Blackpool Illuminations

Mark Parenting, Uncategorised 6 Comments

For us Northerners, Blackpool illuminations is a rite of passage. It’s a coming of age moment. Right up there with your first Greggs pasty, chip barms and rickets.

I’ll not lie, I had high expectations. So much so I may have bigged it up a little too much.

bispham illuminationsIn my defence, I’d not been for over thirty years, and whether it was selective memory, rose-tinted Timmy Mallet glasses or that sugar rush you only get from a stick of rock, in my head it was to be the sensory show to end all shows.… read the full post.

Duinrell Family Park – Canvas Holidays

Mark Canvas Holidays, Reviews, Travel 2 Comments

Which came first, the campsite or the amusement park?

As is often the case, my question fell on deaf ears as we arrived at the fabulous Duinrell Holiday Park in the Netherlands, courtesy of Canvas Holidays.

To be fair to Janet and the boys, after an hours flight from Manchester and 45 minute drive to the holiday park, this was their first opportunity to walk away from my inane questions so I can’t really blame them.… read the full post.

Big Shop with Little Helpers

Mark Parenting, Popular 5 Comments

As a seasoned stay-at-home dad I should know better than to do a big shop with little helpers.

I guess it’s like my relationship with KFC; every few years I just need reminding of why it’s best avoided.

The warning signs were all there. Their eagerness to help for a start, that’s not normal. Then there were the items added to my shopping list which were more than a little troubling.… read the full post.

Like Riding a Bike

Mark Parenting 5 Comments

I’ll tell you what’s not like riding a bike. Teaching kids to ride a bike, that’s what!

Maybe I’m doing this whole parenting thing wrong, but am I the only parent whose memorable moments haven’t quite lived up to the advertised ‘awwww’?

Take Sonny’s first smile. Definitely wind. It’s the same face he pulls now when sneaking up on his brother before letting one rip.… read the full post.

100 Years Young

Mark Uncategorised 7 Comments

The boys Great Grandma turned 100 this week. 100!

The secret to her longevity? No idea, she doesn’t speak a word of English.

I’m hoping it’s watching Dallas box-sets, reruns of Jamie Oliver and her afternoon naps, in which case I’d better start planning for my extended retirement because that’s not too far removed from my lifestyle now.

I suspect it’s more likely to be her healthy living, hard work, regular exercise and a stubbornness to always do things her own way, and who can blame her when she’s chalked up a century of ‘I told you so’s!’

(Happy Birthday Nanny!)

She’s lived a fascinating life.… read the full post.