Half Term Fun

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I love it when the kids are off school. I was really looking forward to spending time with big J and heading out for some family days out. We have all been full of cold recently and unfortunately it didn't miraculously disappear last week while we were off work and school but we made the most of it.

On Monday we headed off to the Albert Dock for a ride on the Wheel of Liverpool. We have been on the wheel before. Its been a few years and little J hadn't been on it so I was unsure if he would like it.  We had a look on the internet first to see if there were any offers on and there was a voucher for 25% off which came in handy and took the cost down to £19 for the four of us. 

The Wheel is just by the Liverpool Echo Arena and looks over the Albert Dock and the River Mersey. It was clear but the time we got on the wheel so we had a nice view out. 
On the first turn it stays at the top for a little while and then after that it goes straight round. Five times in total I think. Daddy doesn't really like heights and I was a little worried that one of the doors didn't look properly shut but it was fun and the boys enjoyed it.

We managed to get a pod to ourselves which was good as little J kept switching sides so was up and down a lot

After we had been on the Wheel we headed over to Costa for a nice lunch.

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Midweek we headed to up to Blackpool. We had a few things planned and were all indoors so it didn't matter if it was raining today but I'm glad to say it did stay nice and dry.

First of all both monkeys fell asleep on the way there. It made me giggle when I saw them both. We had only been in the car five minutes before big J was snoring. Little J managed about 20 minutes before he was snoozing too.

After there little nap we had arrived and our first stop was Sandcastle Waterpark. We have been to the sandcastle before but again before little J was born. Both boys love the water and big J loves all the slides so I knew it would be a fun day.
When we arrived the queue was huge. We had tickets so we were shown inside through a side door and within minutes we were in the changing rooms. I hate swimming baths changing rooms. They always smell funny and you never know what you are standing in so I always take my shoes off at the very last minute. I have to say considering how busy the changing rooms were they were very clean. I saw at least three staff cleaning the floors while we were there which was nice because they can get very mucky.
There were female, male and family and they all linked towards the lockers. We chose a family changing room and again considering how busy it was we didn't have to wait. 
We paid for an electronic locker which was slightly larger than the regular lockers. £3 deposit which was returned at the end of your visit. Normal lockers are available for 50p I think, I am not sure whether that is returned at the end or not.

*photograph credit - Sandcastle Waterpark*

The waterpark itself was very very busy and the queues for the slides were huge. Big J queued for almost 30 minutes for the sidewinder ride and that was only for a rubber ring. He then had to take the ring up the stairs and join another queue.

While he was queueing little J was enjoying paddling in the shallow end of the pool and swapping from one side to another.
Big J loved the sidewinder ride. and was eyeing up the next slide. First though he played with little J in the pool. After a hour of so I could see little J was a little tired so I decided to take him out and let Daddy and big J hit the slides
We got back to the changing rooms and to dressed and then headed back into the waterpark to take a seat and have something to eat.
I was a little disappointed that after walking round for almost 15 minutes there was no where to sit. Not one free table. There is maintenance on some of the seating area by the snack bar but all the other seats were empty but had peoples towels on them. I don't think that is fair and it felt like being on holiday when you have to fight for a sun lounger in the morning. It was clear that no one was sat there, the towels were dry

In the end we gave up and decided to go for a walk instead. On the way out just by the main entrance there was another snack bar and some sofas so we manage to sit there and grab a bite to eat. I had my iPad with me so little J chilled on that and made use of the free wifi.
After a while Daddy and big J returned and they had only managed two slides in just over 1 hour and a half. They did manage to try out Aztec Falls which was a new ride. They loved it. Very fast and dark. We have promised big J that we will return another time on a less busier day so he can enjoy the slides although I think it will be busy all the time as it seems very very popular.
Overall the seating situation was a nightmare and I do think there should be a policy to remove towels if no one is sitting there. There was so many people standing up, with babies and children because they couldn't get a seat. Like I said above it was very clean and for me personally that was a big thumbs up as I felt comfortable walking round without my shoes on. The slides they went on, they loved. Big J's favourite was Aztec Falls and Daddy like the duelling dragons. There was plenty for little J to do too. 

Both boys had a great time and we will definitely be returning again. 
What did you get up to in Half Term?


*we were invited to the sandcastle waterpark, all thoughts opinions and photographs are our own unless stated*

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#Win £100 to Spend at Wayfair

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Spring will be upon us soon and I can't wait. I am going to have a big spring clean, rearrange my furniture and buy some new items for our home and say goodbye to winter. I have been browsing Wayfair and they have some gorgeous items.

I was looking at the duvet covers as I always like to buy new ones for the spring and summer months. I wandered into the children section and I spotted this. I just love it. For those that might not know what it is, its Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. One of my favourite books and films when I was little. I really wish they did this in a double. If you are looking to have a spring clean and buy new furniture or new items for your home you will be very interested in my new competition. Wayfair are giving my readers the chance to win an £100 spend on their website. There is so much to choose from you really would be spoilt for choice. All you have to do to enter is tell me  What do you like about spring?
Please pop your answer in the comments box and the that will open some more opportunities for you to enter using the app below. Good Luck £100 Spend at Wayfair For more competitions visit Loquax For Terms and Conditions please see the app.

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A Day Out In York

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We've had a few hospital appointments over the last few weeks which can be stressful and worrying so it was nice to relax at the a few weekends ago and enjoy a day out in York. We have been to York before little J was born and it was a lovely place so I was excited to get back there and enjoy the sights.

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Project 365 Days 47-53

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Last week was half term...YAY. I love half term. I love big J being off school because we can enjoy some nice family time together and little J gets to see his big brother during the day.

47/365 - Today we started half term by going into Liverpool. We had a nice walk around the Albert Dock and we went on The Wheel of Liverpool. Little J hasn't been on it before but he loved it.

48/365 - Pancake Tuesday. Big J went out to his friends so before he went we made some pancakes. This one is half Nutella and half maple syrup.

49/365 - Today we went to Blackpool. This photo is actually on the way there. Both monkeys fell asleep.

50/365 - Big J went to his friends again today - it was a little miserable outside but later on it did dry up and the rain stopped. Enough time for little J to have a quick play in the garden before bath time.

51/365 - I had a sore throat and a cough today so we had a 'in' day. Little J playing in his tent on the iPad.

52/365 - Family meal this afternoon 

53/365 - Outside fun at Nana and Grandads

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Project 365 Days 40-46

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Absolutely gutted that I didn't post my Project 365 last week. I had all the photos ready but with it being half term all my usual routine just went and my blogging took a back seat. Like I said though I do have the photos so will share them below - a week late but better late than never.

40/365 - More hospital apps this week for little J.

41/365 - An X-Ray and a visit to the plastic surgeon and little J is now on the list for a toe operation. Really hope it works this time.

42/365 - Cookies and Cream - My favourite.

43/365 - We have the wii back Yay. Our old one died a few months ago so we now have a new one.

44/365 - A day early but Daddy and I watched Valentine's Day. Love this movie.

45/365 - Valentines Day. Swell as some other presents Daddy bought me a dozen beautiful Red Roses 

46/365 - This was the last of my valentines day chocolates. Little J bit right through the wrapper and then ate it.

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#Win Tickets To See Ben and Holly Live

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Now that little J is older I am really looking forward to the new things we can do together. As you may already know I love going to see a show or a movie and i'm hoping as little J gets older he will too. For me there is nothing better than seeing a show live on stage. 

I remember taking big J to see so many shows when he was little, Disney Live, The Wiggles, Thomas the Tank, Bob the Builder, The Tweenies and so many more. He loved going the theatre and would be glued to his seat for the duration. 

I am hoping that some of my readers share in my enthusiasm of taking the children to the theatre. Its such a wonderful experience and I am really excited to be able to offer my readers the chance to win a family ticket to see Ben and Holly live.

Two lucky winners will a family ticket each to a date and venue of your choice.

The hugely popular Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom theatre production takes to the road again for a second UK & Ireland tour this year.  A BAFTA award-winning TV animation, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom comes from the makers of Peppa Pig and was produced for the stage by top children’s theatre producers Fiery Light Productions whose growing stable of work - which includes the stage adaptions of Peppa Pig and Octonauts - has now been seen by millions of children across the UK over recent years.  This stage version toured 2012 - 2013 and now returns for a 45-theatre engagement, opening at  The Orchard Theatre, Dartford on 26 March. 

Currently a top favourite show for pre-schoolers, this charmingly magical animation airs on Nick Jr and on 5’s Milkshake. Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom is co-owned by animation studio Astley Baker Davies (creators of Peppa Pig) and has been a hit with audiences and critics alike. The series won a BAFTA award for Best Pre-School Animation in 2009 and a British Animation Award for Best Pre-School Series in 2012.

The Little Kingdom – where everyone is very, very small – is home to Princess Holly and her best friend Ben Elf. Holly is a young fairy princess who is still learning how to do magic properly and sometimes her spells don’t work out quite right. Ben is an Elf. Elves don’t do magic but they are very good at making things. Ben doesn’t have wings like Holly but he flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

In this exciting new musical adventure, Ben and Holly have fun and games helping Gaston clean up his messy cave; they go on a trip to The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum; and still have time to plan a surprise for King Elf’s birthday party, complete with an unplanned jelly flood.

Packed full of games, songs and laughter, this is an enchanting and magical visit to the Little Kingdom, live on stage for the very first time. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.

Richard Lewis, who has adapted the TV animation for the stage and also directs, said, “We knew from the early screenings of Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom that the TV animation was destined to become a children’s classic and would translate well to the stage. The magical world of the Little Kingdom is a safe place for young children to learn about family values, respect, loyalty and most importantly how to have fun.

We’re delighted that following the very successful first tour of the stage show we can respond to demand and bring it back to UK and Ireland audiences for a second time. We hope that once again it will be a magical experience for all Ben & Holly fans, both young and old”.

Director and adaptor Richard Lewis also adapted and directed the three highly popular Peppa Pig theatre tours (Peppa Pig’s Party 2009 – 2011;  Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt 2011 – 2012; and Peppa Pig’s Big Splash 2013 - 2105) and the current tour of Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure 2014 - 2015.

Original music is by Mani Svavarsson, original lyrics by Matt Lewis, set design is by Simon Scullion, lighting design is by Matt Haskins and sound design by Ian Horrocks-Taylor.

The actors will wear masks in this production, created by Russell Dean,  Artistic Director of Strangeface Theatre Company. Russell worked for a number of years with the award-winning Trestle Theatre Company as their designer and mask-maker.

To enter my competition all you need to do is answer the following question and make sure you visit www.benandhollylive.com to check out the dates and venues.

What is the name of the tooth fairy in Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom?

Leave your answers as a blog comment. Only entrants who leave the correct answer will be entered into the draw.

Ben and Holly Live

Competition closes on Monday 2nd March 11:59PM Entrants must have a valid UK address Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified All entrants and entries are checked and verified. All entrants must follow the mandatory step and answer the question as a blog comment. 2 lucky winners will be chosen at random by the Gleam application. Mummy2Monkeys will contact the lucky winners within 1 day of the competition closing The winner must respond within 7 days. If no response a new winner will be chosen. The prize is A family ticket for four people, minimum one adult.  The tickets are non-transferable.  Accommodation or travel are not included in this prize. There is no cash alternative. It will be the responsibility of the representative of the named company above to issue the prize. The winner must consent to their name and details being passed on to the representative so their prize can be distributed.

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The New Kids Menu at Bella Italia

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Bella Italia was one of the first restaurants Daddy and I went to as a couple almost 15 years ago and although we have been a few times over the years we haven't been together as a family. Bella Italia have just launched a new kids menu and we were lucky to be invited to try it out on a visit to York.

We pre booked a table for 3pm which was a little early for Dinner but we hadn't had any lunch so little J was feeling very peckish by now. He had only had a snack followed by a snooze so I knew his little stomach would be rumbling.  When we arrived we were seated quickly and was offered a highchair for little J. We were sat right by the kitchen so could see the food being prepared as we waited for the waitress to take our drinks order.

The kids menu was split into two. A menu for little ones and a larger portion menu for up to 11 year olds. Each menu included a starter, main, desert and refillable drink. There is plenty of choice available. If the kids want pizza they can choose a flavour off the main menu and it just comes in a smaller portion.

Daddy and I both got diet coca cola, Big J and little J were eating off the kids menu so they got a refillable drink each. Big J ordered diet coca cola and we order fruit squash for little J. When the kids drinks arrived they were in glass bottle with a plastic straw. They were great and very retro. We ordered a sharing garlic mozzarella bread to start while the boys each got a garlic bread started included on the kids menu. 

Little J was really hungry at this point and I was a little disappointed that our wait for just the starters was almost 45 minutes. They arrived at the table at 3:45pm even though we had been sat since 3pm. This was a long time for a 1 year old to sit still and it was hard for us to try and keep him entertained as he was very hungry. He played on his tablet for a while.

Daddy and big J also played on their phones while we waited. I had noticed earlier that our garlic bread sitting under the hot lamps for almost 10 minutes but there was no kids garlic breads there. One of the waitresses mentioned to the chef who swiftly moved the garlic bread and looked like he threw it in the bin. Minutes later we were told our starters were on the way. 

The sharing garlic bread was cut into 8 slices and was very filling. Big J and little J's garlic bread was cut into strips and they both seemed to enjoy it. 

Once we had finished little J was very restless. He just didn't want to sit in the highchair any longer. Our mains still took another 10 - 15 minutes after we had finished. So before we had even got onto our main course we had been seated for almost 1hr20.

Daddy and I ordered lasagne which came in an oven dish and was very hot but very tasty. Big J's pizza was almost adult size even though it was from the kids menu. Little J's margarita pizza was a good size too and perfect for him to nibble on. He did eat some of it stood up on the seat watching the other guests.

It was clear he wasn't going to eat it all so after we had finished I asked the waitress could we take it home and she took it away and brought it back in a brown takeaway box which was perfect as he ate some more on the way home. 

Big J enjoyed his pizza and had room left to visit the Gelato cart for a scoop of bubblegum ice-cream. Little J also got one too, just vanilla.  Overall our experience was okay. The restaurant itself was clean and the waitress was very friendly. It was just the waiting time which let it down. I don't mind waiting for food but 45 minutes for some garlic bread is crazy. Have you tried the new Bella Italia Kids Menu yet?

*I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network Research Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have no paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity*
www.mumsnet.com/bloggers-network

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Project 365 Days 33-39

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Hi all. Another week and another seven photographs capturing what we have been up to this week.

The sun has been shining this week but it is very very cold. It was -1 during the week on the way to school.

33/365 - Little J spent the morning in nursery today and was so tired he fell asleep for almost 4 hours. 

34/365 - The Meat and Greet details were available online for the forthcoming McBusted Tour. Too expensive for me. Gutted.

35/365 - It was nice to have some time with Big J tonight and we played some board games. We received Disney Hedbanz for christmas and its so much fun. Its very similar to Guess Who but with disney characters.

36/365 - Daddy had a little go on a tombola in Tesco today for charity and won two little prizes. Well done Daddy.

37/365 - Enjoying a pre valentines meal at Prezzo. Keep an eye out for our review this week.

38/365 - In the early hours of Friday Morning Daddy and I became an aunty and uncle for the first time. Big J has a new cousin, baby A. He is absolutely adorable and we couldn't wait for cuddles.

39/365 - Big J and little J rolling down the hill at Clifford Tower, York. We had a lovely day taking in the sights in York.

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