Long weekend away

I got back from the trip today and now I'm staring at all the pictures and facing up to the fact that I'm going to be spending the rest of the evening typing this update; I won't be covering any progress for the men so you'll get that update tomorrow. This is going to be a long one so grab a brew and set to.

Rosie and I about to head to the airport

Rosie with some snow

Sat on the plane waiting to take off

Mountains from the air

Shadows cast over frosty fields

The A380 taxiing past

Rosie pushing the bag - she's so helpful

In our hire car and on our way

Trampoline time

Super tasty Chinese takeaway

Last Thursday we were up early and in the car and away for exactly the time we aimed for. The drive to Sofia airport was really quick and easy and we parked the car at our usual carpark (and Rosie got to play with some snow) before getting the coach to the airport. Rosie was SO good all the way over; I couldn't get the tablet turned on for her to watch a few shows so we spent the whole journey drawing and reading books. I was so impressed with her and that really does extend through the whole trip. When we landed in Manchester we watched an A380 taxiing past us and then, while waiting for the bus to get to our car hire, we saw that plane take off. That is an incredible sight indeed. We had quite a wait at the car hire place as a person in front of us as experiencing card issues but once it was finally our turn we were very quickly into an (upgraded) car and on our way to Grandma's. The drive down, after initial traffic near the airport, was very quick and easy and we made it in plenty of time before the Chinese was due to be delivered. This gave Rosie time to see Grandma, play on her piano, and bounce on her little trampoline. The Chinese delivered on time and was very nice and it was quite an early night for both of us after the long day of travelling.

Walking to the shops in the frost

Rosie bought a new teddy

We have gone to Cadbury World

Waiting for our food to arrive

Tea is served!

Heading into the main attraction

Grandma has fun with the squirty chocolate

On the little car ride (her favourite part of the whole thing)

Rosie eats some chocolate

Putting up the Christmas tree

A lovely well decorated tree

Grandma with Keza and Freddo

Funny faces at dinner time

On Friday we went for a quick walk up the road after breakfast to take a package to the post office and then head to the charity shop where Rosie bought a toy cat called Keza. After this it was time to head for the big surprise for Rosie; we had bought tickets for Cadbury World as she loves Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The first part was a 3D film with moving seats that was quite cool but most of the other attractions around there were closed because of how cold it was. Finally it was time for our food which consisted of sandwiches and cakes and it was very lovely indeed. After that we headed into the main part of the experience which was truly awesome and Rosie loved it. We got to see chocolate being made, squirt chocolate onto a table and went on a car ride through some  really funky displays. We also learned a lot about how chocolate is made which I found fascinating. Of course there was lots of free chocolate to be had which was also welcomed. When we got home Rosie helped Grandma to decorate her tree (and did a very good job indeed) and then we went out for dinner to a local pub to round the day off. It was a lot of fun.

Grandma and Rosie by Grandad's grave

Rosie meets Grandad's brother

Rosie gets her hair done

My cousin - it was his birthday

Grandma was the best dressed there

Rosie was having such a blast

Hawaiian Shirt and Afro Wig

Rosie dancing with all the girls

Saturday was another chilly start but we headed out in the morning to go and see my Dad's grave and gravestone - I hadn't actually been able to get there since the stone was put up. Rosie was very upset about "missing Grandad" which shows how sensitive she is. I was so pleased to be able to get there! After lunch we packed the car up and headed off across country towards the venue for the birthday party, the main reason for travelling over. We arrived in plenty of time and I got a bit of a rest before other people arrived and so we went down to the bar to meet them. Rosie was a little bit shy of all the older people that she didn't know but pretty soon she was warming up to them and then when some younger children arrived she really got into the swing of things. Grandma really put in the effort for her outfit (it was an 80s theme party) and I did my best as well. It was a great fun party and Rosie had an absolute blast! She didn't stop dancing and playing with balloons until nearly 10pm and only then because her new shoes finally gave her a little foot soreness. I danced with her then until she suddenly fell asleep on my shoulder. What a great party, and Rosie was just a star! It was really lovely to see family that I hadn't seen for many years; all round it was a super time and I'm so pleased that we made the effort to get over.

Rosie eats her breakfast

Stood next to 92 Squadron

Jack's Green, and a James Bond Wagon

Exploring the rest of the yard

A big blue loco of some sort

Rosie fell asleep as we were driving

Rosie saying hello to the little man

On the bus at the end of a long day

On Sunday morning we were up for breakfast and met everyone again in the bar area. Breakfast was nice enough and Rosie enjoyed her sausage and toast. Once this was done we said goodbye to everyone, including Grandma who was getting a lift home with someone else, and Rosie and I took an unplanned diversion to a local heritage railway just 2 minutes drive from the hotel. It was amazing and such a nice serendipitous trip. Technically it was a ticket only day (Santa's trains running) but the doorman, having sent us away, changed his mind suddenly and let us in saying "just don't get on the train!". We went to the platform to look at the locomotive and had our picture taken next to it then were stood right next to it as they shifted forwards slightly to pull the carriages the length of the platform. After that we got to meet the Station Master in his office and then see a freight wagon that had been used in two James Bond films (the subtle ladder added to allow the stunt men to climb up was a cool thing to see. After this we killed some time in the shop and then wondering around the yard as we waited for another train to pull in that we had been told about. It arrived while we were waiting by the level crossing and steamed right past us! With this we headed down the road (and Rosie fell asleep as we crossed the fells) and got to Manchester in plenty of time to have a lovely couple of hours with my mate, who brought his new little boy to meet us. It was a great time but soon enough we had to head off to the hotel. We checked in then drove to drop the car off at the car hire place. The bus that took us back to the hotel developed a fault as we were driving and kept breaking down every time the driver had to stop (which is obviously a lot) but soon enough we were back and in the room for a very early night indeed.

We are back at the airport and Rosie is helping

Arty shot of fruit juice being drunk

Rosie and her pancake reveal face

Awesome breakfast for two

Rosie looks at our plane through the window

On the plane flying home

Tablet time with headphones

Freddo watching out the window

And so finally we reach today. It was a very early start as my alarm went at 4am (I was actually awake before that) and we packed efficiently then headed to departures. Once again Rosie was very good pushing the case and I was really pleased that we had booked the Fast Track security as we scooted straight through with no delays and got up to the restaurant for breakfast. Rosie ordered the chocolate pancakes and could barely believe her eyes when they arrived. My breakfast was a good size as well and we were in such good time that we could really chill out and relax while we ate. We then headed towards the gate and were first in line (as usual) and thus first onto the plane. It takes so much stress out to be able to do this. The flight was easy, Rosie had the tablet this time for some of it and then asked me to read to her as well which I did. She also played with her teddies some and was so good through the flight. We were delayed getting off the plane as the buses were not ready for us so sat for about 20 minutes before we could disembark. After that the journey home was really quick and easy and it was good to get back!

So there it is; what an epic update. Thanks so much for reading, and I'll be back with usual service tomorrow.