I literally can’t believe the summer holidays are nearly over! I remember a couple of weeks ago thinking what was I going to do with Archie for 7 weeks – now we have 1 1/2 left and I’m wondering where it went! I have to say we havn’t done anything spectacular – but we have had a lovely time together and to be honest it’s just lovely to have him around all day everyday, he’s a real pleasure to have around the house. It’s hard being this pregnant as I feel guilty as I would love us to go out and about everyday but I just don’t have the energy to do it at the moment. He’s been such a good boy tho and seems to have been content with catching up with friends and having time at home playing with his toys and watching films, which he doesn’t get a huge opportunity to do when he’s at school!
Today we had a day trip to Weymouth Sealife Park, my brother and his girlfriend have this week off so they came with us which was lovely – and it was nice to have the extra pairs of hands and eyes! We had a voucher for 40% off which gave us a brilliant discount getting in (I don’t think it’s overly worth the £23.50 to get in without the discount) but just over £14 each was a good price as there is quite a lot to see and some cute little rides for the kids! They also give you a little booklet to collect stamps as you go round which is a fun thing for the children to do whilst they are looking at each area of the park. There was a brilliant splash zone/paddling bit, although I had his swimming stuff Archie wasn’t really fussed about going there – but if you take a picnic and swim bits on a hot day I think you could easily spend all day there.
(What 5 year old is a fan of queueing… Definitely not this one) 
(Archie and his Uncle Tom)
There’s parking just outside which was £6 for 6 hours – I had seen reviews on trip advisor complaining about this but I personally think that sort of price is to be expected, it’s the same if you visit the Oceanarium in Bournemouth you have to park in the public car park which is run by the council so in peak season it’s to be expected! And for almost a whole day I don’t think it’s too bad – it’s not like we do it every day.
(Not the best light but fab seeing all the fish in the background!)
After the Obligatory end of the trip stop at the gift shop we headed out to the seafront and had a lovely long walk all along the promenade and got some late lunch at a lovely beach cafe. Archie had an ice cream that was almost as big as his head so he was very pleased with that and it kept him quiet for a minute or two! The weather has been amazing today so it made the whole day even more enjoyable. All in all it was a fab day out and nice to spend a whole day out – we’ve done loads of walking so I’m officially knackered now! But it was worth it as Archie really enjoyed it!
I’m looking forward to making the most of the next week and a bit – even tho we aren’t out doing glamorous things everyday we are enjoying our time together all the same and Archie has grown up so much this last year whatever we seem to do it’s enjoyable as he’s at that age now where he listens, plays or gets on with whatever we are doing! Don’t get me wrong he still has his odd moments doesn’t any child. I’m still trying to imagine what next summer will be like with Sunshine and Archie together – I’m sure he will seem so much more grown up again with a little sibling in tow and we will have to adapt the holidays to suit the both of their ages, but I can’t wait for it! I know I said before I’m finding it hard to think towards the future but I’m trying to let myself have the odd indulgent daydream about what life will be like with my 2 lovely children, if it all works out I think it’s going to be pretty damn good.
(Check out my Sunshine shaped belly button which is well and truly never going back to normal! Ha ha!)
Jen
BettyDora 