Saturday 26 June 2021

The Night Before Five

This evening has started the same way each birthday eve does, with me re-reading all the birthday letters I have written to you over the years.  Every year I find myself wanting to write the same things, but each year I feel like I know you a little better, I see more dimensions to the fantastic character you are.

It is the fourth birthday in a row that you have asked for a pet dog and I love that you don't give up on your dreams.  Unfortunately for you we still have no intent on getting one, but I hope you love the things I have chosen for you.  We are having a little party tomorrow, it has to be very limited numbers as there are already 6 of us before adding anyone else,  but you can't wait to have your friends in the garden.  We missed this last year and now you are coming to the end of your first year of school and I think it is going to be really special seeing your friends outside the classroom.

5 years old, fifth birthday, letter to my daughter

You are still tiny, some of your friends are head and shoulders taller than you, but you are fierce and determined, you know who you are and what you want and your confidence shines.  You still love everything dog and tell anyone who will listen that you are going to be a vet with a pet dog when you grow up.  You stop pet owners to tell them how beautiful their pups are and always choose animal themed clothing when you have a choice.  

Four was the year you started in Reception and you have settled in so well.  You haven't had the biggest interest in the academic side of learning but you have loved the art and crafts, spending time with friends and everything else.  It doesn't matter how I send you in, you come out looking wild, mud all over your top, paint all over your shoes and sometimes a fresh plaster too.  You throw yourself in and are not afraid to get dirty.  You refuse to have your hair tied up and pull it out quickly if I attempt it and you are still naked as often as possible at home.  You still sleep in my bed most nights, you still want to cuddle to sleep and you insist on a kiss and cuddle if one of us leaves home without the other.

5 years old, fifth birthday, letter to my daughter

You are my little sidekick and you fit perfectly in our family.  I couldn't imagine you with a sister but you boss around your brothers and have Daddy wrapped around your little finger.  You are messy and wild but so incredibly kind and caring.  You are always keen to share with your boys and always looking out for others.  

I can't wait for the adventures of five, we are going to have so much fun, but before they start, I want to pause for a minute and soak up everything you are now.  The way you call for me out the blue, just to tell me you love me, waking up to you snuggled up in the middle of my bed, still looking so small, the way your hair flies behind you as you scoot at speed, the poses you pull as soon as a camera comes out and that belly laugh that makes you throw your head back. 

5 years old, fifth birthday, letter to my daughter


You will never be this small again.  The clocks will move forward and so will you but I never want to forget this wonderful stage in your life.

Baby girl, you are more loved than you will ever know

xx
Read more ⇨

Wednesday 16 June 2021

What the kids Wore // Nununu

Ad // Gifted Clothing

It feels like we skipped Spring this year.  Before half term the children were still taking their winter coats into school, after half term we are in shorts and polos with not even a jumper. We have swapped our hot chocolates for ice creams and I am loving the sunshine on my skin each day.

Nununu, edgy kids fashion

The children were sent some clothing from one of our favourite brands, Nununu and the first thing they commented on as they came out the box, is how soft it all is.  The boys all have thin cotton summer joggers which are perfect for keeping covered up and cool and come in a selection of colours. I love how it can match their personalities, my rainbow boy looking as bright as ever and Archie sticking to his trademark black.  Cora has red leggings and a stripy tee which again are lightweight and incredibly soft.  Nununu is an edgy brand, making clothes for cool kids that still want to be comfortable.

Nununu, edgy kids fashion

Nununu, edgy kids fashion


The children have been wearing Nununu for years, we have some items that are on the third child and I am always so impressed with the quality.  Each collection goes well with the past ones (Cora has a romper that matches Finn's trousers perfectly) and it is definitely Archie's favourite brand.  I love the photo below as I can see how much of a gang these little people of mine now look like.  It seems crazy to think they were once all aged 4 and under!

Nununu, edgy kids fashion

Nununu, edgy kids fashion

Read more ⇨

Wednesday 9 June 2021

Days Out in Kent // Folkestone

It was our first visit to Folkestone and I know there is so much more to it than what we saw in one day, but our first impression was that Folkestone is a beautiful colourful town, creative and welcoming with a lovely family vibe.

We wandered through the town which still has a thriving high street and found a selection of great looking restaurants and cafes.  We ended up eating at the big Wetherspoons though due to having very fussy eaters and knowing it is always a safe menu for them.  The Wetherspoons is in a beautiful old building which is a converted church and still retains some original features and nods to its origins.

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone

We walked down into the Creative Quarter which was so colourful and inviting.  I could have spent all day window shopping and the small independent stores had a fantastic selection of products. We went into Moo like a Monkey, a children's shop I had followed on Instagram and they had toys out for the little ones to play with whilst I browsed. At the end of this colourful row was Folkestone Harbour and we crossed over to walk along the seafront.

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone


There is a promenade along the front as well as a walk way across the pebbly beach.  Our local beaches are all sand so the children loved the novelty of the stones here. Along the way we came across beach huts in shades of orange and pink and could see lots of building work going on along the seafront.  We were looking for the Lower Leas Coastal Park, somewhere we had been recommended many time and eventually found it just above the Mermaid Cafe (where we stopped for the obligatory ice cream).

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone

The park was fantastic for children of all ages.  The main area was probably aimed at primary school aged children but there were several smaller playgrounds that led off from it offering different challenges and things for other ages.  All four of mine (aged 4-9) loved the playground and have been asking to go back.

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone

To get back up to the car (we parked in a multistorey close to the town centre), there is a zigzag path that runs up the cliff with beautiful scenery and plenty of places to stop and rest if you want to take it slow.

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone

All in all, we loved our day out in Folkestone and will definitely be heading back soon.  The whole town felt really family friendly and had plenty to entertain the little people.  You can reach it via car or train (Folkestone Central would be the best stop).

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone

Folkestone with children, days out in Kent, Folkestone




Read more ⇨
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...