A little Bit of News...

Well it has been a good old long time since I have dusted off the keyboard and started to write a new post on this here blog.

There are so many reasons why I haven’t, I guess the first and most relevant one is this... Luke and I are in the process of trying to buy a house and sell his flat. We have been in a chain since October 2018, a chain that got within signing reach of exchange... only for Luke’s buyer to pull out just before.

Of course I have my whole house in boxes, the computer is currently on the floor and not really in a place that encourages me to go and type at (hence why I am writing this on my phone #BadBlogger).



We did manage to rebuild the chain, but that was short lived and Luke’s buyer was unable to proceed, which meant we lost our dream home once again.

Just this week, we found a new buyer for Luke’s flat. The home we want, our home is still available... so hopefully we will be able to rebuild the chain for a 3rd time.

It is suffice to say that when we do eventually move... I am never moving ever again.

Another big bit of news is, that back in December... Luke finally asked me to be his wife! That is right... we got ENGAGED!





I will be writing a more detailed post on this very soon, because it was very romantic and very unexpected, and yes I did cry!

Finally we have had a lot going on with Leo, I won’t go into it all in this post because it’s going to easily be 2 to 3 posts when I get it all down and out of my head. He’s doing brilliantly, but that’s all thanks to the amazing support network he has around him.



We have just got back from a holiday to Cyprus, and I foresee a busy year ahead of us. So I thought it was time to dust off the blog and get back to what I love.

Sometimes you just need a long old break to reignite the love you have for something, and I look forward to catching up with everyone.

I have already started drafting up some of our latest adventures, I know that posts have been offline and the tumble weeds have been rife... I will do better and can see 2019 being a great year!

Wake Up Leo

Wake up Leo we are going on an adventure!

Were up before the moon lay's down his sleepy head, and before the birds start their morning tune.

Were off to catch an airplane and fly way up high.

Were going to look down on the world from dizzy heights and in a few short hours we will be far from here.

We sped along the deserted motorway with hardly anyone else around.

No one but the man in the moon shining his light, guiding our way.

We dropped off Mumma's car and waved her 'bye bye' and hopped on a bus.

Your very first bus journey

You excitedly exclaimed to everyone around you, your joy of riding on the bus.

'Mumma! Bus...Wheels!' you happily chirped. 

Complete strangers were captivated as you were so excited, they shot you smiles and couldn't take their eyes off of the little boy, who's dreams had come true through the simplicity of a bus journey.

The bus was all you spoke about all day, and you told absolutely anyone who would listen all about your exciting adventure.

The airplane was far less exciting than the bus.. The plane left a lot to be desired in your eyes and I am sure you would have happily taken a bus journey to Cyprus over the boring plane.

When you arrived at the villa you were absolutely exhausted, completely not in the mood for playing.

Until you saw the swimming pool of course. If there is one new word you learnt over the week it is 'pool'.

We got you your very first rubber ring and your big cousin showed you how to use it. 

To start with you were not entertaining the idea, but after a few minutes you were using it like a pro.

Spinning circles around in the warm water and showing us all just how big and grown up you had become. 

You ate out with us each and every night, having your very own big boy dinner's.

You even had your very first virgin cocktail, because you were determined to have some 'bubble juice', we didn't stand in your way. You were on holiday after all.

In fact you were a cheeky little rascal all week, stealing Mumma's can's of pop, but you made up for it by sitting and clinking our drinks together exclaiming 'cheers' like we were clinking champagne glasses.

You did make Mumma laugh when it became apparent that you were actually taken the mickey. A bug had landed on my hand you see, and I let out a little girly squeal and flicked my hand out in order to get rid of the creepy crawly. Only to have you, yes YOU Leo shoot me that winning smile of yours. You giggled and flung your hand forward squealing. Even now over a week later you are still taking the mickey out of your Mumma!

One thing I really noticed about you during this week is just how incredibly sociable you are. Wherever we went you made friends. You ran around chasing them and then they turned around to chase you. I had children coming up to me and asking if they could play with you. In one restaurant we visited, there were two kids playing on scooters. They were the restaurant owners children, and before I knew it they had brought you a scooter to the table so that you could go and play with them. You were having so much fun, I truly hope this confidence stays with you for always and that you always make friends so effortlessly.

We took you back to the beach, your second beach abroad. Not that you will remember your first holiday little guy, you were only 5 months old. But even then we took you and showed you the sea lapping against the sandy shores. Your first proper beach encounter happened right here in the sunny UK, but now you are truly at an age to enjoy all of the fun that can be had down by the sea.

I tried to show you how to make sand castles but you were just set on knocking them down, I think in the coming years we will be able to build some incredible sand castles with moats leading to the surf. But for now I have to admit that I played all on my own... I have always been a big kid when it comes to the sand.

You absolutely loved the waves, and the sea quickly became known as 'bubbles'.

You didn't care as the sea splashed around you, and you don't seem to share Mumma's sea phobia. I am a big scaredy cat as you will soon find out. Seaweed and being out of my depth truly scares the bejeebies out of me!

 I soon found a natural water feed that had been hollowed out of the sand by locals. I decided this would be a better way to keep my sanity and give you the freedom you so craved to run and splash around.

The water clearing was so warm and the perfect depth for you to jump and splash until your heart desired. Although I still had to chase you when you decided to run back to the 'bubbles' on occasion.

You brought blankie along for the entire adventure, everywhere you went so did blankie.

I couldn't even prise it from your clutches when you fell asleep with it over you in the car. You spent the week looking very warm, with sweaty matted hair. The heat was just so humid and sticky, that I confined us to the air-conned bedroom on occasion just so we could cool down.

I think it is safe to say that your latest adventure has been an exciting one. With all of the new things you have experienced and memories you have made, now you are getting older you are getting so much more from every new adventure we pursue. 

Here is to future holidays, future pool trips and of course trips to the sea to see all of those bubbles. 

I have to wonder when I will be next awakening you to join me on an adventure?

Until next time Leo.

Happy adventure hunting.

Flying With A Two Year Old

The first time Leo flew he was only 5 months old, a mere baby in arms he slept most of the way there and most of the way back. I had been worried about taking baby milk and water through security and panicked that the pushchair would get lost or damaged in transit.

I needn't have worried, the whole process of flying with a baby was a relatively easy and stress free experience.

So how did I feel about the prospect of flying with a 2 year old?

To be honest... I couldn't think of anything worse than a toddler who had ants in his pants for 4/12 hours.

I had decided ahead of the trip to leave the pushchair at home, but in hind sight this would have been a very welcome addition to just have around the airport to keep Leo where he was supposed to be at certain points.

Outward Flight

I took a number of steps in preparation to taking Leo on such a long flight. It involved a Trunki and lot's of his favourite toys, the idea was that he could ride the Trunki around the airport and then have all of his toys for entertainment on board the plane.

I even let Leo help me pack up the Trunki with things that I knew he would play with, things that would keep him happy. His LeapFrog LeapTop, His Thomas Train, lots of little cars as cars are the ultimate toy's right now, and finally... I invested in a portable DVD Player for him to watch a few of his favourite DVDs which of course included... Disney's Cars.

Arriving at the airport for a very early flight Leo was thrilled to be riding his Trunki around, I lost count of how many people I apolagised too as Leo rode over their toes like a lawnmower cutting the grass. But still it kept him entertained while we were lining up to check in, and kept me firmly on my toes in case he decided to gain some speed...

With check in now behind us the next stage ahead of us was tackling security, a point I really did wish that I had brought the pushchair along. Leo was just interested in everything going on around him and this certainly reflected in how busy and into everything he was. Lining up and waiting for things is just very apparently not in a two year old's mind set.

In my head I had already in-visioned how I thought the flight would go, being so early in the morning I had quite honestly thought that he would succumb to his heavy eyes and sleep. Leo seemed to have other ideas... Leo decided he detested being strapped in on the airplane, and kicked up such a fuss that as soon as the seat belt sign came off, he was free to climb all over me. Luckily everyone around us was incredibly understanding, and I guess they have all been in our shoes at one point or another. 

In all fairness to Leo aside from the initial screaming at take off (because of the seat belt) he was actually incredibly well behaved.

Leo spent the entire flight climbing all over the seats (and me...) playing with Thomas and watching Cars. Leo was thrilled that his cars had been included in his goodie case, so Thomas and the cars kept on being crashed into one another just so he could say 'Mumma...Crash'.

If you are planning on flying with a toddler then the more activities you can take along with you the better. We made the most of Leo having his own hand luggage allocation (as for a two year old you have to purchase a full price ticket) and this made so much difference in keeping him busy. I don't think I would want to attempt a longer flight with Leo just yet...4/12 hours was really quite sufficient,

My visions of Leo taking a nice long nap on board the plane were far from realistic, despite how tired he felt, there was no sign of him falling asleep... Well not until we were nearing touch down we had to try and strap him back into his seat... Yes that is when my little sleepy head decided to finally close his eyes.

Nice timing as always little man...

Inbound Flight

A week comes and goes pretty quickly, and all holidays have to come to an end eventually. The return flight departed Paphos at 21:00 and after reflecting on the outbound flight I didn't hold out much hope for a sleeping toddler. I was mentally preparing myself for a very long journey back home.

We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare so that we could get some dinner prior to departing, Leo jetted around on his Trunki having the absolute time of his life. Passers by pointed and smiled at my little guy as he passed them by, as usual Leo reveled in being the centre of attention, performing for his admiring audience. 

Boarding the flight I knew the time was fast approaching where Leo would have to get strapped into his seat, I even apolagised to people before Leo began to scream in temper about the seat belt keeping him firmly in his seat. I thought maybe if he stayed strapped in then he may just drift off to sleep like last time... but it turns out all my little man wanted on this occasion was a cuddle with his Mumma.

Leo is not one to cuddle up and go to sleep, so I relished this moment. Leo proceeded to cat nap for the entire flight home. It was by no means a deep sleep but it kept him quiet for the most part, but when he did wake up he was more than happy to sit and watch Cars in the comfort of his seat. 

Leo didn't mind taking off or landing (bar the whole seat belt shenanigan) and really was exceptionally well behaved. It was lovely being complimented on how well behaved he was, and reassured even when he did decide to have a little cry.  I definitely think Leo's Trunki full of goodies was the secret to our successful flights, and I will be packing it full of treats for each and every future flight we jet off on.

Flying with a toddler was certainly more of a challenge than flying with a baby in arms, but it was not as daunting as I had anticipated. The whole experience for Leo has been so exciting and I am sure he would have no objections to doing it all again.

Don't you remember?

I was sat in the restaurant watching all the kids run around. Their excited and enjoying themselves, chasing each other around and play fighting. Leo is chasing his cousin around and then running away as he turns on his heels to chase him. They disappear under the table, and I count my lucky stars that they are no longer at risk of tripping the waitress over as they dart around.

Leo spent much of his holiday over excited, when the occasion called for it and he got a little too over excited he was told, and he was sat down. He always had us keeping a watchful eye on him, we knew he was safe and we knew exactly what he was up to at all times. But he is at an age where he is wanting to push his boundaries that little bit more, he wants to play with other children and is going that little bit further a field as he gains more confidence in being further away from his parents.

I know that Leo is cheeky and mischievous, he deliberately pushes buttons to see what reaction he will get. He also has a very good idea about things that he definitely shouldn't be doing, he looks for approval in everything his does these days, and sometimes a simple look is suffice enough to let him now what isn't acceptable. 

What makes me laugh is that some parent's completely forget that their older children were once exactly like my two year old. They forget that once upon a time it was their little boy running around, they forget everything now that their little boy is that bit older.  They forget these things by commenting on Leo, saying in conversation that 'He was never like Leo, he didn't do any of these things' basically insinuating that he sat perfectly still and certainly didn't get as excited as Leo does... you are really saying that Leo is a bit of a live wire, that he is naughty.

I look around the table trying to read the rest of their faces. I have a far different recollection of events that took place when this same little boy was younger. The same well behaved little boy scribbling on arms of the chair in felt tip pen, running around and play fighting, taking things a little too far and giving his Uncle a bloody nose... And getting away with it in each instance. In just this week alone he has been part of the reason that Leo has even got down from the table in the first place, lead him away to play just after his dinner has arrived. I can see that others are thinking along the same lines as me but I let the comment wash over me, it really wasn't worth rocking the boat.

I think as time goes by it is easy to forget these things, I know that Leo is excitable but the difference is I am there in every instance. I see everything that happens, I tell him no. Maybe she really doesn't remember? Maybe it made her feel better to insinuate that Leo is at the centre of mischief? 

Regardless... I think it is important to remember. I know I will. I know that Leo has ants in his pants, I know that I have lost count of how many people I have apolagised too as Leo accidentally runs over their feet as he whizzes past in a blur. I know that Leo keeps me firmly on my toes and that he will decide to play as soon as dinner arrives in a restaurant...

But I remember.

It's important to remember, especially before passing judgement.

Finding Flights

I have just got back from spending a week in Paphos, Cyprus. 

The weeks running up to the holiday were busily spent hunting for last minute flights for the very last minute holiday. Now I know August is the height of the holiday season but the majority of the flight prices for 2 adults and 1 child were eye wateringly expensive. So expensive that I could in reality have booked an all inclusive break with flights, transfers and food & drink!

It is suffice to say that I have seen my fair share of flight sites recently, all claiming to have the cheapest prices to send me away on my sunny week break. I am just glad that I looked under every stone in the time that I had, it turns out that it was cheaper to book the outward and return journey individually this close to flying out.

I found my outward journey for all 3 of us for under £300 at Jet2holidays.com a price that was well and truly under everything else I had been quoted by the other flight operators. Unfortunately the flight back with Jet2 was full already so I had to locate an alternative operator that cost considerably more. 

I have flown with Jet2 before on a rescue flight from Egypt back in 2010 when the volcano in Iceland erupted and grounded an astounding number of flights. It was actually for this very reason that Jet2 came to my mind when looking for flights. They offer reasonably priced holidays and flights as well a great service, and although we all go looking purely on price to start with we all want a good level of service to go hand in hand with that.

If you are in the market for flights at the moment and are within travelling distance to any of the airports that Jet2 operate from:

- Blackpool

- East Midlands

- Glasgow

- Leeds Bradford

- Manchester

- Newcastle

Then I highly recommend you check them out.

I am now back from my week away and I will have a full post on what we got up to, how Leo was on the flights and more in the coming days. 

Disclaimer: I collaborated with Jet2..com for this post and  I have personally used Jet2.com as stated above, and all experiences mentioned are true to life