lately

We've returned. Back from our mini spring break. We had a really great time, playing in the sunshine and dodging showers.

We went to Strangford in County Down and stayed in the lovely Number 42, a proper home from home.

Strangford is a little village on the mouth of Strangford Lough. There is a small harbour, overlooked by rows of chocolate box cottages and a lovely georgian terrace.

We made the most of every ray of sunshine and visited some local National Trust properties. Mount Stewart was particularly gorgeous. The plants were covered with beautiful blooms. The bluebells were abundant and we visited a swan sitting on eight eggs in her nest on the lake shore.

We enjoyed a sunny afternoon in Newcastle, walking along the seafront, letting off steam in the playground and finishing up with strawberry milkshake for the littles and coffee and lemon drizzle cake for us.

We hoped to drive along the Mourne Coastal Route but were forced back by the pelting rain.

So plans were changed. We visited W5. It really is a great place to enjoy on a wet day. The boys had lots of fun in a science workshop about slime. They even learned how to make their own. Fun for the school holidays.

We visited a great garden centre and bought a few more vegetable plants for the garden. Pickleaf lettuce, mangetout and swiss chard. I am really looking forward to eating some home grown veggies.

Strangford was a lot of fun. Far enough from home to feel like a proper break but only a two hour car journey. Really important when travelling with wee ones. There are only so many times you want to hear 'are we there yet?'

Hope you all had a lovely week and are enjoying the rest of the weekend.