Our Elf on the shelf experience...

Firstly I will start by saying I blogged our Elf experience every day until the 18th of December when I realised the posts were rushed, and not at all the keepsake that I am trying to create! I still continued with the daily photo uploads on my personal Facebook as people were beginning to look out for him and be a part of the Christmas magic. And that was our aim all along, to create some adult excitement on the run up to Christmas. A modern day advent calendar for the world to see.

The Elf helped Rio understand Christmas more than we ever anticipated or dreamed. Within a few days he was looking for the Elf every morning without prompt and really seeing the humour behind it. He loved that the Elf 'went back to the North Pole' every night and something magical happened for us as a family. For the first time in years we were excited for Christmas. We'd seen that excitement in our little boys eyes and it was infectious.

Now I know not everyone loves the Elf, heck even I'm sick of the sight of him, but for us our first Elf experience has been a great one. Yes over the years I might struggle for ideas, hate staying up later to position and photograph him. But over those years, he will learn to look out for him the same as one would an advent calendar. As will Niall.. hey, we might even buy the female version and go crazy! Who knows? But enough of that.. Welcome the our Elf on the shelf experience!!! & A very merry Christmas to you all!

No words - My boys

Niall - 5 month update!

Niall was 5 month old yesterday. A month from now he will be half a year old..madness!!

As you can see from the pictures, his hair is untameable and spends 80% of the time looking greasy because I attempt to make it so.

Instead of listing what he is currently doing I decided to do something different and make a one take video letting you know some of the basics. I've never done anything like this before so its ropey but hey..we all have to start somewhere.

Rio's adventure with Stegosaurus - Minnies Macaroon Review!

If you read my 'Having a hoot' post, you will know that a few months ago Rio was chosen to be one of the AmBEARssadors for Minnies Macaroon. This company was founded in Yorkshire, and being from Yorkshire ourselves, I was not only delighted that Rio was chosen but delighted to be supporting/ promoting a local business too. Especially when I read that the fairtrade octopus toy that I had previously ordered for my other little boy Niall, was made by someone affected by the Tsunami. By buying these unique gifts you enable these women to have flexible, local and fairly paid work. And I don't know about you, but I personally think that that is amazing!

When we unpackaged Stegosaurus, Rio's exact words were "I love him".

A friendship was made and an adventure had begun!

Stegosaurus is knitted, machine washable and suitable from birth.

 



As you can see, although knitted, the toys and the whole range in fact are really quite durable! I did worry that because we're an outdoorsy family we'd have to be select as to where and when these products got used, but that really isn't the case at all. And because they are suitable from birth I don't have to worry about Niall getting hold of them either.

"Goodnight Rio, Goodnight Stegosaurus"

You can find more products and information on the Minnies Macaroon Website, Facebook & Twitter!

Silent Sunday

We're not all looking, we never are, but I love my little family of four!

Having a Hoot // Minnies Macaroon!

Ever since we found out that Rio had been selected to be an AmBEARssador for Minnies Macaroon he has been eagerly awaiting the Postman. Whenever a parcel arrived he'd ask, "is it for me Mummy?" and a few days ago I got to say "yes darling, it is!!". Sadly he was out at his Grandma's when the actual parcel arrived, sods law, but that didn't stop his beady toddler eyes spotting it the moment he came into the room. No "I've missed you so much Mummy", just, "is that for meeeeee?". His eyes lit up when I revealed it was indeed for him, but not as much as when he realised what his chosen items were.

The next day we headed to the park and Rio got to give the little Owl hat its first outing.

It was a 'wellington' kind of day, so sadly Stegosaurus had to skip this one out and stay at home.

To my surprise Rio didn't attempt to take the hat off his head, which is a rarity. I think it is down to the fact that one of his favourite things to do is go bird watching. He loves sitting in the hides at our local nature reserve with his little binoculars so the product is well suited.

I love that this hat will last him years. It's so soft and well made but with room for a lot of growth. It's also machine washable, which is always an added bonus for an handmade item. The owl hat and the rest of the range are available in sizes to suit the whole family.

The website description for this product says 'will ensure you have a hoot this winter', and that we will!!

Keep your eyes peeled for 'Rio's adventures with Stegosaurus' coming soon!

And keep up to date with Minnies Macaroon on Twitter & Facebook too.

Winter walk

As much as I like being cosy indoors during the colder months, I also enjoy a crisp winter walk! A few months back we visited Normanby Hall while the wild flowers were in bloom and the sun was in the sky..for the most part. And to take advantage of a rain free day this weekend, we drove over there again.

To our surprise we only had to pay for parking as it is the winter season which is always a bonus for bank account on the run up to Christmas.

We popped into the Café for a spot of lunch before heading into the woods for a little adventure. Sadly the bridge and chair were closed off this time which was disappointing because we had hoped to recreate a photo we took last time but I think it was for health and safety issues due to the leaves being damp and quite slippy.

(Rio's version of thumbs up)

And of course, in true toddler style, we ended the day in the play area.