A London visit...

Get your cuppa and have a seat, it's a long one...

The Bucket family visited London this half term -  the idea being to visit the Natural History Museum, grab some lunch and then onto the Science Museum.

Well, you know what happens to best laid plans.

The Natural History Museum was our first port of call. We headed straight for the dinosaurs (what else) and it was fun to see Bucket jnr looking at the exhibits. Although the animatronix ones freaked him out slightly, he kept saying "look mummy they're REAL, they're REAL".

After a while we wandered through the other rooms, looking at bugs and things in jars (really creepy looking); walking through a big cocoon and then onto the large animals which is always a favourite.

We had a brilliant time but by lunchtime our stomachs were growling and we headed out, the queue at this point for the dinosaurs looked quite long and we patted ourselves on our backs for our early start. As we stepped outside we noticed two things - it had been raining (glad we missed that) and the queue didn't end inside, it snaked outside, round and round a barrier, out the gate and down the street. WOW!! I'm soooo glad we got there early as the kids would have hated standing around (in the rain) in a queue that long (and so would I).

Right, lunch....was a nightmare. Didn't appreciate how packed places got. We are definitely spoiled by living outside of London where you can generally get a table anywhere straight away. We'd headed to Leicester Square as has loads of choices of foodie places but it was totally heaving. We eventually found a place which seemed nice but I've never been more surprised by an interpretation of a dish. I'm gutted I didn't take a picture as it was a picture.

Try to imagine - Chicken Stroganoff with rice. Now I thought of some succulent pieces of chicken in a sauce and either on or beside some fluffy rice. Right? Like this picture...

mmm, looks yummy - what a shame I didn't get to eat this

What I got was some chargrilled chicken pieces that had been lightly brushed with sauce on some rice with piles of peas either side and across the top slices of tomato and across the bottom slices of cucumber. It was the strangest plate I have EVER seen but then again Mr Bucket ordered Beef Stroganoff which also came with the tomatoes and cucumber.

Note to self, next time don't go to a steak house restaurant that's in Chinatown.

After some discussion we gave the Science Museum a miss because time was getting on and we couldn't face more queues. We said we'd treat the kids to some toys at the Disney store and set off looking for it (I couldn't remember if it was Regent or Oxford street) which took some time. On the way we got to Hamleys - the excitement of the kids was catching and we pushed our way in (with the amount of people this was the only way).

I have to say, what a disappointment.

It's not the best laid out shop in the world and there are loads of floors to navigate but what disappointed us more was how they'd jacked up the prices on toys. Imagine you've walked around (who am I kidding, herded would be a better word), the kids have found some toys and then you look at the price and realise that you can get them at least £3 (or more) cheaper at home - cue the tears and the upset. And then because of the crowds you can't make a quick getaway out the shop. We survived, JUST!

So we set off again and, after some helpful directions, found the Disney store which was charming in its own way with soft Disney music and a more open store. We were there AGES just not by choice - the kids couldn't make up their minds.

Eventually we escaped left and as it was late decided to go home.

Bucket jnr charmed a pretty blonde lady on the tube and he whispered to me "this might sound odd mummy but I think she loves me" - altogether now "aaaahhhh".

It was a long day and our feet now hurt - it was good to get home. Sam xx

Woodland wanderings...

At this time of year you grab your good days where you can, so when there was a nice sunny day (a bit cold, but not too much) we downed tools, grabbed the wellies and gloves and set off.

A leisurely walk through the woods.

Trying not to step on the wildlife.

 Looking at the Autumn colour.

After all that, we were starving and stopped off for a delicious pub lunch. No pictures I'm afraid, but it was tasty and filling enough that I needed to just sit and rest for a little while afterwards.

Sam xx

Torch fun...

We went on a family day out today to see the Olympic torch as it went through our medium-sized town. The kids were allowed to go, with it being classed as an 'educational day' - in other words, they weren't skiving off.

So we trekked into town, it started raining of course but we were prepared for all weathers (our sunglasses were tucked in a pocket).

Now when I've gone into town normally, even on a busy Saturday, you can generally get around quite easily. But today was a total nightmare - I had totally underestimated how many people were going to show up. Mr Bucket was amazed enough to mutter "I didn't think there were that many people in ......".

Luckily we found a fairly decent place to stand and we could even see enough so that we could spot the torch when it went by. After about 10 minutes we were trapped in our space, there were loads of people crammed in behind us but it wasn't that bad as we started having a joke about the situation with a couple of women standing next to us.

Well...the time the torch was due came and went and we could hear cheers further off somewhere down the town so we knew it was on it's way. Then a police car went by, sirens going, we cheered. Then another....and another....and another....four police motorbikes....police van.....and another.........anyone for speeding on the motorway???!!! Only joking but it seemed like we had all the police force going through our town.

More cheers heard....sponsor bus...and another...and another...and yes, another. All with very happy cheery young people trying to get everyone to cheer even though we've been standing in one spot so long that our feet are numb; we were sweaty and (dare I say it) a tiny bit bored by now - BRING THE TORCH NOW!!!!!

Then it was there, right in front of us. An oldish man dressed in white, jogging along and holding it up for everyone to see. It was a lovely gold colour - MY PRECIOUS (sorry, couldn't resist the film reference there) and then he was gone.

It was over, well not totally as I think there were other things going on but I'd had enough. So we decided to go home, grab a milkshake on the way and then disappear off for a pub lunch. Except we had to try and get through all the other people - all I'll say is one word.....SARDINES.

We did make it, eventually, and we made it home with enough time to grab the car and disappear to a welcoming pub lunch. Not a bad day and I'm glad we went but I'm also glad that we'd warned the kids what to expect.

Would we do it again?....probably. Sam xx

p.s. sorry no pictures but I really couldn't be arsed. There'll be enough on the local newspaper site that I can print off if I want a memento and it was so crammed that all I would have done was get a picture of the back of someones head - eeuurgh.

Oh yes I did .......

I am feeling totally shattered. I feel worn out and all I want to do is veg out in front of the boggle box and do absolutely nothing.

I have just spent the day with a load of school kids at the panto.

Don't get me wrong I loved it but even though it was a great day out I still had to be responsible for some of the children and help out with controlling some of the other terrors children as well.

My brain feels completely wrung out.

I must admit I shouted and laughed along with the rest of them although had to shush some of mine as they are at that age when they want to take away some of the magic by pointing out the wires and the actors that may have more than one part.

It all went fairly well but it was hard afterwards when they had finished lunch and their energy came flooding back by which time mine (and probably the teachers) was flagging. I have nothing but respect for teachers who have to do this day in and day out. I'm not too sure I have as much patience to be able to do this all the time.

I asked Miss Bucket if I was too strict but she thought I was easier than the teachers as I laughed at their jokes. 

I'm going to give myself a well-earned pat on the back but never again........well, probably until next time. Sam xx

Firework night

Had a really good time last night but, once again, got a soaking wet bottom. I just don't know how I manage that every time!

We went to the local school; it was dark and a little drizzly so we dressed accordingly - coats, hats and wellies (I had a lot of moaning from Miss Bucket as I think she's finally getting into her fashion conscious phase).

The bonfire was lovely and warm as the rain dripped down our backs and then the fireworks started - they were BRILLIANT! Loads of colours, bangs, showers - the rain temporarily forgotten.

We were prepared by bringing ear defenders for Bucket jnr but there were a few unhappy campers when some of the larger fireworks went off. Then all too soon it was over and everyone quickly deserted the place to get back to their homes.

All in all a really good evening, if you could ignore the torrential rain. I apologise for no pictures but I think a good decision not to take the camera as it would have gotten waterlogged. Sam x

A fun family day out

Yesterday we decided to go somewhere fun for a day out during the half term holidays. We tried to keep money low but knew that wherever we went it would cost us a lot.  Can you guess what we did?

 How about now?

Or do these help...

  

 

Yep, we went to Chessington World of Adventures and had a brilliant day out. We arrived quite early but still not early enough to be first (what time do these people get there to be first??).

Luckily we had taken most of our cold/wet weather clothes just in case and guess what, it was cold and wet. Of course, good old England - nevermind, we were prepared and we had a great time.

The park had enough different rides to keep a 4 and 8 year old happy and although some of the queues were a bit long, they kept moving enough so noone was bored. The only gripe that I have is that I spent most of the day with a wet bottom from the constant rain but that couldn't be helped.



Spot the mad woman who is cold, wet but happy!!!



We were there until about 6pm when the skies had gotten darker and with the smoke from the Vampire ride and the coloured lights and halloween decorations, it looked quite spooky but cool.

I must say that at times I felt a little old as most of the staff all looked still in their teens/early twenties but every one of them that we spoke to were polite, friendly and asked how our day was going - even seeming interested in our answer. I have nothing but praise for them all.

All in all a great day out but I was soooooo glad when we got home, could change out of the wet clothes and put on something ugly and comfy and veg out in front of Midsummer Murders. Sam xx

Days out

It's the start of the half term holidays and after checking the money situation we decided to take the kids to the cinema. We went to see Tin Tin and can I just say that it was absolutely BRILLIANT!! Even Mr Bucket didn't moan about it when we came out afterwards - a miracle some would say.

The film had enough of a storyline, explosions, action and adventure to keep everyone interested. The popcorn was hot and there were enough deals so we didn't feel like we had been totally robbed. There were only a couple of negatives; there was a flashing ceiling light in front of the screen that kept going off at odd moments and just when you wanted to tell someone it suddenly stopped. And the other problem was the adverts - 20 minutes of them. I know that everyone must make some money somewhere, but 20 MINUTES??? Bucket jnr was asking if the film had finished before it had even begun.

Afterwards a trip to McDonalds was 'requested' and they were doing the Tin Tin toys with the Happy Meals which the kids thought was great. Although everyone agreed that the restaurant was noisier than the film.

A nice day out but glad to get back home to my cup of tea and the sound of my kids annoying each other again.