We have had a busy summer and I haven’t had any time for myself but now the summer holidays are complete. The summer holidays are always an interesting time for us. We have to deal with the lack of routine, the start of my busy period at work and keeping the children entertained. I do think the children need the summer break but it is always a relief for me when they are complete.
We were lucky and were able to go on two adventures during the summer holiday. The first which feels a lifetime away now was a short break to Alton Towers. Ethan has shown an interest in visiting CBeebies Land since it opened. We have never been able to make a visit work. Having Silver Merlin Passes this year made an Alton Towers Hotel stay affordable. We all had a great time during our stay we could have easily stayed for another day. We also didn’t ride any of the big thrill rides. They really have made it a great place to visit for all ages. Alton Towers is a really big place. We didn’t realise how big the site was we did lots of walking.
We also sailed on the Disney Dream to Bilbao. This was our fourth Disney Cruise Line experience and the first time the Disney Dream has come over to Europe. Our first time on the Disney Dream was in 2017 when we last visited Florida. Unfortunately, Ethan got ill with tonsillitis when sailed and we spent a lot of time in the cabin. So this 4-night sailing was the perfect chance to explore the ship again. It was very different from our COVID-restricted Seacation sailing on the Disney Magic in 2021. This cruise was full and had lots of first-time cruisers and people having their first Disney experience. It was a busy ship which meant we didn’t meet many characters but we watched all the shows and even got to experience fireworks at sea.
Whilst I worked the children spent some time in the kids club. Little E picked one day a week for them to attend. Little E also spent time with her friend from school. In return we also had her friend come round so her mum could also work in the holidays. Little E also got to experience her first sleepover which was a massive step for her.
With the summer holidays complete Little E moved up to year five and Ethan is now in year nine. If Ethan was in a mainstream school he would be choosing his GCSE subjects this year. But he won’t be taking GCSEs so I have no idea what to expect for his year nine education. This new school year also brings with it more sports clubs for both children. Our weekends are now suddenly full of clubs to attend. I’m looking forward to the October half-term already I might just get a rest then!
It sounds like you had a good summer. I love the holidays but it was always nice when the kids went back to school.
It sounds like you had a couple of great trips, the Disney Cruise sounds so good.
Good luck to the kids for the new school year. x
Sounds like you had a lovely summer with your trip to Alton Towers and your cruise on the Disney Dream. Juggling work and being with the children over the summer is hard work though. Hope Little E enjoyed her first sleepover – that’s a milestone moment! Sophie’s not yet had a sleepover with a friend. I hope the children are both settling in well back at school. Good luck with juggling all the clubs! #WotW
The cruise sounds amazing, that’s something I’d love to do. I’ve not been to Alton Towers for many years but Boo went there with her school (instead of them having a Prom) She spent most of her day in CBeebies land despite being 16 yrs old. She found the walking hard even with her supports on. I too am waiting for half term!