Tag: children
Victoria Park London
We walked to Victoria Park in London today with our bouncing toddler rearing to go on the big slides, a picnic rug and an essential lunch bag full of fruit and cheese sandwiches.
There’s nothing better than being outdoors and running around a park. Victoria Park underwent a huge refurbishment from 2011 until April 2012. There are now some incredible play areas that cater for children of all ages from young babies to teenagers.
Feeding the ducks and the pigeons by the large pond.
Trousers, socks and shoes come off for some splashing in the sand and water play area.
The English Garden with pretty purple flowers.
Having fun with Daddy in the big kids playground!
Kistinic Gatehouse in Brittany
On our recent holiday to Brittany in France we stayed in two stylish holiday homes in the department of Finistere. I discovered Frenchberry whilst searching for family friendly holiday accommodation that provided that little bit extra. We have been treated to absolute luxury with each home and location we’ve stayed in.
We spent the first week of our holiday in the Kistinic Gatehouse just outside the medieval city of Quimper. The Kistinic Gatehouse is a charming house that comfortably sleeps six. It’s situated in the park grounds of the Kistinic Chateau where Frenchberry owner’s Claire and Andrew Bernard live. Our second week was spent by the beach at Lostmarc’h.
The Kistinic Gatehouse is a few minutes drive from Quimper where we enjoyed viewing the medieval architecture and cathedral, indulging in fine patisseries and leisurely meandering through pedestrianised streets. There’s something for everyone in the city of Quimper with a large range of shops and boutiques, restaurants and museums.
Stunning family friendly beaches with crystal clear water are less than a 30 minute drive away from the Kistinic Gatehouse. We visited Benodet for the day and had fun paddling, building sandcastles and walking along the coastal pathways.
The Kistinic Gatehouse has been lovingly restored and renovated by Claire and Andrew. Each bedroom and bathroom are uniquely decorated and designed to a high standard.
There’s a private garden with outdoor table and chairs providing a tranquil spot for reading or enjoying a meal, complete with melodic birdsong.
We roamed freely within the 15 hectares of parkland surrounding the Kistinic Chateau. Imogen loved exploring the pathways and discovering the tracks in the woodland.
The lawned garden is perfect for children to play and run around in.
Having stayed in numerous French cottages and gites over the years, I can say that this truly surpassed our expectations and we will happily return here for future holidays.
Family Life
The last few weeks have been extremely busy in our household. Aside from the usual business of general family life we’ve had some big decisions to make which affect us all.
A couple of weeks ago I made the decision to return to work part-time which is something I’m really looking forward to. It will be great to be back in the office working on projects again. Hubby and I have been researching and visiting nurseries to find one we’re happy with. We’ve settled on a nursery close to home which has great facilities for children and a wonderful environment.
Imogen is almost back to full health after more than a week of gastroenteritis which saw her with a very high fever for several days, vomiting, diarrhoea and mild dehydration.
The gastroenteritis struck the day we arrived in Brittany for our holiday, which was horribly too similar to our journey to New Zealand in January. Hubby had a couple of days of feeling under the weather and I was lucky to escape any ill effects. Thankfully we’re now getting out and exploring the beautiful countryside and coastline in Brittany.
A much happier little girl now she is better and out enjoying the great outdoors.
There is something about Brittany which continually draws us back. The beautiful view from our garden at Lostmarc’h near Crozon in Finistere.
