My Four Year Old

Almost 4 weeks after Leo's birthday, I am still finding it hard to believe that I have a FOUR year old. When did he suddenly get so big, and so grown up? It's been a busy few weeks, and life with a Four year old is so much fun. All of a sudden he's an actual little boy, not a baby. Not a toddler, a little boy, who walks, talks, and even starts school in September. As if I wasn't finding it hard enough to digest that my baby is Four..He's now starting school in a matter of weeks!

My four year old is funny. So very funny. Not a day goes by where he doesn't have me chuckling away at something he does, or more often than not something he says. According to Leo there are certain songs I can't sing along with, because they are 'boy songs'. It's amazing how young they are before the context of gender roles comes into play. Although having said that, when he is zooming around on Mario Kart with Mario at the helm..It's Peaches Pink car that he covets the most, yet he hates Pink...Because 'It's for girls!'.

My four year old is clever, and he knows it. He knows things that I didn't even realise he knew. We have been practicing our letters somewhat recently, only through fun games usually involving Mario and Luigi.. They are his absolute superheroes at this moment in time, and thanks to them he now recognises the letters M and L straight away. While we were looking at DVDs in Tesco recently Leo pointed at the Shaun the Sheep DVD and picked out the 'M' of the word 'Movie'. I almost choked on my Caramel Cappuccino he caught me that much off guard. 'M for Mario Mummy!' he shouted. The amazing thing is he recognises the letter for a number of words beginning with 'M', which of course is pretty great as this is the year my little man is going to learn to read!

My four year old has a love for adventure, and after our recent holiday to Tunisia he has been determined to return. Unfortunately due to everything that has happened in the country recently it hasn't been a possibility. He's picked up that something awful has happened through the news, he knows that a bad man has hurt lots of people. He doesn't understand how and why this has scarpered our plans to return however. It was just yesterday that Leo told me that he wants to go back, he wants to see his friends and party in the hotel bar again like before. Of course I explained that one day we would take him back, but at the moment no one is out there because of everything that happened. His reply? Well.. Obviously I am just being mean and 'I'm not your friend now Mummy! I want to go back to Tunisia!' was the only fitting answer he could muster.

My four year old loves to get outside, he loves to run, hop, jump and skip and scoot. Scooting is one of his passions, and not a day goes by over the summer months where he doesn't take one of his prized possessions out to play. He never ceases to amaze me with the control he exudes over his scooting, from the movement to the handling, he really is a proper little skater boy. All he needs now are a pair of Heelys to really complete his look!

He loves to keep me on my toes, and he loves popping the roof on the Mini, turning up the music far to loud and playing his current favourite song. 'Life is Life' blasts from the speakers as we drive along the road turning heads...All the while I can't help but smile as I see Leo bopping along and singing as loud as his little voice will let him. 'Life is Life, na na na!' he sings at the same time demanding 'I want it nosier! A little more, a little more!' when the volume isn't to his satisfaction.

My four year old is my entire world, and I am especially excited for the new challenges that are heading our way this year. I love that he is still a complete and utter Mummy's boy, and there is nothing better than snuggling up together for a movie night under the duvet with a big bag of popcorn, and of course a whole array of naughty treats! While we were away Leo actually shouted at a man who asked to dance with me. He ran over and broke up the two step within seconds. My little body guard.

He's growing up so quickly, and school is going to age him entirely. As soon as he puts on that uniform for the first time, he is going to be a school boy.

And I know he is so very ready for it.

5 Fun Things To Do On Family Summer Holidays

Laughter, long days out in the sun and plenty of running around, these are the ingredients for great family summer holidays. Fortunately you’ll find them in spades in South Devon.

If you’re visiting this summer, here are five fun things to do with the family.

Get Your Sea Legs

Blackpool Sands is one of the most popular beaches in South Devon. This Blue Flag award-winner is a great place to pitch up and spend the whole day. You’ll find lots of people enjoying their family summer holidays here and for good reason. Not only does it have all the facilities you need for a day out, but there is also water sport instruction by an approved RYA training centre.

Get started with windsurfing and be up and skimming the waves in no time, or enjoy a kayaking tour around the sheltered bay. With expert tuition and lifeguards on duty this is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a day at the beach with a difference.

Experience The Coast Like Never Before

The South Devon coastline is one of stunning beauty, and experiencing it from the sea shouldn’t be missed. Monty Halls’ Great Escapes in Dartmouth offer high-speed explorations of the coast, guaranteed to make family summer holidays stay in the memory long after the sun has faded.

Jump aboard a rigid inflatable boat and travel at up to 40 knots as you delve into remote coves and get up close to the region’s wildlife. Keep an eye out and you may spot seals and dolphins. And better yet, kids under 10 go free.

Travel Back In Time At Overbeck’s

Sat on the cliffs above Salcombe, this Edwardian house was the home of Victorian inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck. Now owned by the National Trust it is open as a beautifully maintained period property.

Inside there is a wonderful collection of curios and artefacts that tell the story of Otto Overbeck’s life and work. Outside the house sits in 7 acres of luscious sub-tropical gardens, which can be explored. Kids will love playing hide and seek among the banana plants and palm trees, while you sit and enjoy the views across the estuary. Who knew family summer holidays could be educational and fun at the same time?

Go Wild At Woodlands

Just a few miles from Dartmouth you’ll find Woodlands, an all-weather day out that is a must-visit during family summer holidays in South Devon. Not only do you have dozens and dozens of thrilling rides divided into themed lands like Ninja Zone and Cyclone Zone, there is also a zoo farm with rabbits, goats, pigs, meerkats, and even crocodiles.

Woodlands is a full day out, and great for letting the kids tear around and let off some steam.

See South Devon In Style

The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company do lovely trips around the South Devon region using restored steam engines and riverboats.

The Round Robin is a spectacular day out that takes you by train, riverboat and bus to explore Dartmouth, Totnes and Paignton. During the trip you’ll get to see the countryside at a leisurely and relaxed pace with a guide highlighting points of interest throughout the trip.

Family summer holidays should be treasured memories, so make sure you try these and other exciting activities when you visit South Devon this summer.

Thinking of booking a family holiday to remember? Take a look at the South Devon holiday cottages that Coast and Country Cottages have available.

Best family holidays in Wales

I for one am already casting my mind to distant shores and hoping that this year I get to jet off to sunnier climates as Summer swings around. Whether or not this dream will become a reality is a whole other question in itself, and as the weeks roll by and nothing is booked up, it becomes more apparent that a dream is the only place this will be a reality. 

Of course as much as I would adore to jet off to the blue skies and white sands of tropical lands, there are other options available to us even if we can’t afford to jet off abroad this year. 

There are of course many options right on our doorstep and one of those that has come to mind in recent discussions is taking a holiday to Wales! 

There's not a lot not to love about Wales, it's full of breath-taking national parks, charming villages and countless historical landmarks, Wales is among the most attractive tourist destinations to visit for a jam-packed holiday with your family. It's always growing as a tourist destination as there are endless places to visit, meaning that there is something for absolutely every member of the family, no matter your interests or hobbies, Wales probably has it on offer. Here are some of the best family holidays in Wales:

Cardiff: The capital city of Wales. It’s a modern, metropolitan location that has many roman-era historical sites. It is ideal for family holidays as it gives children a great taste of much of the culture and history. Cardiff offers a large array of entertainment, quality shopping and amazing places to eat and drink. It’s got a lot on offer for a great family break.

Pembroke: An ideal break for those who appreciate the wonders of nature, within close proximity to the town centre, Pembrokeshire is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wales. Known as the dog-friendly destination, Pembrokeshire has over 50 beaches and endless country footpaths for you to enjoy beautiful walks.

Carmarthen:  The oldest town in Wales, but here you will find the perfect mix of old and new. In the town centre you will find high street names next to independent traders. You can find beautiful handmade crafts, homemade food items and unique clothing. The day will be written off due to the endless hours you will spend walking around the beautiful town that is oozing character.

Aberystwyth: Home to much culture and heritage, Aberystwth is a  University town that is the site of an Iron Age fort built before the coming of the Normans. You can take an unforgettable railway ride on Britain’s longest electric cliff railway and be taken back by the amazing views.

Snowdonia:  A peaceful retreat to get away from madness at home, Snowdonia is located in northern Wales, where the coast stretches for miles. Here you can find many indoor and outdoor activities that are suitable for everyone. Choose from the likes of rock climbing, white water rafting, hiking and much more.

Conwy:  One of the most popular destinations for history enthusiasts is Conwy. Conwy has an authentic atmosphere that makes you feel relaxed. It was built in 13^th Century and is a great place to discover mediaeval wales. There are also stunning beaches for those times when you don’t want to go exploring and just, relax and unwind. 

Tip: Look out for great deals online for the likes of UKBreakaways and similar sites.

I am however still hoping to jet off over seas... But that is still a work in progress!