one-armed bandit sadly became an addiction for many...

Walkies with his play buddies

Reading time

Here are a series of entertaining videos of Zachary's play times with his Cardiff friends...

 Make sure you watch this one until the end...

Row-rowing with the Lacy-Browns...

Everyone wants in on the row-rowing action!

Then it was time to say goodbye :(. We stood outside to see the last few leave and Zachary's little face was so sad. He cried as the car disappeared into the distance. Thanks everyone for such a fun weekend!