A hike at Box Hill

Spring has sprung this week and despite Katherine's out-of-action foot we decided to take the kids to do the stepping stones hike at Box Hill. Obviously we didnt think things through very carefully because climbing a mountain edge with each girl in a backpack is no mean feat! Luke and I have both been rather stiff ever since ...

Anyway, Box Hill is an absolute gem, a mixture of woodland and downland landscape with one of the prettiest views in Surrey IMO. In the lovely clear weather we could see about 30 miles across the countryside. The walk started at the top of the hill and took us down to the River Mole...

When we arrived at the stepping stones Katherines foot miraculously cured itself and she was able to cross them on her own, she had such fun!

Box Hill stepping stones

Reflections on the River Mole

My load was relieved on the way back up thank goodness!

Hopefully we can do a couple more of these hikes this summer!

A day out at Hobbledown

On Sunday 3rd March, despite the cold weather and near white-out we decided to head to Hobbledown with the Weschtas, Coopers and Venters. Its a beautifully themed playworld and farm, based on the book Hobbledown, and the kids absolutely loved it!

The entire park is beautifully presented and is designed both cleverly and tastefully. There are quite a few outdoor play areas, each one unique in its own hobbitesque way. To name a few there are arial turrets and tunnels, a large sand play mining area, a quirky winky wonky village area, massive bouncing pillows, a swinging caldron and a play maze. I found the adults enjoying themselves as much as the kids, Roz and I even went into the arial tunnels and survived to tell the tale ;)

View from within the tunnel

James makes his way to the highest turret

Tamara having fun

The Giant Swinging Caldron is the coolest swing ive seen!

Chloe in the wonky world village

Brrrr... snowsuits are out in full force!!

The giant bouncy pillows, great fun!

The indoor area is huge, and i was expecting it to be just like any other tacky, claustrophobic soft play centre but the mystical hobbler theme continues inside. The restaurant is fab with mainly healthy reasonably priced meal options for everyone. 

Back outside the animals are as unique and unusual as the play areas. From this all theres no denying that I recommend this one as a great day out with kids!!

Whiling Away the Wintery days

Think "Island Style" 

Zip up nice and warm

Take your pet pooch to training!

Become a Silhouette at Claremont Gardens

Hitch a ride at Piglets

Crazy biking!

Enjoying the sunshine

.. and a monkeys wedding

Finding a tree house

Being Fireman Sam

Katie and Max camping indoors

A muddy cycle through the Princes Coverts

Winter fun at Chessington

A mud to pub hike in Cobham

3YO Adrenaline Junkie!! 

Katie @ gymnastics

Walking the Kingston Skyway 

Biking again!

Jumping in Muddy Puddle bliss 

Feeding the feathery friends

Just 2 princesses, hanging ...

Walking and talking ... 

The Magic of Snow

Its just a little frozen water, but when the white stuff arrives in the UK, a magical winter wonderland descends upon us and transforms everyone and everything

Besides the visual beauty and widespread excitement around us, we are reminded of how much we appreciate being part of a community. Whether its shopping for an elderly neighbour, sharing milk supplies or helping dig a strangers car out of snowy rut, we suddenly forget the self-imposed rules of busy lives that keep us to ourselves for for fear of our plans getting interrupted.

This January we had a glorious week of snow, and were sure to make the most of it. It was the first time both girls were big enough to enjoy toboganning and snowman building. Good thing we had the correct attire, we spent most of our days out there!

Here are some pics

Woodlands Park Hotel gardens

Katie's Mr Plod Snowman

Chloe enjoys a cup of hot chocolate after some serious tobogganing

Enjoying a swim... as you do in the snow!

Dora the explorer

A splash of colour in your toast!

Now heres one way of spicing up some wholewheat bread! We added a few drops of food colouring to water and painted our toast before eating ... great fun :)

Katie 2 Shoes proudly shows off her spotty creation :)