Wednesday, 31 January 2018

My Family in January

The first month of the year (and by far the longest) is coming to a close and despite the fact it has been cold and wet, we have had a great one, mostly down to the amazing week we spent in France on our family ski holiday.  I would like to say we have started the year as we mean to go on, but we have left the house late for the school run almost every single day (thank goodness for scooters!) and I have eaten far too many Easter eggs already!

This month I have loved eating cheese fondue in the French Alps, binge watching Grey's Anatomy, that creme eggs are back in the shops and being a bit more organised with my new planner.


Ed has loved challenging himself on more red slopes when we were skiing, having his first spa day with me, skiing with the children and seeing how good they are now and the way Cora says NO so seriously.

Dylan has loved his new school reading challenge, zooming down the blue slopes, learning about astronauts at school and his swimming lessons.

Archie has loved going skiing with Ed and I, playing in the park in the rain, practicing on his new two wheel scooter and practicing writing his letters.

Finn has loved scooting everywhere, playing with his friends at nursery, seeing Aunty Nat Nat in France and singing Happy Birthday

Cora has loved sweetcorn, shouting NO at people when she isn't happy, singing twinkle twinkle and saying Archie's name over and over and over and over . . .




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Monday, 29 January 2018

A Potty Training Update

I think I underestimated Finn when he was born. This tiny little boy, so much smaller than I had imagined, hooked up to machines looking so fragile. This baby who sat and smiled, slower to move than his brothers and content to watch. Toddler Finn is no longer that baby, he is an independent, head strong boy who will do things his way or not at all.



Potty training him is not as straight forward as it was with his brothers but I feel like we are on the verge of cracking it. We’ve been working as HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® ambassadors and have followed their 6 Steps to Potty Success. He has been wearing his HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® Day-Time and HUGGIES® Pull-Ups Night-Time for a couple of months now and we have seen so much progress. Two months ago he lay happily on the changing mat as I got him dressed in the morning and changed his nappy. Now he is so proud to get himself dressed every morning, pulling his socks on the wrong way round and taking a few attempts to get his arms through the right holes. He rejects help with his shoes and he insists that ‘Finn do it’. His big boy training pants fall perfectly in to this routine as they encourage his confidence and independence.


HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® are easy for him to pull on and off himself (‘I do’) and he knows that the wetness indicator on both the day and night time pants, fades when wet (‘I see’). We have sadly packed away all his dungarees, but now everything is easy to get on and off. We’re using HUGGIES® Pull-Ups® in the day and night to ensure consistency and make sure he feels like he’s in his big boy pants all of the time. The day time pants feature a learning liner (‘I feel’) which briefly mimics the feeling of wetness meaning he feels when he’s had an accident.



My independent little boy has two big brothers to copy as well so he has decided that a potty is not for him and he would prefer to use the toilet instead. Finn is still quite short so we have a step (Lightening McQueen of course) to help him reach. We have found that when he is with friends that are slightly older or already potty trained then he is much more interested in using the toilet, yet when he is with his little sister he is happy not to.


I know that my strong willed toddler will get there and I don’t doubt that it will be soon. He is ready in almost every sense, his determination just needs to kick in now!


This post is in collaboration with Huggies
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Sunday, 28 January 2018

What the kids Wore // Reima

One thing we learned very early was that the quality of clothing we buy for our ski holidays makes a big difference.  The temperature drop is quite considerable and we are not used to snow at home.  The bigger boys spend multiple hours a day outside whilst we are there and I want to feel confident that they are warm, dry and comfortable for it.  The children don't need a lot of clothes when we are away as they live in their thermals

We were sent a few items from Reima and the quality is outstanding.  Reima is a Finnish band committed to keeping kids active without letting the weather get in the way.  Their products are designed for an active childhood. Both Cora and Dylan had a set of thermals that were designed to keep their body heat in and they both found them comfy and warm.

Reima, active kidswear, kids skiwear

Reima, active kidswear, kids skiwear

  Dylan and Archie already have the fleeces which are the perfect mid layer and they wore them all week.  They are quick drying (they are pretty much dry when they come out the washing machine) and help keep the warmth in without bulking them up.  

Reima, active kidswear, kids skiwear

Archie was also sent a beautiful blue jacket which he wore every day and we both loved.  It was perfect for skiing with a pocket for his lift pass, adjustable cuffs and a detachable hood, but he will be wearing it all winter as it is a warm, well made coat that can accompany him on his everyday adventures. 

Reima, active kidswear, kids skiwear

Reima, active kidswear, kids skiwear


We will definitely continue to shop with Reima for warm winter wear!


Reima ski wear, family ski wear, themummyadventure.com
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Friday, 26 January 2018

What About Us // Heart Radio

What about us? Ed and I were only together 3 months before I fell pregnant with Dylan and 7 years and 4 children later, our life revolves around those four small people that call us Mummy and Daddy. When we were challenged by Heart to take on a mood boosting activity inspired by a feel good song as part of the #HeartFeelGoodChallenge, Ed and I decided to make more time for us, specifically with a proper ‘date’ inspired by Pink’s ‘What About Us’.


I listen to Heart as I cook and Pink’s ‘What About Us’ is one of my favourite songs to dance around the kitchen to (and sing along to badly as well) and as the familiar song came on again, I started thinking of different ways to look after myself and different things that Ed and I could do together rather than our classic meal out date night.



And we ended up settling on a couples’ massage and spa day - something we would never have even thought of before, but in the middle of the sleep deprivation (thanks Cora), the school runs, the cooking and cleaning for a big family it seems exactly what we both need - some pampering for us and something to do together.


Getting childcare wasn’t easy (it never is when you have four small ones) but it was worth juggling things to get some time together. We were massaged, we lay on the heated seats in the relaxation room and we enjoyed these moments of calm and quiet together in the middle of a busy week. We talked without small voices interrupting us, without the distractions of technology and we reconnected as a couple. There was a swimming pool and a sauna, there was a cafe so we could enjoy a meal together without having to share with a toddler and it was exactly what we needed.



One day our children will grow up and move out and so it is really important to nurture our relationship now so we are still strong when that day comes.


We are hoping to come up with some different ideas to do something each month with no children and this feels like the best start. I love how music can make us feel so inspired, not just to get off the sofa and have a boogie around the house, but to try new things and have fun too. Heart plays the songs from the 90s and 00s that I grew up with and the biggest feel good hits that I can’t help but sing along to. The uplifting music always brightens my mood and inspires me and I am hoping to get some inspiration for next month’s date - maybe Lady Gaga can convince us to ‘Just Dance’ at a dance class or we could follow Pink’s advice again and ‘Raise a Glass’ at a cocktail bar?



Get some inspiration and turn up the feel good by listening to Heart


This post is in collaboration with Heart Radio
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Wednesday, 24 January 2018

A day in the life on a family ski holiday

Ever since we first flew out to the French alps four years ago we have been hooked and we spend the year looking forward to our family ski holiday.  We find the perfect balance for us between family time, time as a couple and getting out in the snow and we take every day as it comes, deciding what to do with our afternoons depending on the weather and how we feel.  


This is an average day on a family ski holiday for us though . . . 


8am - We wake up.  The bedrooms are fitted with black out blinds which is brilliant as holidays should not mean early mornings! The children eat cereal and drink milk and then we start getting everyone dressed.  The snow means layers and the boys put on thermals and a fleece zip up and everyone wears outer layers.

9:30 - I take the little two to the creche, it takes about 5 minutes door to door and Finn wants to run the whole way as he is excited for the day.  The nannies greet them with huge smiles and ask what they want to play with.  I say goodbye and grab a couple of croissants from the bakery next door to the creche - I can't resist the smell!  At the same time, Ed is taking the big two boys down to the lounge which is on the ground floor of our apartment building.  The nannies help them get their ski boots on and they line up their skis outside.  They choose whether they want to play an indoor game or go outside where there is plenty of snow to play in and the perfect hill to slide down.

Family ski holiday, Snowbizz

9:45 - We have freshly baked breakfast, a view of the resort from the balcony and an hour until we have to start getting ready for our lesson.  Some days we head straight to the locker room to put on our boots and get an hour on the slopes before it starts but today we want to take it easy so I grab a book and sit in the sunshine enjoying the peace and quiet.

Family ski holiday, Snowbizz

10:45 - We head down to the locker room which is inside our building to get our boots on and skis ready

Family ski holiday, Snowbizz

11:00 - We meet just outside the locker room and put our skis straight on ready to start our lesson.  Dylan and Archie are doing the same thing right next to us and we watch them ski off behind their instructors towards the first chair lift.  We all have a 2 hour lesson and we love spotting them as we ski.

Family ski holiday, Snowbizz

1:00 - Our lessons finish and we change back into our normal boots before heading down to the creche.  Finn and Cora are excited to see us and we dress them up with the help of the nannies.  Just outside the creche building are a selection of restaurants and we find a table outside the Brown Bear and order some lunch.  The children play in the snow next to the table whilst we wait.

Family ski holiday, Snowbizz

2:00 - We pop back into the creche to pick up some of the sledges and toys that are available all week, we borrow a stroller too as Cora is looking sleepy. There is a great sledging field just next to the nursery slope so we all walk over.  The children all love sledging and Cora giggles as she goes down on one of our laps.  When they want a change they can play in the little playground next door although with the amount of snow we had, the slide isn't much fun as the bottom of it is pretty buried! They love climbing and hiding and the views are spectacular!

Family ski holiday, Snowbizz

4:00 - Everyone is getting a bit chilly and we know exactly what will warm us up so we cross back over and sit outside the Creperie with a hot chocolate.  No hot chocolate will ever taste as good as the one you drink after 2 hours of sledging in the snow.

5:00 - We cook some pasta for the tired children as it is the perfect energy food.  The kitchen in our apartment has everything we need and we all sit around the table to eat it.  We eat cakes that we bought from the bakery after we returned the sledges for pudding and the little two get into their pyjamas for some quiet time.

Family ski holiday, Snowbizz

6:00 - The big two are off to kids club and tonight is a treasure hunt.  They are all dressed up in their warm winter gear as they will be outside a lot but they are really excited for the pirate games and the hunt.  This is always their favourite night and it changes every year.  I head back to the locker after dropping them off to get my boots back on.  I meet a new friend whose children are also at the kids club and we ski down to the first lift together as it is night ski today and the slopes are flood lit so we can stay out even later.  

Family ski holiday, Snowbizz

7:00 - I head back exhausted and put the little two to bed.  It is pretty easy to settle them as the busy days mean they are out like a light!

8:00 - I collect two little pirates complete with treasure from the lounge and bring them back upstairs and get them ready for bed.  They had the best evening and have so many stories to tell me but they can barely keep their eyes open!
Family ski holiday, Snowbizz

10:00 - At home we are always up super late but out here with all the fresh air and exersize we are ready for bed pretty early! We have games in our apartment as well as a TV and there is free wifi too but mostly we want to get a good night's sleep as we are planning on doing a bit of skiing in the afternoon tomorrow as well.


family ski holiday, skiing with kids, Themummyadventure.com
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We received a discount on our holiday but all thoughts and opinions are my own
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Saturday, 20 January 2018

What Cora Wore // Angels Face

18 months is an exciting age.  Until recently I could still think of Cora as a baby and it was easy.  She is still quite petite, she still looks so peaceful when she sleeps and she isn't much of a talker.  I can't deny her toddler-ness (totally a word) any longer though and this little girl of mine is feisty, opinionated and growing up quickly.  She has learned to say no, to shake her head and assert her opinions.  She is cheeky, she teases and plays and solves problems.  She is following her big brothers around and learning from them and it is exciting watching her personality grow and blossom.

I don't know yet whether she will be a girly girl, I think she is torn between wanting to climb trees and scramble in mud and the love of a pouffy skirt and she is already drawn to a tutu.  We were sent this one from Angel's Face as well as the hat and she had a big smile as soon as I put it on her and she couldn't stop playing with it.


There is something so adorable about a toddler in a tutu and I love the fun, feminine style.  The waistband is soft and stretchy and the hat co-ordinates perfectly.  We teamed it with her grey wool coat and her snow boots to keep her snug and she has two lots of thermals on under her leggings.  I have plans to pair it with a band -shirt and converse as the weather gets warmer and I can't wait!


The tutu is incredibly soft and special and came in a vintage inspired hat box.  I think this might be one of the items I keep for a possible grandchild one day as it is just so beautiful.  I will have to print out some of these photos to keep in the box too.  Cora is wearing age 1-2 here and is a petite 18 month old so if you are torn between sizes I would suggest sizing up. 




Thank you to Angel's Face for sending us these beautiful items!

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Wednesday, 17 January 2018

Our Family Ski Holiday with Snowbizz

It was our fourth year travelling to Puy St Vincent with Snowbizz and there is a reason we and so many others go back year after year.  A lot of people wouldn't even consider a family ski holiday, but once you have tried it, you may well find yourself hooked.  We battle through the early morning airport meltdowns and the hyperactive toddlers on the flight because when we arrive in the snow covered resort, everything is so easy, so relaxed and just so much fun.

family ski holiday, snowbizz

The fresh mountain air is cold and takes a while to adjust to, the snow is unfamiliar to little hands but soft enough to sink into and the views . . . I don't think I could ever not be in awe of the snowy mountains that dominate the horizon in every direction.  The first day is always put aside for adapting, for preparing, for collecting our hired boots and skis, for take away pizza and early nights.

family ski holiday, snowbizz

The next day however is a different story.  Dylan and Archie were skiing for the third year and Archie has in the yellow group at ski school with Jean-Paul whilst Dylan was in the orange class with Benjamin.  They were up and dressed in their thermals and salopettes and raring to go.  Dropping them at ski school was as easy as walking down one flight of stairs as we are directly above it (I didn't even put my shoes on some days), and they can sledge and play outside or chill out with games in the lounge before their lesson starts.   It is a little further to drop off Finn and Cora but I can probably do the walk with both of them on foot in two minutes still.  We leave our apartment block, cross in front of a shop and we are at the welcoming Snowbizz creche where the pink ladies greet them every morning with smiles and cuddles.  There are always toys laid out inviting them to play and a craft or painting set up on the tables.

family ski holiday, snowbizz

And then we can ski, or read a book, or go for a walk, or eat a fresh croissant bought from the bakery next to the creche.  The morning is ours and we love the freedom, the rest, the adult time.  

family ski holiday, snowbizz

Our week is always a mixture of family time, adult time, skiing and some one on one time with the little ones.  We follow their lead and take it day by day and it works so well for us.  We love sledging and the creche has plenty of sledges that you can borrow to take to the little sledging hill next to the playground.  The restaurants all have tables outside so we can play in the snow as we wait for our lunch, and hot chocolate will never taste quite as good as it does from the Creperie after an afternoon sledging. 

family ski holiday, snowbizz

We had snow, so much snow and we had sunshine. It snowed for about 24 hours straight with around 60cm laying just over night.  The next morning the sun shone, the freshly pisted slopes could not have been more inviting and we couldn't resist stomping in the fresh powder snow, watching it rise up our legs, rolling around in it and throwing it up in the air.  We could not have asked for better weather and I will always remember Finn's face as the snow fell, the excitement and awe, the desperation to be out in it and the sheer joy as he ran through it with his tongue out to catch the falling flakes. 

family ski holiday, snowbizz

Dylan gained even more confidence skiing and on the last day we could barely keep up with him as he skiied down the blue slopes without fear.  For a child that has never been very physically confident, it is amazing to see how much he loves this sport, how well he is improving and the experiences it gives him.  Archie was the smallest in his class and needed extra help at the beginning of the week but we took him up on the lifts at the end of the week and were amazed at how well he could ski down, never falling over or struggling and smiling and laughing the whole way.

family ski holiday, snowbizz

Ed and I tackled harder red slopes, improved our skills and took in the views from the very top of the mountain where we really did feel on top of the world.  We made friends as did the children and it felt like we had our own little community by the end of the week.  Being a smaller resort, the children really make great friendships as do the adults and we all found ourselves seated together on the plane on the way home too.

family ski holiday, snowbizz

The boys loved the kids clubs in the evenings and award night at the end saw Finn awarded the 'Shining Star' for 'brightening up our day' whilst Cora got the 'Haribo' award for 'being a sweetie'. 

family ski holiday, snowbizz

There are so many reasons that we love going on a family ski holiday and I have written in the past about 

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

You can also check out our

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz

family ski holiday, snowbizz


We received a discount on our stay but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own 
and we are already looking into booking for next year!

family ski holiday, Snowbizz
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