Well, another year is over! Lets take a look at the good bits:
January
We went Sledging. The mountains looked beautiful covered in snow and we had great fun. We’re hoping for more snow next year.
We enjoyed a Winter walk around Bosherton Lily Pond. It was a gorgeous day out. We love walking along the narrow bridges across the water (I used to be terrified of this when I was younger).
February
We explored our local area, Milford Marina and Scotch Bay Beach. Another fun, family day was had here.
We saw Paddington The Movie and all I could think about was the amazing home decor in the Brown’s House.
We made Love Heart Swan Valentine’s Day cards. Most of our craft is still inspired by nature.
Jo and I ate out at a new Vegan Cafe in town, then called The Walnut Cafe. I’m going to try and visit more local cafes and restaurants this year.
We explored the stunning Church Doors, my fear of heights took over and I didn’t manage to get onto the beach with the kids- maybe that can be a goal for 2016!
March
We had a bad start to the half term holidays and I wondered how the rest of the week would pan out. Thankfully, we then had a good day on the beach and in the woods which made up for it.
I enjoyed a lovely Crafternoon with Hilary’s Blinds and fellow bloggers. When I returned home, I had a nasty fall, which left me unable to take part in the Comic Relief Danceathon that I was really looking forward to (boo!).
We had another fun half term day at Scolton Manor with good friends.
Mother’s Day was celebrated at Cenarth Falls.
We explored the sand dunes and driftwood dens at Newport Sands.
April
We had a good time in Goodwick.
In April, we had the first BBQ of the year and enjoyed our annual Easter Egg Hunt- I can’t wait for warm, sunny weather once more.
We ate chips, enjoying the glorious sunset on the Rath.
Mum, Jo and I had a very vintage day out at Narberth’s Vintage Home and Fashion Fair.
We celebrated Dave’s Birthday at the Buccibar, Milford Marina.
We climbed at Conduit Beach.
We celebrated Danny’s 12th Birthday (yes, 12!) at the Lord Nelson. I didn’t blog this (bad blogger/mother) but it was a great family day.
For Jo’s Birthday, we stayed at Court Coleman Manor Hotel- another stay that I still need to blog about (April must have been a busy month).
May
We had a wonderful walk and paddle down Monk Haven– I love this place so much.
June
We spent a busy Bank Holiday at St Davids.
We looked for magic in the Fairy Woods.
On Father’s Day in June, the kids wrote about why they love their Daddy so much, they gave reasons such as “Daddy, you cuddle me and keep me warm.”
We went crabbing down Sandy Haven Beach.
We read a new book by a local (to us) author, Elen’s Island.
Throughout the year, the kids reviewed various sets of LEGO. LEGO Elves is so magical.
Rebecca and I went to see One Direction! This was a dream come true for her as last year we had to miss the show. It was worth the wait.
July
Oh, I loved the Summer Time. We had a fab time at Milford Fish Festival. The kids loved kayaking in the docks.
Summer months mean jumping into Gelliswick at high tide. These are amazing carefree days and it makes me tempted to live somewhere warm all year long.
We looked back at an old family holiday to Malta.
We went Strawberry Picking at Brooksgrove Farm. I’m glad about this as we were too late for the pumpkins this year!
July saw us visit Leicester for the first time with a great Stay, Play, Explore Break. We loved Conkers and our stay at the Hinckley Island Hotel. We also stayed in Newport as we planned to “Go Ape” at Margam Park. Sadly Danny was too tired to go.
In July, Dave, Tom and I went to Camden Rocks Live and plan to go again in 2016 too.
August
In August we enjoyed an idyllic day at Barafundle Bay.
We looked back on our perfect family holiday in Disneyland Paris.
We went for a walk and a paddle down Castle Pill Woods.
We wrote fifteen reason why we love Manor Park (I need to buy next 2016’s Double Bubbles ASAP).
We then had a day visit to Haven Holidays– we must stay longer next time.
I became 35 in August too which I also neglected to blog about (perhaps I was in denial…).
September
In September I realised that this would be the last term of time alone with Isabelle. She starts school full time after January. I’ll really miss the special one on one time we get at the moment while the older kids are in school. I’ve treasured this part of life with all of the kids, but it’s the first time I’ve worked from home so fully enjoyed it. We made the most of this time with woodland walks.
We went to see The Wildhearts and Hey Hello! in Bristol. Let’s hope 2016 is full of lots of live music too.
We celebrated Caitlyn’s 7th birthday at The Dinosaur Park, Tenby.
In September we also watched Rocky Horror – the Live Cinema Broadcast in aid of Amnesty International. For Christmas, Ceri gave me tickets to see the show live in Cardiff again. I can’t wait!
October
In October, I finally blogged about a Welsh Bloggers informal meet at Mountain View Ranch. I can’t wait for more meet ups in 2016.
Isabelle was a Fairy Princess in the Woods as she reviewed toys from Clara and Belle.
We gave our Living Room an Autumnal makeover.
We spent a day full of magical Bedlam in Pendine and Laugharne (we were so sad to hear that TBX wasn’t picked up in the end. I really hope we still get to see it somehow in the UK).
We went to Manor Park to celebrate Rebecca’s 9th birthday.
A winter’s beach day in Saundersfoot blew the cobwebs away. Izzy loves these Clarks Desert Boots that she wore.
Isabelle and I welcomed the first Black Rhinos to Folly Farm.
November
Remember, remember the 5th of November? We certainly remember our Guy Fawkes night down Milford Marina.
Danny showed off his skateboarding skills and new Plain Lazy board at the skatepark.
We took a walk down Neyland Marina and fed the swans.
The kids (bar Isabelle) took part in the local Remembrance Service. Danny representing Scouts and the girls representing Brownies.
After the service, we went out for a meal in Carmarthen with Mum (Nanny) for her birthday.
We enjoyed another Winter beach day down Newgale. We kept warm in our Saltrock Hoodies.
Dave and I enjoyed a weekend away in Bristol.
December
December saw us writing letters to Santa and posting them (we also got replies).
We took part in the Lantern Parade (and the girls stayed on their first Brownie Pack holiday).
We decorated our Christmas Tree.
We enjoyed a family day at Folly Farm.
We celebrated Isabelle’s Fourth Birthday at Manor Park.
I went to Manchester with Mum, Jo and Ceri to visit the Coronation Street Tour (post coming soon).
Of course, we (along with the rest of the World) watched Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This was Dave’s debut blog post, I’m hoping he’ll write more next year.
Lastly, we celebrated Christmas! What a special day it was.
We’ve also been to Cardiff to spend our Christmas money!
Overall 2015 has been good for us, lets hope for an amazing 2016 full of many more family adventures.
Happy New Year Everybody!
*pops party popper*
love,
Claire
xxx