The one where we discover I jump like a Penguin!

There's something magical about being cosy indoors with a candle burning. I'm one of those people that love snuggling on the sofa, with a cuppa and a book, listening to the sound of the rain. Pre mum me would of spent my days off doing such, but mum me has to man up and go out..whether she likes it or not!

It took me ten steps to question needing walking boots, and ten more to declare that we definitely did. Why didn't I put my wellies on? Why have I got it in my head that wellies are just for walking the dog?

We trudged away for a while, debating whether it was such a good idea to brave the outdoors. Then something magical happened.

Rio squealed with delight.

Now, I'm more than aware of how fun jumping in muddy puddles is for children, Peppa Pig is a daily reminder of that, but for a moment I forgot to see the world as a child. I forgot that its us parents that worry about muddy wet clothes, them catching a cold or slipping over. A child just see's a new adventure.

And look at that, even the light in the sky came on at that revelation! Craig took this snap, then another, before declaring "You jump like a penguin!".. I charged at him, denying it. But he's right...

I jump like a penguin!

Cheap and cheerful family fun

We've done the drive to Asda countless times, nothings ever caught my eye. Suddenly during a stop at roadworks I see a little brown sign, and in mummy world that means a possible day out! I did a little asking around and it turned out that little brown sign was for a nature reserve. For a few weeks I thought nothing more of it. A nature reserve in the middle of this busy chaos? Today I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and im so glad that I did!

We pulled into Potteric Carr Nature Reserve and it just seemed like a huge office building, I thought my suspicions were confirmed. Instead of getting Rio straight out the car to explore, I left him with Craig while I went on the hunt for leaflets. I wanted to know what was here before I paid up! The leaflets looked promising and the price was even better..turns out it was only going to cost £8 for all of us! The lady was so helpful, she could of just handed us a map but she didnt..she also lead us to a big one so that she could show us which routes were pushchair friendly and where the cafe and toilets were. We bought a few drinks and off we went.

Rio gets 5 points on the leaflet for spotting a squirrel

Every so often there is a hut for you to look out over the reserve to watch for birds etc. We were most of the way around when I noticed a sign on one of the walls that stated the carpark closed at 5. Well..it was 4.15 and it had took us over 2 hours to get to this point. I've never seen Craig push that pushchair so fast in my life! We were greeted by a superb member of staff once back, he was really helpful and informed us that in future if we used the overspill carpark theres actually a different way out and you can pretty much stay as long as you like until its dusk. We recieved such good service and had such a lovely day that we purchased an annual family ticket there and then!

If your in this area or have a wildlife trust near you (theres lots around) i would highly recommend giving one a go. Their ideal for the little explorers & a fun way to slip in abit of education!

Im linking this post to Coombe Mills  country kids linky