I really like writing about what we got up to over the course of the year.  You can refamiliarize yourself with what we did in 2018, I certainly enjoyed a return read.  For me it’s the perfect way to recap on all those wonderful family memories and hold on to them!  I am in my forties now, so my brain appreciates a prompt of our family adventures!  So, without further ado let me introduce you to the 2019 edition.

Family Visit

In April we stayed with family in Southampton so we could catch up and do a few more attractions that we hadn’t managed before.  The Portsmouth Historic Dock was a real highlight, we all liked exploring lots of different boats and even stepped on-board a submarine.  Plus, whenever we are in Southampton, we must partake in Bubble Tea it is becoming a bit of a tradition!  I wish the boys cousins lived closer as we don’t see them as much as they would like.

Heading to Liverpool

In May we went to Liverpool so my eldest son could do a flight simulator experience.  Apparently, my son was a natural and got the hang of the controls without any issues.  It all helps him with his dream to become a pilot one day!  The instructor then kindly let him sit in one of the planes to get a taste for the real thing.

Whilst in Liverpool we did our first escape room experience as a family.  I really enjoyed the challenge and it was amazing seeing each one of us contribute in different ways to escape the room in time!  Left to just me we would probably still be in there now…

Our Camping Pod Stay

Later in May we stayed at Stanley Villa Farm Camping in one of their pods.  The boys really enjoyed making friends whilst we kept a watchful eye enjoying the warmth of the fire with a glass of wine!  Sometimes the simplest of accommodation ends up being one of their favourite memories of the year.  I think it helps that the owner Alex is so welcoming and friendly.  It’s an ideal spot if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Blackpool.  We all liked toasting marshmallows and just relaxing without a TV or computer games!

Press Trip to Florida

The end of July saw us off to Orlando for what I think might be my most favourite of our family adventures so far.  We visited SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens and Aquatica for a press trip.  It was such an incredible experience.  We managed to do so many wonderful things, from meeting a sloth, to riding thrilling coasters and feeding giraffe.  We enjoyed it so much we have booked a family holiday for 2020 to do the same attractions but more leisurely.  That will be our third visit to Orlando, and I doubt it will be our last.  As much as I like to broaden our horizons, I do think we have the fallen in love with Florida.  We made good friends with our photographer Richmond too, I am hoping we get to catch up with him on our next trip!  My boys keep telling me how much of a legend he is!

Private Jet Stay

In August we booked a special treat for the boys a two-night stay in a private jet.  Apple Camping near Tenby has some unusual accommodation choices that really make for a memorable holiday!  As my eldest son wants to be a pilot the private jet was perfect for him.  They really enjoyed spending time in the cockpit, wearing the provided pilot hats, pretending to fly and pressing all the buttons.  Whilst here we went to Oakwood Theme Park.  We like to get around as many theme parks as possible and this was a new one for us.

Exploring York

Later in the month we stayed in Yorkshire promoting the Stay Play Explore Breaks.  I have been wanting to take the boys to York for a very long time, so I was thrilled this was the year for that.  Alongside the included attractions we managed to book the Jorvik Viking Centre.  Although the ride is great and very immersive with the sights and sounds of Viking times, we were in and out of the attraction after an hour.  Given the cost of entrance I did think we would have been longer.  However I was pleased as punch to visit Bettys Tea Rooms, we indulged in afternoon tea and sipped on strawberry lemonades!  We also learnt a lot at the workhouse museums in Ripon.  I think it really helps the children appreciate what they have and understand how hard it was for others back then.

Trampoline Party

The boys enjoyed having a Jump In Crazy Glow Party in October.  They really like the venue and it was fun for them to return and share the experience with their friends.  I ALWAYS appreciate how much energy they manage to burn when they are there.  Plus, I have an excuse to visit the Windmill Inn on our journey home which does very tasty meals (and desserts!).

Second Press Trip

In December we had an exciting press trip to Les Villages Nature in France.  I don’t think we could have ended the year in a better way!  It was such a fantastic resort that had so much to offer our family.  Plus, we visited Disneyland Paris for the first time which was the icing on the cake.  It is a magical place and I loved how it was decorated for Christmas.  I have always wanted to do Disney at Christmas, so it was fantastic ticking that off my bucket list.

Having managed to do two press trips abroad this year I really hope 2020 features more holidays.  We really enjoy travel and I would like the blog to start to include more trips, days out and attractions going forward.