I haven’t done a weekly update since the end of April, so it is very long overdue. I am so impressed with the bloggers that manage it weekly! Hats off to you. But for me it will be more of a catch up and recap of the last (almost) three months. Yikes seriously three months, how!?! I now have lots to cover with a holiday, afternoon teas and the eldest turning sixteen and finishing school.

Lake Garda

I managed to get away to Lake Garda for a week which was very much needed. We haven’t been abroad as a family since the first lockdowns back in March 2020. So, I felt we really needed this. I have written up a few posts about the places we visited. I especially liked Verona, Movieland and Bardolino.

The weather was very hot and the food and wine plentiful! It was a very picturesque part of the world. I would definitely come back to Lake Garda but perhaps stay in Limone just to tick off villages at the other side of the lake.

The only thing is I now have a renewed travel bug after this holiday and want LOTS more trips to look forward too. Fortunately, we do have a trip to Las Vegas booked.

Las Vegas

I am spending lots of time planning our holiday to Vegas later in the year. I have joined a few Facebook forums so I can see what everyone recommends. Part of the fun of a holiday for me is the organisation and itinerary planning before we go! One thing I’m particularly excited about is booking show tickets from Vegaslens to make sure we catch some incredible entertainment during our trip.

I am so excited about some of the things we have planned like a horse ride with breakfast in the Red Canyon and trying the frozen baileys milkshakes from O’Sheas on the strip. Although I am a little worried about the cost of everything. Food, entertainment and tips are very expensive in Las Vegas…

Fortunately, I have also made a list of a few FREE fun things we can do on our holiday too, such as visiting the Stranger Things store (great photo opportunities in there), watching the Bellagio Fountain Show and walking around the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Plus, there are some inexpensive things we can do like go to the Pinball Hall of Fame and try and keep the children amused with quarters for the machines. Expect to see lots of Las Vegas articles after we have been.

Coronation Afternoon Tea

We had an afternoon tea with the family to celebrate the Coronation of the King back in May. It was a lovely spread with homemade scones and sausage rolls. I cheated and bought a cake and brownies from SPONGE.

Friends

The girls and I went for an afternoon tea at Ty’n Rhos Country House in Snowdonia as we saw a deal on Facebook. They were so generous with what you got. The picture is the sweet section for the three of us. We also had sandwiches, sausage roll and even a melted cheese toastie each! I would definitely return.

We had the same friends over for dinner but with their partners and children this time. Our turn was long overdue as I had been waiting for my eldest to finish his exams. Then we had our trip to Italy so I could finally squeeze it in. My friend made a lovely Victorian Sponge with strawberries and cream in the middle for dessert! It was such a treat.

Blogging

My youngest had a chance to review a Gel Blaster Surge toy. It was nice to have a toy to review for a chance, as over the years we had so many. But it feels like the boys are just screen based for entertainment now. But seeing how delighted he was with his battle with his dad maybe we could review some toys or games aimed at teenagers.

Turning Sixteen

My eldest turned 16 a short while ago and he had the most amazing cake! It was so chocolatey, I just needed to share a photo with you all. I now have my go to baker for all future cake orders. Unfortunately, I cannot take credit for this beautiful cake.

Finishing School

My eldest has now finished secondary school. GCSE’s all ticked off and done just results to wait for now in August. He had his prom and was voted smartest boy which was nice by 50% of his year and got a little certificate to keep. He had a bit of a late night at the prom with an after party, so my husband and I went out for dinner. We had a lovely meal.

Member Pioneer Roadshow

I went to a Member Pioneer Roadshow at Chester Zoo. Highlight had to be the Danish I had! Especially after the stressful drive part the way there. Fortunately, my boss did the rest of the journey, but my husband had put the wrong details into Google, and I got lost. So, I wasn’t where I was expected to be! My boss rescued me, and the day got better and better.

It was lovely to meet more member pioneers from quite a wide area and learn a few tips on how to do a better job making an impact when working in the community.