So it’s almost back to school and so i’m taking a nostalgic look back over the summer holidays for 2021. I’d be lying if all of it had been smooth sailing, me and other half have been juggling working from home and office on different days for most of it but we are very lucky to have had a week off exploring in beautiful Scotland (we stayed near Galloway) which I booked as a surprise for an early 40th (it’s in December and he loves coffee and whisky if anyone’s asking!!) we stayed at a stunning old mill and it was such a switch off from the real world. We went to watch kites feeding, did some wild swimming in a loch, fished for crayfish in the burn, ate haggis for breakfast and generally had a fabulous time with our immediate family (bro, sis in law and kids) which was so much fun. We have enjoyed holidays to Scotland before and managed to do a bit of sight seeing and forest bathing and also a visit to the Devil’s porridge museum which is a must if you get chance.
Other highlights of the summer have been some river swimming with friends and a day trip to Newcastle on the train which felt really special after so long of not being able to do it. My sister and I had some real belly laughs which we needed, I think so many of us are finding life stressful in so many ways at the moment so it was great to get all the cousins together and have a day to the Life museum.
For more information about all the exciting exhibitions coming to the Centre for life check them out here: https://www.life.org.uk/
We loved the science experiment exhibit and got to take part in some great activities so the older kids felt really included. The brain exhibit and space ones were also really popular and we all enjoyed being involved so I would say its suitable for a big age range (we had age 7-14) we enjoyed a wander through the centre of Newcastle and a meal from Frankie and Benny’s which proved a hit.
Another great day we’ve had is one packed full of thrills at Lightwater Valley, Malton. We were fortunate to be chosen to be VIP’s for the day and road test the park and the kids had a blast. I hadn’t been since the tender age of 15 so it was brilliant to see how it had changed since the 90’s. There were lots of traditional fairground rides especially installed for the summer season and it was great seeing the kids enjoy the Helter Skelter and carousel. The swinging chairs were a firm favourite and the boys tried the Eagle’s claw which wasn’t for the fainthearted!
Kynren is one of our favourite things to do and we’ve been so honoured to work with them over the years. This time we opted to visit for the children’s show Fina and the golden cape. It was truly spectacular, the audience loved it and it kept the kids attention so it was definitely a huge hit with us. The park itself is so atmospheric with vikings living in the village and interacting with visitors. My 11 year old was made up to have a real axe fight with one! The day was great, all I would say is that perhaps it occupied us for 2.5 hours so next time would go a little later than we did as we were sat waiting for the show. The tickets are worth the premium, you definitely get what you pay for. The region is so lucky to have Kynren on their doorstep. Thanks to Eleven arches for working with us this year.
A university friend reunion (first since the pandemic) was what we all needed and where better than to visit Yorkshire Lavender. Couldn’t resist having a mini photo shoot when the girls were having their prosecco ha ha! I’m wearing a Plushe dress and was sent it by the lovely company so where better to wear it than in fields of lavender.
We managed to fit in a few playdates where we could and also for the first time the boys went swimming solo at our local leisure centre. I will admit i was anxious about it with the 11 year old but the bad side of working and juggling actually meant they got some independence and it really has done them the world of good. They have also loved biking and scootering at the local skate park and it’s been great for their confidence.
Dress by Plushe clothing
https://www.facebook.com/Plushe-106370298179108
Another amazing thing we did was go to Castle Howard proms and we loved the experience, the singer was Wynne Evans from the Go Compare adverts what a voice! We had a date night there and was such a novelty but felt amazing to see live music. We are looking forward to visiting the Narnia event in December it’s an amazing place to visit.
I’m also so excited about going to the theatre in a couple of weeks. I’m seeing The cat and the canary starring Antony Costa and Britt Ekland at my beautiful Darlington theatre The Hippodrome. The tour starts on 21st September and runs until the 25th.
https://www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/
I’m also booked in for Rock of Ages in November which looks absolutely amazing! I’ve never seen it before so am just buzzing to step into a real life theatre with an audience and everything!
Production Photos ©The Other Richard
For more information on our days out and all things mum related do check us out on instagram @manicmumdayscas
Thanks to all the wonderful companies who helped make our summer unforgettable.
I’m Cassie, a mum of 3, (most of the time I haven’t had chance to straighten my hair or drink a hot cup of tea) trying to juggle life as we all are and failing some of the time, but try and see my glass as half full!