Center park with the family

Off to Center Parc on Monday 23rd March with all the family so once woke up 8ish everyone else already awake. Had bacon sandwich for breakfast as nice to have proper bacon not the streaky bacon which we get in Australia. Ellie wanted to play so play game spotty dot a counting game and then did flash cards. Ben went to have haircut and bought coffee back for us all, it was then to get ready and left just before 11 for our holiday to Whinfell Forest Center Parc. On the way we listen to the frozen songs and had to sing along we also played colour car where have to spot colour of cars mine was green and pink, saw no pink cars. Got to center parc at 12.30 Ellie got to choose if go swimming or lunch first and swimming won went to the subtropical swimming paradise. The subtropical swimming paradise has slides, rides and activities so you can swim, relax and have a splashing good time. We went on the slides, the rapids, in the outdoor play and kids areas, Ellie really enjoyed playing on the slides. Ended up leaving the pool 2ish and go for lunch at Cafe Rouge at 2.30 were we all ended up just having sandwiches apart from Ellie who had chips. Get back to car after 3.30 as not allowed to check in to our lodge til 3.30 was abit off traffic leaving the car park but once on road was ok. Staying at the Moorland View 54 a 3 bedroom cabin unpack, have cuppa then Ben take car back to car park as not allowed to stay outside cabin. When arrived at cabin Ellie playing with the phone and somehow managed to dial 999 so unplugged the phone. Mum and dad arrive after 6 as dad had to work today, Ben took dads car to car park as dad had no idea where to go. Have dinner pizza and Ellie bed 7.30ish then we all chilled watch TV, drink wine and I fell asleep on sofa. Eventually made it to bed 10ish and am sleeping in the same room as Ellie so had to be quiet going to bed. Ellie woke up crying I the morning making no sense sounded like saying 'let it go' so Sharon came for her and took her into her room. I woke up 4ish where read book for 30minutes and then wake up 6 when I get up watch breakfast TV with a cuppa. Dad got up 6.30, Mum 6.45 then Sharon, Ben and Ellie at 7.30. Once Ellie up open her birthday presents very amusing had to go for the frozen wrapping paper first and not interested in cards was lots of presents. After all presents opened we had to play with new toys Lego, frozen jigsaw and the shopping list game. It was then to go swimming got there after 10ish and all off us go in remembered the waterproof camera so got chance to take more pictures. Also we were very luckiky as the sun was shining so was nice outside in heated pool and left pool 11.45. Once done walk back to cabin for lunch have ham sandwiches, sausage rolls and frozen birthday cake which none of us liked the icing. Head back to the village centre after 2ish, walk round the lake and then Ellie go make a bear choose a monkey in a pirate outfit and called him monty. Me and Ellie then went to the park for abit, was going to go on swing but another girl beat us and when Sharon came went on slide as I had to help Ellie up. It was then to go bowling before 4, Ellie was not sure first but after a few goes she started to liked it. I had bumpers on like Sharon and Ellie which made it easier but still not getting strikes but Dad was the only one which got over 100. We then realised that their had forgotten nappies so Ben ran back to cabin to get some and we played in games arcade. Once back was time for Ellie's 3rd birthday dinner at Huck's American Bar and Grill, we all shared a large nachos. When we walked Ellie said she only wanted chips but had the kids buffet chicken nuggets, starfish, child and beans and ate well. Me and mum shared our main courses so had salmon and steak fajitas was very nice and got home before 7. Ellie was not tired and we all had sparkling wine to celebrate Ellie's birthday which Ben had for nearly 4years. I fell asleep on sofa for abit and Ellie wouldn't go to sleep til auntie Jo went to bed after 8.30, she complained was hungry so have more milk then sleep 9ish. I woke up 1ish, then Ellie woke up 3ish as lost pillow and baby once found went back to sleep. I woke up 5.30 and couldn't get back to sleep at first so played games on phone and then we both woke up 7.15. Dad got up 7.30 then Mum, Sharon and Ben after 8 so I suppose that one good thing about Ellie been with me everyone else gets lie in as am awake early due to jetlag. Once up have breakfast then Ellie wanted to play the shopping list game probably because it's still new. Leave before 10 and in pool before 10.30 when going round the rapids Ellie found a watering can and loved play with it. Also in the baby pool she found an inflatable dolphin which was quite happy seating on and giving it a kiss. I went on the fast slide outside which Ben thought was scary but was ok if you sit up and don't lie down but is a big splash at bottom. We're out after 12 and time for lunch was going to Pancake House but very busy so went to Bella Italia and had the lunch menu. After lunch to the supermarket and Ellie quite happy pushing the little trollies. Then me, Sharon and Mum went to the clothes shop whilst others went to park near Sports Plaza, was a nice gilet but not my size. We got there after 2.30 and Ellie go play tennis tots at 3 with Ben might not be the best but was very enthusiastic and was only 30 minutes. After back to the park and Ellie pretend to sell ice-cream from her ice-cream parlour in the wooden cabin. Balance bikes at 4pm with Sharon for 45 mins not sure Ellie got the hang of it as supposed to develop balance but seemed to enjoy. Back to park afterwards but was too cold so didn't stay long so back home for cuppa and Mum's homemade battenberg cake very nice. For dinner have Mum's cottage pie at 6.30ish and not tired again so went to bed 8:30, I had wine and crisps then bed 9.30. Woke up twice and Ellie woke up 5.30ish wanting her Mum but went back to sleep and we got up 7.30. Then Ellie had to brush my hair, play spotty dog game and everyone else up before 8 and Ellie actually ate breakfast for a change teacakes. On way to swimming pool we saw 3 red squirrels playing in trees and running across ground and usually see 1 on was if we're lucky. In pool before 10.30 and first was the wave pool where the waves were quite good and then the Rapids which mum couldn't get off so went round 3 times. Ellie then went on the mini jet ski at 11am, seemed to enjoy but didn't like the instructor getting in her way and I got in pool to get close up pictures. It was then to play on the slides, in jacuzzi and when went on indoor slide got a mouthful of water at the end. Before we left I went on the outside rapid slide again which seemed faster but still enjoyed but Mum missed my picture. Was out of the water before 12.30 and straight to Pancake House luckily no queue this time had savoury pancake 1st then me and Sharon shared a sweet waffle definitely worth the wait. After lunch to supermarket to get a few things and decided to book bowling choice 2.40 or 4.50, decided on 2.40. So we didn't have to long to wait so play arcades before bowling and we all enjoyed again, Mum had bumpers this time. I didn't do aswell this time but did get a strike, Ben and Sharon both got over 100 points. On way back to cabin walk along the road and through the woods to go on a bug hunt but didn't see many. Once back was time to do our packing and Ellie had to help everyone do there's. She then wanted to go to bed at 6ish but didn't go to sleep and then showing everyone her animal book. Decided to have take away tonight came at 8.30 but ordered 6.30ish so since it took so long we got 10% off, we all had Chinese apart from Ben who had pizza. Ellie eventually went to bed before 9 and we all watched TV with wine and bed 10ish. On Friday woke up twice in night then wake up 6.30 then eventually got up 7am have shower then go pick up Dad's car with Ben. Got back have breakfast before 8.30 then time to pack the cars as have to vacate by 10am. Left by 9.30ish which was too early for swimming so play in the park first and Ellie liked playing in the sand. In the pool just after 10am play on slides, wave pool but unfortunately the outside slide was shut as wanted to go on one last time. Ended up leaving the pool just before 11.30 Ellie wanted chips so there went to Dexters which mainly did burgers. But me, Mum and Dad did not fancy it so we just got Cornish pastry from supermarket but nowhere to sit so had to sit in car. Left Center Parc 12.30ish and luckily the traffic was good and got home just before 2. Once home time for a cuppa and to have the rest of the Battenberg cake then just chill the rest of the day. For tea have sausage, beans and eggs then Linda picked us up before 7pm and then go for Nanna. It was then to go see the hi timers show in Boroughbridge to watch 'Tiptoe in the Tombs' was quite funny, home after 10 and bed 11.30.

Preparing for England

On Friday 20th March had arranged to have eyebrows done, pedicure and manicure as thought have to look my best when get back to UK. So even though Tiago off sick from work still went as organised ages ago had blue on toes and neutral colour on fingers. Once home sort washing out and even though Tiago was off work was busy on computer and phone sorting out settlement which didn't get settled till 14hrs. Before his settlement done I went to get coffee, checked in online so only have to be there 90 minutes to drop bags off tonight. Whilst Tiago was completing his settlement I start to pack which I hate to doing but only packed presents first none of my stuff. We then went for lunch left at 14.30 and decided to go to a Hurricanes in Bondi as not been there for ages. Unfortunately traffic was bad so took longer than expected and Tiago on phone to work on the way sorting out a few things. Luckily only took 15 minutes to get take away from Hurricanes and then got traffic coming back so didn't get back home til 16.15 and Tiago's boss phone him. So when we got back Tiago had to sort out another matter but I was that hungry that I ate without waiting for him. It was then time to finish my packing but difficult to know what to take as unsure what got in England clothes wise. Have shower then decide what to wear choose my blue patterned trousers and left after 7pm. Got to airport at 7.45pm and had to go round twice at first time in drop off not packing, luckiky only had to drop bag which didn't take long. Since we still had abit of time til I had to board we went for hot chocolate as thought better option than coffee. Have a wander round airport before I went through security at 8.45pm, but was strange saying bye to Tiago. Luckily security very fast but did drug check on bags was nothing wanted in duty free but was some nice pants at ripcurl. By the time I got to boarding gate their had already started boarding and queue to get seating. Sat at 45K a window seat but was no room for my luggage so had to put in a different overhead locker but at least left on time. Was a lot more choices of films than the American flights which were recents one so choose 'Theory of everything' is pleasing to watch. Just over an hour into flight we got food had choice chicken or beef, choose the beef stroganoff was ok but pudding red velvet cake was cake with a glass of red wine. Then to choose next film which was 'Paddington' which was funny in places and then 'Birdman' which thought would of been better than it was and nodded off a few times. It was then to try and get some sleep as just over 8 and half hours left off flight but couldn't get comfy kept waking up. Eventually woke up and watched 'Penguins of Madagascar' abit funny then 'Begin Again' a romantic musical drama. Get breakfast which actually wasn't too bad had the scrambled eggs, crossiant and fruit whilst watching 'The trial of Cate McCall' which was good. Landed at Dubai at 5.25am and took a few minutes to walk to next gate which was well directed but with an English couple who asked someone. Once at gate not much seating so sat at next gate and read book since couldn't get on the free Wifi. Started boarding at 7am and was a queue to get on, then someone sat in my seat who didn't look impressed when the air hostess asked her to move. Had a window seat again and ended up falling asleep before take off then I read for book which made me more sleepy. About an hour into flight watched 'Foxcatcher' as had good reviews and got breakfast again but nodded off abit during in film and dun shining on screen. By time film finished under 5 hours left off flight then choose to watch 'Iron Man' since never seen before. Enjoyed the first one much that I decided to watch 'Iron Man 2' which wasn't as good as the first one and had wine. Also the man on the aisle seat saw that I drinking white wine so when he got up to get his beer came back with a wine for me. By the time the film finished just over an hour left so watched 'Modern Family' x2 and landed on time at 11.15. Had to wait abit for my suitcase and trust me to knock my leg when getting it off but still managed to get through before 12. Mum and Dad waiting for me and luckily traffic not too bad got home 1.30pm, have bacon sandwich cuppa then unpack. It was then to Morrisons to get top up for phone and drove the mini back which felt strange at first and stalled it twice. Sharon, Ben and Ellie arrive 5.30ish, Ellie gave me a big hug played some games all have dinner nachos but Ellie wouldn't eat her cottage pie. I ended up falling asleep on sofa about 8ish with Barney our cat laid on me for about an hour. Then I eventually went to bed but didn't sleep well woke up 1.30, 2.30 and then 5.30 but couldn't get back to milky drink and then sleep about 1and half  hours to 2 hours. Got up 9ish have my favourite coconut yoghurt for breakfast, shower then sort packing out for center parc as go tomorrow. Nanna came round after church at 11.30ish as not seen me yet have lunch sandwich and cuppa. Then me, Mum and Nanna all went to Harrogate shopping 1st stop was Asda for alcohol as on offer so Mum buying Stuart some whiskey. It was then to TKMaxx thought we might be a while so let Nanna sit down whilst me and mum look got myself a dress, socks and Tiago a top. Looked round a few more shops but was very disappointed nothing else I wanted to buy so left after 4. Straight to Sharon's house after who wasn't in as at birthday party with Ellie but wasn't far behind us have a cuppa and Ellie want to play Lego. Get changed as out tonight Sharon's friend Sharon pick us up at 5.45pm and go to Harrogate struggled to get parked at first doing roadworks but then got luckily as someone leaving. Go to Royal Baths Chinese meet Laura Sharon's work friends, me and Sharon shared mixed starter so got a mixture off things. I then had the chicken and cashews in yellow bean sauce was good and tried some off Sharon's duck red curry had a slight spice to it. It was then to Harrogate theatre and only had 2 minutes to spare before Swan lake started so good timing. I enjoyed it and was nice to finally see a ballet but not sure on story in nod half felt myself nodding so Sharon nudged me. Home just after 10pm and straight to bed sleeping on air mattress where my feet were over the edge. Did not sleep the  best one up 1.30, 4, 6 when the lie woke up but back til 8ish.

Port Stephens night away

On Saturday 14th March had the weekend off, as thought be nice to go away for night before I fly back to UK. Luckily had found a good deal on groupon for Ramada Resort Shoal Bay. Also when we booked it groupon had an offer off so we got an extra 15% off which was even better. So on the Friday we went for a nice meal at the Waterfront restaurant overlooking the bridge and Opera House which booked on Groupon. Also gave me chance to wear my new clothes a top and skirt unfortunately they weather not the best was raining. So even though we had a good seat at the edge no good pictures as rain shield down. Got appetiser to start with which wasn't as good as last time with wine and choice of main we both had steak. Which an sure was bigger than last do compensate for the smaller appetiser. It wasn't a late must of been home for before 10 and bottle shop still open do get wine for tomorrow. Woke up Saturday morning about 9ish and go  post parcel since ran out off time yesterday. Also get coffee and bread rolls from the nice bakery then make scrambled eggs with the rolls. Ended up leaving 11.30ish for some reason thought it was only 2 hours away but was longer than that and arrived at 2.15. When arrived had to check in first before going to car park otherwise we couldn't get in the car park as had to swipe card and specific parking spot. It was then to our apartment staying in the whitesands was lovely very spacious just a shame no beach view. It was then to go for food we both fancied having scones but the place we went had no scones as kitchen shut, which thought was ridiculous. So walk further down the front and go to Marcos bar & ristorante for pizza which we shared. It was then to walk along beach as a nice sunny day and the sand lovely soft obvisiously had to paddle in water. Whilst walking we saw the kayak and paddle boarding sign was not sure about doing it at first but decided to do. So back to room to change into our swim gear then time to go paddle boarding for the first time for an hour. Started off on knees then get to feet felt abit unsteady at first but really enjoyed it. But by the end Tiago getting abit bored so had to try and knock off me which didn't succeed until tried to get on my board with me then ended up in water. The hour went so fast didn't feel like we had been paddle boarding for an hour will definitely do it again but forgot waterproof camera so no pictures. It was then back to room to have wine and look for place where we had paella last time we were here but was full. So had a spa bath together as made for two whilst drinking wine which we finished. Then go for food at SeaRock which is attached to hot k is a relaxed, family friendly environment. I decided to have the fish n chips which got two fish the first fish was good but second one not good couldn't eat  and some chips too greasy. So after food go find IGA supermarket but was shut so just back to room play cards and drink our tawny wine, have spa bath again and then go to bed. The next morning got up 9ish and leave hotel 10.30 put things in car and go to cafe where couldn't get scones yesterday for breakfast. But thought might need something more than scones so had bacon and egg sandwich with latte. Then back to hotel to check out at 11.30 and then head back to Sydney and was tempted to drive but decided against it as knew a storm was coming. On way back was not a nice journey as rained on and off so was glad that decided against driving, as could hardly see at some points. As soon as got back to Sydney straight to his brothers Diego and Gabrielle's place for bbq, but most already there so did us fresh steak.