Flat (groud floor).
In November 2024, Daddy (Simon), Mummy (Kim), Owen and Luca went on holiday to Wales. We were primarily visiting Zoe (Mummy's cousin), John, William and Zara.
Travel day - A long car ride. 4.5 hours of travelling with two stops. The first stop just had a Starbucks. Gingerbread teddy bear for Owen kept him happy. Second stop was at an 'OK Diner' but we didn't eat there. The boys were hungry as we forgot to give them lunch!
Got to Llangridod Wells and Zoe & Johns AirBnB flat. It's a lovely flat which Mummy and Daddy have stayed at before, but first time for Owen and Luca. A large Kitchen with a dining table in the middle. Living room big enough for two sofas and an arm chair. Double bedroom with room to fit all four of us in (Luca in travel cot and Daddy on a single matress on the floor). Second bedroom is a twin, but we used it as a 'walk in wardrobe' and nappy changing room. Owen kept going 'such a big house', mostly in the kitchen.
Pasta and chicken from a tin for dinner. Mummy has packed nearly half of Owen and Luca's toys (she paniced they would not have enough to amuse themselves) so lots for them to get on with. Mummy and Daddy spent the time racing around moving anything dangerous, heavy or valuable out of their way!
Zoe and William visit.
Zoe visits in the morning. Has to go for William's driving lesson.
A first walk around the lake. To the playground first. Owen headed straight for the big slide. Spent as much time throwing leaves down it as sliding down it himself. Luca (in shoes for the first time) played on the smaller play equipment. Both had a good go on the swing. Then Owne in his element feeding the ducks at the lake. The shop by the lake sold little pots of duck feed and there were little 'pods' next to the lake we could sit in, keeping Owen safe, but allowing the ducks very close. Then a walk around the lake collecting sticks so Owen could throw them in. Luca eventually fell asleep in the pram, but he loved all the stimulation until then.
To the shops on the way back. Bargain buys first. Owen buys some toy cars. Then to Tesco for a better shop.
Zoe, John, William and Zara come to visit and bring takeaway. Pizza for most. Curry for Zoe and Daddy as neither gets to have it very often as no one else is keen.
We head to Elan Valley (25 min drive) for a walk. Amazing views across the reservoir. The path is well maintained, flat tarmac, so easy for the pram. Owen spends most of the time on Daddy or Mummy's shoulders which makes it extra hard work. We walk from the first dam to the bridge and across to the chappel. On the bridge Owen has to throw lots of sticks in. A good view of them falling a long way, catching on the breeze and drifting in the light current.
We drive down to the visitors centre. There we grab some lunch. Baked potato and beans/tuna. Then out to the play groud. A big mound for Owen to climb up. Swing for Luca. Zip wire for Daddy to take Owen on.
Zoe visits in the evening.
Out fairly early to soft play. 'Quackers' only a 10 minute drive away. Stayed for 3.5 hours! We nearly had the place to ourselves. Amazing place for all. Multiple slides, air cannons firing soft balls at targets, steps, ladders, mesh to climb through, large balls to wade through, ball pits, air fountains which hold plastic balls in the air and the largest drop slide in Wales. Owen barely stopped. The drop slide with a wave and ending up in a ball pit one of his favourite. Daddy had to 'drop' him into it. Even the main slide was different for Owen as you went down it in a hessian sack. Luca did that one with Daddy a couple of times, but no so keen. He revelled in being able to wander around looking for Daddy and Owen.
A much needed nap for both boys. Daddy out to the charity shops and look around the town.
Zoe and Zara visit.
Another walk around the lake. Owen has a nasty cough and the wind is making it a bit chillier, but still fun. On the way back we stop at the pond by the
William passes driving test.
When it gets dark we head out to see the fireworks. The council are putting them on for free just over the road in the football/rugby club. Perfect for us. We get there just before it starts and give the boys the option on how long to stay. Owen wants to go home after 5 minutes, but he has enjoyed them. He keeps saying "so pretty!" even the next day.
Zoe visits and we all go for a walk around the lake. Into the shop to feed the ducks of course. Two cups of food this time. We all (minus Luca) get ice creams as well. Mummy has been eyeing them up all week. Not the weather for it, but they are really delicious!
Owen has to stop on the walk to throw sticks into the lake. Daddy is sent to get more, several times.
Mummy and Daddy pack up. Zoe and Zara visit to look after the boys while we do.
Say our goodbyes and set off at exactly midday. Mummy drives for 2.5 hours before a stop at a big service station. Owen loves the playground, fountain and escalators. Luca gets a feed and a little walk around. Mummy enjoys a coke and ice cream. Well over an hour stop. A second stop when Owen starts crying, but a good excuse to have dinner at MacDonalds. A first for the boys and it has been many years for Mummy or Daddy too.
Back home at about 19:00.
A great trip. It is a long drive for the boys. Past what they can really cope with. But it was worth it. Zoe made such an effort to see us every day. We saw William and Zara more than we expected too.
Mummy loved the 'green' obviously. The walks were great for us all. The soft play at 'Quackers' was wonderful and the highlight for Owen and Daddy. Spending time as the four of us and the chats with Zoe, John, William and Zara were the obvious highlight for all though.