Plymouth to Welwyn

So I think it's fair to say that the boat was not a trip highlight. I still feel very ropey today but a combo of sickness tablets, the room move and calmer seas come the morning have helped. Max was up in the night shouting that he was falling out of bed - he wasn't but the turbulence was that strong. Met a nice family in the play area so we all swapped crossing war stories until it was time to disembark. Swiftly through passport control, got her settled into car seat and off to our first stop on the way home, Exeter. The boys dropped us off at a pub about 15 mins from Exeter St David's and kept driving. I had a pub lunch with her (which didnt sit well, is all I'll say) and I felt as though I was rocking back and forth at the table the whole time. She's off her food too - neither of us ate very much. Then to the train station; there are strikes today and the trains to Paddington before and after ours were cancelled so we were lucky, but it meant our train was busy. All was fine until the last 30 mins or so of the journey where she was overtired and all out of sorts, so it was pretty stressful (and loud) but a lovely old man came up to me and squeezed my shoulder and told me I was doing a good job, which I was so grateful for. Strangers can be so kind. Then change at Paddington, over to Kings X then to Welwyn, where we got stuck at a red signal for almost half an hour less than 5 minutes from our final station. Infuriating. She perked up by then though and was waving at everyone, she made lots of new commuter friends. The boys had a hell of a journey too - almost seven hours in the car, lots of delays around Bristol. A few stops (and a paw patrol magazine purchase) and we were all very relieved to see each other once we got to Attimore Road. Lovely chicken casserole and chocolate cake and early bed. Thanks Mum and Dad, much needed! 

Thank you for following our journey and for keeping in touch with us as we embarked on our adventures. 3+ weeks, 2,000 miles covered, 10 different bedrooms and so many incredible memories made. It has been amazing. One final post coming...

Popular posts from this blog

Barcelona - full day 1

Image
Slowish morning at the apartment - Lewis went out for a run and got majorly lost. Max is loving running up and down the corridor being chased by Mia-Rose. Avocado, tomato, oil, salt and garlic on toasted bread for brekkie. First stop - Park Guell. Super steep and hot walk to get there through not an overly nice part of town. But found shady spots inside and beautiful architecture with views out over the city. Great little play area for Max and he enjoyed looking for the "colourful lizard". Back for some cooling off time in the house, salads for lunch. Back out, this time on the metro, first time navigating that with them both and the buggy. Got off at Las Ramblas, gorgeous time of day with the sun steaming through the trees on the main strip but less intense heat. Had a wander through the gothic quarter and had a drink in a square. Absolutely love this part of town. Music and performers for Max to watch, he was transfixed, and passers by were chatting and kicking his footbal...
Read more

Eurocamp - full day 4

Image
We both felt dog-tired on wake up; the pair of them were rolling around on the bed and we could hardly keep our eyes open! She spent the day being cross - wanted to be carried all the time and was squaking at the three of us. She's just in the last few days started to want to put her feet down and is not far off pulling up to standing, so I think there's lots going on in her busy little brain. Brekkie, park, her nap, Lewis and Max played mechanics and took the car to get air for tyres and diesel, then to the pool for opening at 11am as rain due all afternoon and we wanted to catch the decent bit of weather. He was running around having a blast, in and out the water, singing along to the "move it move it" song from Madagascar. She is happiest watching him. Home for leftover BBQ and she had another sleep - he was saying he was really tired so tried to put him down but he wanted to chill in bed with me. I wasn't complaining as I had my book to finish, so the two of u...
Read more

Valencia

Image
We've only just scratched the surface with Valencia and we've fallen in love with it. Lewis did a 'Boris Bike' equivalent this morning and rode to the beach for an explore. We then divided (and attempted to conquer) the morning - Lewis and Max hit the science museum and I took the baby to the aquarium. Max loved the kids zone where he could do things like building and play construction, and watch chicks hatch under an incubator. They also did an IMAX of Blue Planet (narrated by Kate Winslet not David, random) which Max was brilliant with and really enjoyed. Us girls saw lots of beautiful exhibits including the Beluga whales, who were playing right in front of her as she sat in the buggy - she was transfixed (as was I), a very special moment. I'm always torn about these things; sad to see any animals in captivity but also love that she can experience this and hopefully be inspired as she grows up. We met up for lunch - overpriced but necessary pit stop in the museum ...
Read more