For Henry’s third birthday, we wanted to give him a memorable day full of his favourites; trains and farm animals. I booked an overnight stay in a quaint little cottage on a working farm, about two hours away in the country.
The plan was to explore the farm, have his favourite dinner (spaghetti bolognese with angel hair pasta) and birthday cake (see the photo of Lightning McQueen and Mack Truck – yes, I made them), and then go on a steam engine train ride the next morning.
Naturally, being a chronic over-packer, I tried cramming half the house into our car. We needed raincoats (it’s spring but what if it rains?), two sets of all clothes and underwear (because options are important), a heap of nappies and wipes (you can never have enough!), an assortment of breakfast and hot drink options (I have particular tastes), my kindle (for when I have a millisecond to read)… and the list goes on!
As I stood there, hand on hip, finger on the chin, unwilling to admit Jenga defeat, my husband oh-so-helpfully asked, “Do we really need all the pillows and the kid’s doonas?”
Wha?! Seriously? To me, that was a redundant question. It’s common knowledge that pillows in hotel/motel/inn/B&B/AirBnB are NEVER replaced. Drool is the least of your worries. My toilet seats are probably cleaner than those pillows! And isn’t it nicer to sleep on your own pillow – germ-free? As for the doonas – well, I’m willing to sacrifice my body to bed mites but not my children’s! Am I a germaphobe? Maybe.
Before we could get on the road, we needed lunch so we stopped at Henry’s favourite eatery, which happened to be in a shopping centre. While there, I reasoned that gumboots were a necessity for all the farm poo that would undoubtedly be present. Knowing my extreme aversion to stepping on any form of faeces (it’s called coprophobia), the family begrudgingly agreed and followed me from store to store looking for them. Given that gumboots are for winter and not spring, there were none to be found. After Henry yelled out, “I told you there weren’t any gumboots in here Mummy, I told you!”, I was adequately chastised for my idiotic request.
So off we drove, packed like sardines, to our farm stay. I was thankful that the cottage was clean and had minimal carpets. The host was welcoming and gracious, allowing us to see their week old piglets, chickens, sheep and working dogs.
The only downside – or maybe it was an upside – was the lack of internet reception. I don’t think people truly realise how reliant (addicted) they are to their phones. My husband forgot to bring his charger, so his phone died shortly after reaching our destination. He was desperate enough to ask a waitress about phone charger availability, stating to me that there would be dire consequences if he didn’t find one. I thought he was worrying about work but it turns out he “needed” to log on his Clash of Clan’s account to twiddle with his people. This overnight trip was a good reminder of keeping priorities in check.
The next morning, we went on the vintage steam engine train ride. We were seated in the Excursion Carriage of a preserved train from the late 1800s (cattle class as Henry didn’t meet the age restrictions for First Class). We got a signed guide book from the train conductor. We watched the townspeople dressed in their olden day clothing do a tap-dancing performance. We had delectable scones in a tea room. It was a fun day exploring small townships and experiencing an authentic steam train ride.
That night at home, while I was tucking Henry into his bed, he came up with a doozy.
“Mummy, I had lots of fun on the train today. I think I want to go to space on a rocket for my next birthday.”
Do you think NASA hosts birthday parties or do you reckon I should get started on that astronaut training?
https://knj.home.blog/privacy-policy/
Copyright © 2019, KN J Tales and Snippets. All rights reserved.
Hey Kathy, that’s a great blog – it takes me back about 10 years! Only parents can know how much work and preparation goes into a day and a half with child.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Phil! Bet you’re glad those days of lugging nappies and wipes are over!
LikeLike
Actually I miss having a toddler in some respects: if you read my blog “Multiple Personalities” it kind of reveals the fun we had when Darcy was around 2-3 yo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very very funny read! I’m looking forward to reading more posts from you!
LikeLike
Wow great job on the cakes! Sounds like he had a great bday. I’ve never thought of doing something like this for a family vacay. I bet my kids would love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It’s cheapish and a great experience for the kids. Win-win!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice cakes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fun! What a cute cake, too. Isn’t funny how kids think so far ahead sometimes 😆. Happy Birthday to your little guy!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Little dude had the most fun! Thank you for the birthday wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great read! Your son is lucky to have such a wonderful mother! Although I think you’ll have to manage his expectations for the years of birthdays to come!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I think he’ll learn soon enough when his wish to go to space next year doesn’t come to fruition. 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, you are prepared and what a great cake!!! Talent!! 👏🏻👏🏻
And pillow cover is such a good idea. I might steal that tip 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I do like making themed cakes. Not just pillow cover, actual pillows!
LikeLike
Ha! You pack like I do.. for every possibility. I’m impressed with your cake making ability, those are wonderful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
No one ever thanks me for my overpacking skills! But the minute I leave people to their own devices, they forget phone chargers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear that. I pack like I’ll never come back home… but I always have what I need.
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly.
LikeLiked by 1 person