We're off on another Home Exchange for half-term: the first of several that will make up our major holidays this year. This time, we're driving across the Kingdom of Great Britain to get to Ireland. It's a long way to go for weather than, in all likelihood, will be wetter than it is here. But there is so much to see, and experience, that we are all looking forward to it. Home Exchanges are becoming our way of life, and whilst I adore going to … [Read more...]
366 Week 43
So, even my dodgy maths makes it less than 10 weeks until the end of the year. I will have managed to take- and post regular updates as evidence- a picture every single day. And I thought I had no willpower. Sunday: we woke in North Holland to a lot of fog. The house we were staying in was tucked away surrounded by trees and wildlife and it was enough for us all just to be. So that's all we did, save for a trip in to Schagen for hot chocolates … [Read more...]
366: getting back up to date
40+ ideas for how to keep children occupied on long journeys
I recently travelled with two pre-schoolers to Arizona: that's a seven hour flight followed by a five hour flight. Twelve hours in a limited space where sound carries really well. But we survived (I'm drafting this before our return trip so may yet need to edit!) and this is what I packed to keep the Girls occupied on board and on our week-long road trip in the middle of our holiday. mini pots of Playdough stickers: so many stickers, … [Read more...]
Arizona: things to do in the Grand Canyon State
1. Um, Grand Canyon. It's a long schlep from pretty much anywhere but is a must on everyone's list. Which explains why it's so rammed with tourists. To be honest, I felt it was a lot like the Mona Lisa: you know that it's significant, so you go to see it, but it's an anti-climax. I'd definitely recommend driving in from the East along the 64 (stop at the Craft stalls on the way for native American Indian crafts. I got a fabulous pair … [Read more...]
Things to do in Phoenix with children
Did I mention we are in Arizona? On a House Exchange? Did I also mention the pool? The Monster Truck? Don't get me started on the supermarket baking aisles will you? Travelling with children is always challenging, particularly when they are quite young. I try not to think about the last time we travelled to America. With a baby and a two-year-old. By the end of the flight I wanted to gouge my eyes out, especially when someone, as … [Read more...]
Pixum Photo Book Review
We're currently enjoying the insane temperatures in Arizona on our fifth house exchange. It's bliss, and we are having a great time, not least because there is a pool in our backyard and a 'monster' truck in our garage. But as I sit typing at a very smart Mac that is literally thousands of miles away from the laptop I could use in my sleep, it makes me realise how many things there are that are particular to your home and your way of life that … [Read more...]
