What a week! We went on our family holiday to a Haven holiday camp in St Osyth, nr Clacton-on-Sea last week camping with our own tent. Here’s the week in brief.
Day 1 – Arrival
Set up camp, went swimming. So far I’ve sunburned the baby, forgotten the changing bag and had to hunt through the bar to find a lady with a baby similar in size to borrow a nappy and wipes (poonami), de-liced the older 2 (and me) again. William hurts his foot, doesn’t appear damaged.
Woken up at 01.30 by the airbed (completely deflated), very uncomfortable night, ended up putting the travel cot mattress underneath in a vain attempt at padding. Baby D still wakes fairly frequently for feeding, usually feed lying down and doesn’t disturb me too much but impossible lying on hard ground. Am Mombie the Zombie today. Mini football this morning, weather cloudy with a chance of rain later.
First ice-cream of the day – 10.30. Did some drawing with Phoebe, we drew our shopping list as Daddy has gone shopping with Baby D. Sandcastle making, bike riding practice with William, bungee trampoline.
Quote of the day from Phoebe, “My world is full of flowers.”
Family Kart hire with Baby D asleep in the sling.
Anxious the elephant sings frozen songs – Phoebe is hooked and starts asking for merchandise. Rain. New airbed.
Day 3- Minor Injuries
William wakes up and is limping, won’t put weight on his foot and is crying in pain, head to minor injuries in Clacton – wait 2 and a half hours – nothing wrong, to give painkillers. By afternoon he’s playing football. Fish and chips for lunch in a nice restaurant on the sea front. Tesco. Highlight of the day spotting this garden near minor injuries:
I don’t know what they’re on but I want some. Arcade – Snow White proves elusive on the grabber. Glow sticks in the playground, kids pass out 10pm.
Day 3, or is it 4?
Discovering camping is easy with a baby, it’s just not easy with another 2 children under 6. Windy night. Swimming in the outdoor pool in the rain. Serious lack of sleep and lack of the will to carry on is causing cracks in our relationship – trying not to argue too much! William is becoming increasingly wilful wanting everything his way and having histrionics when it doesn’t. Baby D has a gunky eye. Teaching William how to ride a bike. Football. Copious amounts of swinging (the playground kind). Wrestling – great entertainment. Bingo (didn’t win), arcade (of course). Seaside squad with anxious and co. Kids pass out listening to Willow the Wisp. Ate crap. Lost toothpaste, have to use kids toothpaste – bleurgh.
Day 5
Baby D has gunky eye and fever, woke at 2am and didn’t sleep properly after that, properly awake at 6am. Back to sleep for a couple of hours in the morning which made me feel semi sane. Swimming with all the family restored why we were there – to spend quality time together. Family pub eventually found at The Roaring Donkey – nice food and great play area. Campsite playground, rainbow, epic storm, barbecue fail. Still can’t find toothpaste. Lego movie on laptop with popcorn, I pass out during the film.
Day 6
Bad night (there’s a theme here), Phoebe in our bed too so impossible to get comfortable. Baby D now has 2 gunky eyes and still v grumpy, need to see GP. Mini archery enjoyed, sing and sign with seaside squad. Bought anxious the elephant at great expense – they know how to get money out of you at Haven. Zorbing – need these at home for when they’re fighting. Phoebe makes poster with seaside squad, William not impressed as doesn’t ‘do’ arts and crafts, goes to arcade with Dad. Bought new toothpaste – found old toothpaste. William does Aqua gliders. Random car boot sale at the playground, got bucket BBQ, skillet pan, more plastic toys and bargain build your own tardis interior unused for 50p. Also 50p garlic press with olive stoner built in – husband is thrilled. Got Papa Johns pizza as gave in to William who has been taken in by advertising plastered everywhere (was actually very tasty). Family bingo interrupted by fire alarm – everyone evacuated- I was close! Called it a night, back to tent to watch Tom and Jerry. Best Day.
Day 7 – Minor Injuries (again)
Homeward bound, tried to get GP appointment at home but because of fevers they recommend out of hours at – Clacton minor injuries! Deja vu but got drops for him and got better soon after. Btw putting drops in a baby’s eyes which are slimy and sore is not easy. 2 days later I now have conjunctivitis – great.
