Having kids is expensive?

Is having kids expensive?

Here we are again at the start of another blog and I'll be honest, writing a blog isn't as easy as I thought it would be. I mean I have all sorts of thoughts and ideas of what to write about but then when I actually sit down to write, I just blank or I will start writing and find there isn't as much as I thought there would be to talk about! Oh well, I will keep trying in the hope that:

 1. some lovely people read my blog 

2. they aren't bored to tears! 

and

3. I make some sense and people can relate

So as you know I am the proud Mummy of 4 wonderful boys and when we are all out together I get a lot of comments from complete strangers. I have resided myself to the fact that they boys do draw attention and people will look and make comments. I try not to think about them too much because let's be honest, I will more than likely never see these people again and I shouldn't overthink things. Easier said then done I know I am terrible for overthinking and over analysing situations. 

 The comment I hear the most is: 

'gosh you have got your hands full'

I tend to just smile, nod and move on. Yes It might look like I have my hands full but to be honest I never look at it that way. These are my boys. I knew what I was getting into each time I fell pregnant, I wanted, no needed them in my life, so I will never look at them as a hand full or something I have to 'deal with'. I thank God every day for blessing me with 4 beautiful boys.

Another thing that I often get asked is:

 'how can you afford to have to have so many children?'

I just think for a total stranger to comment on financial  situations is a bit off really. Or is that just me? Please let me know if you feel comfortable talking about your personal financial situation to strangers, family or friends. 

Anyway I have been thinking about it and I thought I would share a few, tips might not be the right word, but a few things I do to help ease the purse strings whilst having a large family. 

Food

I think the food shop can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you make it. When I do the food shop I think of things like why buy a jar of ready made pasta sauce for £1.29 when I can get a can of tomatoes for 28p and make my own sauce. That is the kind of mindset I try to get in each time I go shopping. Also I get different things from different shops, yes I know that is a total ball ache (is that rude? Spouse told me off!) but to be honest most of the time I end up going to different shops 2-3 times a week and I always try to make the most out of finding the bargains wherever I am. (something I inherited from my darling Mummy) When I cook I like to make things that will do more than 1 meal. If I am making a tomato based sauce then I will make enough for the meal that day but also I will ensure that there is enough to do a dish for another night. All I can say is God bless freezer bags! I mean how easy is it just to bung some sauce in a bag and whack it in the freezer until you need it for next time. Not only does it save money but it also makes my life easier for the next time I need to cook. Yes I hear you saying but jars are just so quick and easy which is true, but essentially I am making my own 'jars' of sauce and just storing them in the freezer instead of the cupboard which is an extra bonus because my cupboards are rubbish!! If anyone would like to come and build me a new kitchen I would be eternally grateful! 😜 

As I mentioned earlier I love to hunt for a bargain and if you were to find me anywhere in a supermarket it will be in the reduced section! OK so you can't always find good stuff but if you strike it lucky then you are quids in! If I could give you a tip it would be this, don't dismiss something just because the packaging is slightly damaged or the best before date is the next day. BB dates are just a guideline and if it a day after the date it doesn't mean that when you open the item it will be all squishy and disgusting! Just have a look at the product and decide if it will be ok. I often buy reduced bits and just bung them in the freezer until needed! I am working with Sam on a blog with some recipes we use to share with you all.

 

Clothes

If I can manage it I try to avoid buying new clothes at all cost! Before anyone asks of course I always buy new underwear and socks etc, I'm not that tight! lol I will also buy new clothes for special occasions if necessary for example they boys all had new outfits for Benjamin's christening but even that only cost me £24 for the big 3. Got to love Primark Kids 👍

I am very lucky in that I am a part of a wonderful group of family and friends who pass on any clothes that their children have worn and outgrown. I have recently been through all of Benjamin's tiny baby clothes and got them ready to pass on to a friend who has just had a baby boy. I love the thought that those baby clothes that our children seem to be in for seconds can be put to good use again. I also like to go to online and find bundles of clothes. Often for the price of a jumper in a store I can get a large bundle of clothes sometime with 20-30 items in. Now I do have to go through the bundles and not all of the items are usable and I always wash everything before putting it on the boys but 9 times out of 10 I find some little gems! I think that sometimes there is a stigma that comes with accepting hand-me-downs. What will people think of me? How can you put your children in dirty used clothes? Don't you want the best for your children? I just say to heck with all that! So what if people feel the need to judge me. I am on budget and I intend to stick to it. 


I honestly feel like if I were to win the lottery tomorrow I would still stick to my current shopping habits. Although I must say I would definitely go on a huge family holiday! 

Holidays

Ok now holidays are when things could become expensive. We have been very lucky to be able to go on some of the holidays we have been on. I think that holidays are probably my spending downfall. In my head I feel that because my lovely husband works so hard I want him to have holidays where can just relax and do what he wants to do. The problem is when you are a family of 6 you often find that the price of a decent holiday is often up there in the thousands and we are just not willing to pay that price. 
Now that Alfie and Charlie are at school we are definitely restricted to the school holidays to go away. Summer is normally a no go for us as that is Sam's busiest time which is fine because that is just what we are used to now. The trouble is in all the school holidays all the holiday locations seem to shoot up in price. I am sure this is something those of  you who have kids have come across. I really wish there was some sort of law that prevented companies doubling/tripling prices during school holidays. I mean is there any difference in the services that they offer during term time? I am fairly sure there isn't....so why up the prices? I understand that money has to be made etc but really? Come on, surely more people would come if they could afford it?
Anyway as I said we have been on some lovely holidays including Centre Paris, France and Disneyland Paris. I have been very fortunate to find various offers and vouchers that have been around at certain times and I apply these to my bookings to ensure I get the best deal available. One tip I might have is don't always use the mainstream websites to book, I have been known to spend a few hours scrolling though the web to find some less well known company to make the booking with, just be careful it's not a fake site! 
One example I could give is that Sam an d I recently want to New York City for his 30th birthday, no kids in tow! It was so strange to having them with us an I missed them terribly! However we went with an airline I had never heard of called Primera Air. Compared to some of the more well known airlines the flights came in at about £200 less! To me that is a bargain! So we managed to get return flights at around £500 for the both of us, not too shabby if you ask me. Ok so it was a no frills airline with no tvs or screens etc but that honestly did not matter. it got us to where we wanted to go and we had a fantastic time whilst we were there. 
We have also enjoyed camping holidays in jolly old England. The boys love sleeping in a tent and to be honest I really quite enjoy it too. I know there will be some out there who think that camping is not for them but honestly don't knock it till you've tried it! It really is a good inexpensive way to go on holiday. I mean you don't really spend that much time in your tent because you go off exploring etc so basically all you need is a base to sleep. Anyway everyone is different and I am not telling people how things should be done, I am just sharing my experience.

Well, I think I might end this blog here as I fear I could ramble on for ages. I guess the takeaway could be that having kids can be as expensive or inexpensive as you make it. But honestly for me having kids is not about money, it is about the love and happiness you gain from creating this mini you. 
The first moment you meet them, their first smile, their first words, steps, kisses and cuddles, the love of your child.
Priceless 

xoxo

Alfie James, my step son

Alfie James

I have thought long and hard about if I should write this post or not, but as I have said before I want my blog to be honest and open and I don't want anything to be hidden, not that I have anything to hide. 

So I have 4 children but I have only given birth to 3. When I met Sam all those years ago he was a single Daddy to this gorgeous tiny little just turned 2 year old. 

I mean look at this little dot, how scrumptious! 

When I first met Sam he was very open about having a child. He was super, super proud of his baby boy. And so he should be! At this point I would like to say that Alfie was a product of a relationship that Sam had that for a number of reasons that I won't go into, didn't work out. 

Sam and I started to spend more and more time together and as we began to get to know each other I also learnt more and more about Alfie. Now I didn't meet him straight away as Sam and I wanted to make sure we were serious about each other before involving a child. 

So time went on and Sam and I grew closer and closer so we decided that the time was right for me to meet Alfie. I suggested that the 3 of us (so strange now to say the 3 of us!) should go out for the day and meet on neutral ground so to speak. We decided on going to Rand Farm, a local farm that has loads of fab and fun hands on activities that we could do together. http://randfarmpark.com 

We had a really lovely day together and I felt that the first meeting went really well. If I am honest I am pretty sure that I fell in love with Alfie then and there and that love has only continued to grow and grow. Honestly it really couldn't have gone better, the day was filled with fun and laughter and even quad bikes! I really thought that bike was going to tip up when Sam got on the back of it and I could not stop laughing!!!! 😆 Alfie wasn't shy or timid and even chatted to me the whole way there in the car about all the different animals we were going to see and demanded that I made all the animal noises. I'm not sure if that impressed Sam or not!! I was so pleased with how the day went and at the end when Sam dropped me at home he asked Alfie if he would like to see me again soon and Alfie said 'YES! Tomorrow please!' I remember going to bed that night filled with warmth and happiness. 

The first meeting went really well and we had a fantastic day together and I think a part of me knew then that this was the start of our family and with time it would grow into the crazy, love filled madhouse that we now live in. 

Some of my friends and family had not what I'd call doubts about taking on a child but maybe some concerns. I must say that I did have concerns too, I was worried that if Alfie didn't like me then it would more than likely be an end to the relationship that Sam and I were cultivating. I was also worried that I wouldn't have the necessary skills needed to be able to look after a child. I think that those concerns were similar to anyone who is just about to become a parent but for me the anxiety seemed even higher because it was else's child and the responsibility was huge! I had thoughts like 'oh my gosh, what if I break him!?!' which now looking back seems utterly ridiculous but I was genuinely concerned that I wouldn't be up to the job so to speak. In time my confidence grew and I started to believe in myself and Alfie and I created a bond that was and is truly special. 

I have read a few blogs and articles about taking on a step child and it saddens me to see that there are more than a lot of them that seem to focus on some negative points that people have made about being a step parent. I understand that for some it is a really difficult thing to do and that some people just focus on the adult's feelings and it seems to me that sometimes children are forced into accepting a new way of life almost. I was always very conscious that I didn't want to upset anyone or step on toes, I have always been really worried about upsetting people but the one person I wanted to make sure was happy was Alfie. At the end of the day a mother has an unquestionable desire to ensure the happiness of her child and I think that this what was evolving inside me. 

Time moved on as it inevitably does, and we all grew closer and our little Owen unit got stronger and stronger. Of course there was the odd bump here and there along the way as it the case in any relationship but we smashed through them all! Sam had started to let me pick Alfie up from nursery and take him shopping with me etc but I will always remember the first time that Alfie and I had a trip out together for the day, just me and him. 

Oh my gosh I was sooo excited! I asked Alfie where he would like to go and he asked to go to Sundown Adventure Land a fab kiddies theme park aimed at the under 10s. So I packed a picnic and of we went! I loved watching Alfie exploring his way around the park. He was so full of wonder and amazement it just made me love him more! 

I think that this was the first day I thought 'yeah, I can do this' and it sparked my enthusiasm to really prove to myself and Sam that I could be trusted to look after this beautiful little boy. 

Before I knew it we were engaged and planning our wedding! Eeek how exciting! Sam knew straight away that Alfie would be his best man and we were both adamant that Alfie would have a large roll in the wedding as it would be the day that we would become a family. So on Saturday 31st August 2013 (date is now written down for reference to  future wedding anniversaries spouse 😝 He forgot the last one!) we tied the knot and Alfie was right there with us and he looked so adorably handsome in his suit! 

Alfie watched over us as we said our vows to one another. 

And just like that we were a family. 

Sam and I decided that we wanted to take Alfie with us on our honeymoon. I was worried that if we didn't take him along that he might think that now Sam and I were married that things might change. 

We had a wonderful time celebrating the fact that we had become a real family. 

I will never forget our honeymoon, it really was a precious time that we spent together. 

Not long after we returned from our honeymoon I fell pregnant. Whooooo! I was so super duper excited! We told Alfie straight away as we wanted him to be involved with the pregnancy and wanted to reassure him that he would be loved just the same as he already was.  

So 9 months few by as is often the case in pregnancy.......I think not! Regardless one early morning in July Charlie made his way into the world. As soon as Charlie had arrived I was asking for Alfie to come and meet him. I have to say I wasn't really nervous about the meeting because Alfie had been so involved in getting ready for the baby and he was super excited to become a big brother. The meeting went really well and I remember Alfie asking if he could hold the baby and he also said 'I really like my new baby, but he does sound a bit like a goat!'  out of the mouths of babes hey?!?! 

Alfie really took to being a big brother from the off.

Alfie likes to be as helpful as he can be and would often ask me if he could help me with the baby. Three brothers later and he still does! 

I could go on and on about how wonderful Alfie is and how amazing it has been to become Mummy to him but I think that the pictures I have shared show it all, and as they say a picture speaks 1 thousand words! 

Becoming a parent is the best thing I ever did, and it all started with Alfie, although I didn't give birth to him, he is my first baby and we will always have a very special bond. 

My boy 💙

Mummy Life

Mummy Life

I think we all have things we want to achieve in life and everyone has different goals. I was determined to be married and at least pregnant by the time I turned 30. I'm now 31, have been married for 4 years and have 4 children. Not bad going I'd say! 

All I ever wanted was to be a Mummy. Although I worked hard in the positions I had and did make progress, I wasn't the kind of gal to go chasing after a career. I am so lucky to have got what I desired in life not once but four times! 

I get a lot of comments from friends, family and strangers when I am out and about. I often hear things like 'oh gosh, you are brave!' or 'are you crazy' or 'did you mean to have all of those?' and my response is generally the same thing. 'Everyone who becomes a parent is brave as it a huge step to take, no I'm not crazy but thanks for asking and of course I meant to have all of them and I am truly blessed that I have them in my life!' 

There other thing I hear a lot of, especially since having Benjamin is: 'you are a super Mummy!'.

Now whilst this is a lovely thing to hear I don't think that anything I do is out of the ordinary or something that any other Mummy wouldn't do. Yes I may have more to handle than some others but I am not the only Mummy out there who has 4 children, I know plenty of families who have 4,5,6,7 and in one case 8 children! If they can do it then why can't I?! 

I will say this though, there is definitely more to do when you have more than one child! I often start my day by keeping my eyes closed in bed and go through a check list in my mind.

1. What day is it today? (you may laugh but I forget!)
2. Is there anything special that I need to remember today? (school trips etc)
3. What clubs are on today and so they need extra kit?
4. Who needs dropping of where and what time?
5. Oh I wish I could stay in bed just a little bit longer (very important step there!)
6. Am I working today? Does Sam need help?
7. Finally do I have time for a cup of tea before the school run?

Then I go about my morning and have the usual wrestle of trying to get Alfie out of bed whilst Charlie and George are shouting at me to get them drinks immediately etc etc. I won't go too much into the morning routine as I am planning a small blog on how that goes but the mornings are generally my hardest time. 

I have to admit there are days when I just think "how am I going to get it all done?" It is a very daunting prospect some days. The thing I struggle with is I just can't get anything done quickly anymore. Gone are the days where you think 'oh I have run out of milk so I will just pop to the shop it will only take me 5 minutes' These days it takes me at least 5 minutes to convince 1 child to get 1 shoe on, let alone anything else. Whilst I am fully confident in my capabilities as a Mother to be able to look after my flock it is the logistics of it all that worry me. I have to think of who is going to sit where in the car so that they don't fight with each other and which one do I get in the car first and who needs to be in which car seat. (Sidebar: The new car seat rules are in and I'm a bit baffled so anyone who can clear that up for me please get in touch!) There is just so much more to remember these days and I won't lie sometimes I do forget and yes sometimes I am late but the fact is I get done what needs to be done, I get to where I need to be with all the boys all of whom will be fully dressed and clean.....for the most part 😉 

I think what it comes down to is how well I can balance things, just keep those plates spinning any everything will be ok! As well as my Mummy and wife jobs I try to help Sam out with the business as much as I can. I used to be more hands on but since all the boys have arrived it is unfeasible, that was inevitable. Despite this I still manage to do a lot of the admin side of the business such as the accounts and payroll etc. I find that the best time to do this is when the boys have gone to bed otherwise there mistakes will be made and I refuse to let that happen where the business is concerned. Sam works super hard and I will not let something I do cause mishaps. I do enjoy the work I do within the business as it is something that keeps my brain working, something that challenges me. Trust me having 4 kids is a challenge in itself but this is more academically  challenging and I enjoy it, not to mention I have learnt loads of new skills since delving into to world of accounts! So after I have read that 'I promise this is the last one Mummy' story and given everyone kisses I settle down on my computer (with a glass of wine ahem!) and I get to it.

Now as a Mummy there are always parts of the job I don't enjoy quite so much as others. Trips to the doctors, changing nappies, cleaning up sick etc but I have to say my worst thing is going to soft play areas......oh how I loath them!! First of all I have 4 kids ok for now I don't have to pay for the littlest but when I am going with all 4 at 6 quid a time, and then these places have the audacity to charge adults, plus then the boys will want fruit shoots and ice lollies and then they will want dinner there etc etc.....oh my goodness by the time I am done I need to take out a small mortgage! Still having said all that the boys love going and it does tired them out at least! They often try to encourage me to go in with them.......er nope nope nope!!! It is like trying to push a square peg though a round hole! 😂 I swear they just get me in there for their own amusement! Also I am terrified of getting wedged in one of those heater-skelter slides and then the fire brigade would have to be called and I would have to be cut out like some sort of episode on ER! Although the firemen wouldn't go a miss! Ding dong! 😘 (just kidding spouse!)

Every day is different, even though there I try to stick to my routines of getting everything done but sometimes I just don't get it all sorted which leads to the dreaded Mummy guilt. 

Mummy guilt is just horrid! As Mummies we are expected to have it all together and be able to do everything our children need and buy them what ever they want, or at least in their eyes we are! There isn't a day that goes by when I don't feel guilty about something or other. From saying no to that toy they can't possibly live without when shopping in Sainsbury's, to feeling bad for using the TV for a spot of 'babysitting' just so you can have a warmish cup of tea, Mummy guilt can come sneak up on you at anytime and bite you in the bum when you are least expecting it! (My children also like to do this) I also struggle with Mummy guilt when I get to have some time to myself like when the Bash Brothers are at nursery and Alfie is at school. I have a fleeting moment of thinking that I can have a relaxing day, watch some tv that isn't blooming Fireman Sam and maybe go catch up with some friends over a cup of tea and maybe even lunch, sounds lush BUT my brain tells me that this is the perfect time to get on and get the house sorted and I should do it now because it is my job to ensure it is done and I shouldn't waste time. Also I simply cannot shop for myself anymore! I went into town recently to find myself a dress for an awards evening the spouse and I have coming up and I just felt so guilty for actively trying to spend money on myself I came home with nothing for myself and shoes for Sam, a coat for Benjamin, and clothes for the other 3! I mean come on brain!!! Get over that hurdle! I know that this is something that I will have to overcome and nobody else can take my feeling of guilt away, but this is going to take some time to sort out! I really hope that I'm not on my own in feeling this guilt, so I would love to hear from you about how you all deal with it please! I need advice! 

I have learnt so much since becoming a Mummy and I have picked up loads of Mummy life hacks along the way which I will share with you in due course but for now I will say that the biggest thing I have come to know is that you can't sweat the small stuff! If your house is a mess but the kids are happy you are doing a great job! If there are dishes in the sink to wash that means you have fed your children and they are happy! Dishes and tiding will wait but your children won't wait to grow up so enjoy it now! Read that extra story, give that extra cuddle for in years to come you will look back and you won't remember the mess but you will remember the love. 

Lizzy xoxo

The Spouse

Spouse

I want to tell you all a bit about my husband, Sam. My partner, the father of my children, my best friend, my everything. 

We first met when we were working in a hotel in Lincoln together. Sam had worked there previously and had left, then I had started and Sam was asked to return as executive chef, we met and as they say the rest was history.  I have to say though that one day whilst at work Sam looked over the pass (the area where waitresses collect the food from the chef) and he said to me 'you have really nice eyes' my initial thought was 'what a weirdo!' but time went on and thanks to the encouragement of a very good friend (Nic💖) Sam and I decided to go out on a date together. 

NB this was not the date-he actually took me out for a lovely dinner and a movie

We enjoyed somewhat of a whirlwind romance and we found ourselves living together after about 3 weeks of dating and 3 months later we were engaged! We were married on Saturday 31st August 2013 in Lincoln Cathedral and it was a beautiful day. 

As you know since then we have gone from a family of 3 to a family of 6 in 4 years! 

So that is a bit of basic history about us, but what I want to talk about is what we as a team do. 

We have what might seem to be a traditional marriage in that the husband goes out to bring in the bacon and the wife looks after the house and children (the poor house often suffers here though!) I have to say I am proud of our team and what we have been able to achieve. 

Not only have we been lucky enough to create a family of 6 but we have also got our 5th baby, our business Salted Orange Food Company.

As I mentioned before Sam and I come from a hospitality background and we have worked in a number of hotels and restaurants but we were never truly satisfied by working for the man. So we decided to take the plunge and we opened our own company! I mean how scary and exciting is that! Now when we first started we only had Alfie and Charlie so I was able to be more hands on and between the two of us we got Salted Orange Food Company off the ground. Since then the business has grown in a most brilliant and exciting way. I have to say though it is really down to Sam. He has worked so hard and his efforts have really paid off. 

It is hard for me to explain how we work but I guess from the outside looking in it might seem like we both have 2 different roles  and work completely separately from each other but the fact it we actually really compliment each other. 

Sam and I get on really well with each other but of course there is the occasional disagreement here and there that mostly stems from us both being super tired. I think all couples have those moments though and in any case we soon bounce back and are back to being the goofballs we are at heart!

Sam as a Daddy is just fab to watch! Ok so sometimes I can't watch when he is having what he calls 'just a bit of rough and tumble' as to me he is throwing the boys at least 15ft up in the air and then only just managing to catch them by their little toe!! (ok slight exaggeration.....maybe😉)

The boys love it though! They get super excited when Daddy is home and they will do nearly anything to get Sam to stay home and not go to work. Whilst I tend to be more hands on with the kids and do the school runs and clubs etc etc I know that if I asked Sam would move Heaven and Earth to help me if I needed him to, and then he would still make sure that he got all of his work done. 

Daddy will always be there for his boys and he makes sure that they know that. 

I don't want to go on too much but I have to say that Sam works incredibly hard to to provide me and the boys with everything we need in life and more. I don't think he understands how much we appreciate everything he does for us, but hopefully this will make him see.

Take today for example, it is my Dad's birthday and we are all planning on going over to his house for a celebration later on. I mentioned the plan to Sam and straight away he said he would cook something for us all despite the fact he was up at 6 this morning and is at work preparing an enormous amount of afternoon teas and the like for weddings and celebrations this weekend. So he will be working hard all day and then will go on to do even more cooking for us and he doesn't complain about it. I mean come on! How good is that!!! He will be earning some serious husband points today! It might even make up for the anniversary he forgot about.....just kidding Sam 😂💙 There was never anything to forgive. 

It is sometimes difficult for us to have date nights or to spend time together without a child interrupting but we do try to make as much time for each other as we can manage even if it just to sit down on the sofa together and watch a film (translation I fall asleep on Sam and he watches a film!) or we will wait to have our dinner until the boys are asleep so we sit down to eat and have a glass of something fizzy together. It would be lovely to spend more time together as 'just us' but there will plenty of time for that when the boys are grown so for now we will continue to enjoy those snatched moments we have together and savour the time we have when the boys are still young. 

One thing will always stand firm though, and that is the love we have for each other. 

That will never change.

Lizzy

xoxo

The boys do Thomas Land!

Hi Everyone! 

How are you doing? 
Glad the kids are back at school? I know I am-cue immediate feeling of guilt because I should always have my babies near by! 🙊 
See the problem is when you have so many babies it is hard to keep them all occupied for the entire of the school holidays without spending a small fortune. 💰
The spouse and I were conscious that we were going to have some special outings with the boys but just not allllll the time. 
Now Charlie and George have just had their birthdays and instead of having parties we elected to go for a night and a day at Thomas Land in Drayton Manor. We knew this would be a big hit as number 1: we have been before and number 2: the boys are Thomas mad!

We try to be as thrifty as possible and if my darling mother taught me anything it was to always look for a bargain! We managed to stay in the actual Drayton Manor hotel which was themed with various Thomas and friends bits and bobs-winning already as far as the boys were concerned! We had 2 interconnecting rooms one with 3 single beds in for Alfie, Charlie and George and then Sam and I had a double bed and a sofa bed in our room, we had plenty of space to put a bed in for Benjamin and shockingly he didn't spend all night awake for a change......hmmmm maybe we should go back so I can have a decent sleep! 🤣 There was a bathroom in each room with bath and shower and also a mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, iron, hair dryer and a large flat screen tv. I have to say the rooms were very comfortable and spacious and I would recommend them to anyone who cared to ask!We arrived and checked in almost smoothly, Sam had to run back to the desk as the card key didn't work, once we had dumped the bags we headed off to eat. We went to The Grill Inn which was just about empty when we arrived but soon got busier. The kids were given Thomas themed colouring mats to keep them entertained but of course George decided it would be much more fun to draw on the walls! The food was ok, nothing to write home about but it was nice and hit the spot. We order the boys the kids menu and Sam and I had a starter each and a main. The starter alone was enough for me! The portions were HUGE honestly it is defo best to go there when you are hungry and not for a small snack!! 

        


          After dinner we headed back to the rooms and spent approximately 45 days trying to get some very excited boys to go to bed!!!
Once they had finally settled Sam and I ordered a bottle of Prosecco on room service which took 45 minutes to arrive!! Nevertheless arrive it did and we enjoyed a rare bit of peace with our feet up and a glass or two each before drifting off to sleep.

Spouse really happy to be woken at 6am! 😂

              
After a spot of morning tv-cebeebies of course-we headed down for breakfast. We were seated straight away in a booth which works well for us as we can pin the children in from either end! It was a buffet breakfast with continental and full english and Have to say it was pretty good, we filled our boots with all we could have wanted to set us up for the day and were even given a couple of extra bananas to take with us, these lasted 5 minutes as George has the appetite of an elephant! 

So after we had been fed and watered and checked out it was time to head to the park!

Upon entering the park we headed straight to Thomas Land as it has a separate are in Drayton Manor and as we arrived early it wasn't busy at all! We did have 30 minutes to waste when we arrived as the rides didn't open straight away. We wandered round and saw all the engines in Tidmouth Sheds which the boys loved and Sam had a go on one of the sideshow games they had. Here we go I thought, that's 3 quid down the drain, 3 seconds later I was forced to eat my words when Sam actually won! 

To the victor comes the spoils!

Once the rides had opened we took a gentle ride on Annie and Clarabel pulled by Thomas. 

There was a huge selection of rides the boys could go on, I was a bit concerned that they would all be too small to go on them but aside from some of the larger rides they were able to go on them all! Here are a few snaps of some of the rides.

Toby was not a hit with Charlie!

Auntie Sarah was dragged onto Captain....... 

.....and the Dizzy Diesels.....

.....and Winston!!!

Alfie and Charlie on Henry

The biggest track I had ever seen lives here!!!

Emily's indoor play area let Mummy rest her feet for 15 minutes...#win

When it just gets too much!!

I you are worried that Thomas Land is too young for your kids then fear not!! As well as being able to go in Thomas Land you also have access to the whole of Drayton Manor which has bigger rides, games, shows and even a zoo! There is so much for everyone to do and you could easily spend a couple of days in there! If you look for them then you will be sure to find some great offers offering all sorts of great value options when visiting Drayton Manor.

All in all we had a fab time and I would recommend going and I would go again myself. We were really lucky as the weather was so good 

-dare I say maybe too hot?🙊- 

I'm not sure how fun it would be in the pouring rain, there was an indoor play area but you could only stay in there for 15 minutes at a time. 

Still, if you are thinking of going I would just go for it! If you want to see more of Thomas Land head to our YouTube channel where you will find a video I have made containing more clips and pics of our adventure!

Enough for now, see you soon!

Lizzy xoxo