Living Arrows - August 2020

August picked up for us, despite the weather being very hit and miss. I have more interesting photo's to share this time - especially, compared to last month. We had a dozen days out, favourites being Blackpool Zoo, Thornton Hall Farm, and Knowsley Safari Park - can see a running theme? We adore animals! Our last trip of the month was Knowsley and I forgot how good that place is. We got up close and personal with a lion, who literally touched the car with his nose. I also got extremely close to a rhino which we loved. I was also really impressed with the COVID measures in place, we all felt so safe and looked after. 

September is on the horizon and things are trying to get back to normal with Noah going back to school and Ava finally starting nursery. It's been a long time coming and I don't really know how to feel about it right now. We'll see - see you next month.

Living Arrows - July 2020

I wasn't going to post anything this month. I didn't get my camera out as much as I liked to and quite frankly, most of July featured terrible weather - so most photos were so dull and dreary. I convinced myself to post something, as I know that I will like to look back on them in the future - here is last month's post for your consideration. I did find these two shots, hidden between pictures of review toys, and although they aren't all that interesting they pretty much sum up the month. We've all been feeling lockdown so much more in July - especially when the government put restrictions on Lancashire again. We are feeling a bit deflated and I know many other families will be in the exact same boat. Here's to a better August.

Living Arrows - June 2020

Better late than never, here are my Living Arrow photo's for June 2020. Another month in lockdown, our third and it's quickly becoming the new normal. Here is last month's post. We are getting used to not seeing our friends and family as often as we'd like to and being more housebound - which is good in a way because it makes day to day life easier but it's also quite sad. I hope when things do go back to how things were that we are all able to adjust back to how we used to be. That said, we make sure to stretch our legs every day and we still go on many local adventures together, with Tucker of course. These three shots were taken at the start of the month, at Rowley Lake which is a local fishing spot and nature reserve. It's such a picturesque walk and a great place for the kids and puppy to explore. Talking about the dog, can you spot him on one of these photos? I promise he's somewhere!

Living Arrows - May 2020

Wow, another month has been and gone - another month in lockdown. How is everyone? I hope you are all well. I chose these snaps because they pretty much sum up the entirety of May for us, the same as many other families I presume! Here is last month's post.

We spent most time outside, enjoying the endless sunshine in the paddling pool. It great to just go with the flow and slow down with one another, although I think we are starting to miss the routine of daily life now. The kids go through days of loving life, feeling frustrated, and wanting to do normal things. It feels like we've been in lockdown for such a long time now - like an endless weekend. I know that when things go back to some sort of normal that we'll miss this time so we do try to make the most of every moment. 

Living Arrows - April 2020

Another month in lockdown but we are quickly getting used to this new normal.  Noah doesn't mind being home from school but it's been a bit of a struggle with Ava as she doesn't really know whats going on - she's only three after all. You may or may not notice that I've been taking a bit of a backseat when it comes to the blog and social media while this is all going on. That said, I'm only an email, tweet, or DM away if anyone ever wants to talk. 

April was spent a lot like March - indoors, homeschooling, baking, playing, painting, crafting, watching movies, taking the dog for one walk a day, laughing, and making memories. Easter was quite a sad state of affairs as we usually do so much with our family, especially the kids great grandparents who like to make a fuss with lots of chocolate surprises. We did a little egg hunt in our house, which revolved around lots of different questions and clues - they loved it and that's all that matters.

Living Arrows - March 2020

March 2020 - what a month it's been. It started off on the right track with Ava's 3rd birthday which I'm still to write about. It was lovely and I'm still coming to terms with the fact that she's three! The month then took a turn as I had a health scare and then, of course, COVID-19 and the lockdown. It's been a whirlwind of a month and I don't think April is going to be any better. That said, we are all in the same boat and if anything it's time to slow down, enjoy the family time and appreciate the little things in life - like the sun shining, the birds singing and still being able to enjoy one family walk a day. Stay safe and be well.

Living Arrows - February 2020

This year, I'm making an effort to take part in more linkies, especially ones that are solely about the kids - my favourite subjects to photograph and document. I started the year with my first Living Arrows post for 2020 and hopefully, it is going to be something I will stick to as they are lovely to look back at. I had an array of different photographs to use for March but these shots really stood out to me - they really make me smile.

We are lucky to live in a part of Lancashire which is surrounded by picturesque countrysides and lush woodland areas and they just so happen to be two of our favourite types of places to explore. I pack up a bag full of supplies and fill our flasks with hot chocolate and we are good to go. We can spend hours together outdoors, collecting sticks, searching for rocks, and examinating bugs - great for stretching your legs all while enjoying the fresh air together.

Living Arrows - January 2020

It's been a minute since I last took the time to post something like this, in fact, it was last summer that I last linked up with Living Arrows - weirdly enough Ava is wearing the exact same hoodie in both posts! She hardly ever wears it too!

I'll be honest, I'm a bit disappointed in myself as somewhere in the midst of 2019 I lost direction with my blog. I was mainly focusing on brand work and forgetting what the essence of this space is; my family. I'm going to make it my mission this year to get the balance a little bit better - watch this space!

So, one of my first posts of the year (and many more to come) has got to be of Noah and Ava at their Great Grandparents house one Sunday afternoon, building train tracks. We visit them every Sunday, they are in their 80's, absolutely dote on the kids and the feeling is totally mutual. Family is so very important to us.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I've been a little AWOL across my blog and social media and for good reason - I switched off and dedicated all my time to my family. We've also had a very busy few weeks with numerous grotto visits, a Christmas adventure, a trip to Butlins and many, many family parties and get-togethers. I've decided to end this year with a little roundup photo post of what we've been upto and to ultimately wish you all a Happy New Year! All the best for 2020!

Our Family Trip To Center Parcs

You may, or may not have noticed that I've been a bit quiet on the blog and social media front this week. All for good reason, we've just got back from a midweek break at the Whinfell Forest Center Parcs. This wasn't a blogging opportunity, so I won't be reviewing our stay but I wanted to share some photo's. I actually won our stay on a competition, last year on social media! I know, so lucky!

We were all so excited for our trip, a time to really unwind as a family and enjoy some well deserved down time with one another. It was lovely and so relaxing to be in the heart of Whinfell forest, surrounded by tree's and wildlife. We felt completely at ease, in our happy place. However I can't say we chilled out very much, we packed so much into our week! From walks in the woods, trips to the park, to science and dance lessons, through to swimming, shopping and soft play! We were very lucky with the weather too, we had no rain until the very last day and it wasn't overly cold either. We had such a great time and was sad to head home on Friday morning. Here are some of my favourite photo's from our stay, I'm so glad I took my camera as well as my phone.