the week that was

I prepared for holiday by working late Friday night, then sleeping most of the weekend. Then there was a 6 hour drive with a stop for a rip off at little chef and then putting up a tent in a race before time or at least before rain.

I think the community spirit had formed in the bog before we got there. I needed a couple of days to unwind before I could do ppl, and by the time I’d done that, camp was nearly over. The kids missed out on their holiday – Small spent most of the time in the tent doing some wonderful drawings, but he hated the mud so he didn’t really play out much. Big played with her friends some but also missed out as we had to go out to buy wellies the first full day we were there, so that was another day wasted.

Africa Alive was excellent as ever, although I do wonder whether my kids realise that it’s odd to see lions in England. They’ve seen them every year. We even caught a tiny bit of sun that day, and then we were rescued by Kirsty and went back to her chalet for tea.

Thursday I think it was actually reasonably nice. Was that the day we swam? Must have been. Revolution on the poolside – I’m so pleased that Park Resorts have sent me a freepost envelope so that I can give them feedback on their site. From the guy who didn’t actually bother to come into the field to help me find a pitch, after saying I’ll meet you in there and then disappearing; to the revamped pool changing area with nowhere to keep muddy shoes but the poolside itself in the overflow from the shower water; to the doormat to the main reception that three children tripped over as we made our way to the cabaret, and not one member of staff checked that any of them were OK, Kessingland let me down this year. We’ve gone 5 years running, since Small was 4 weeks old, and I’ve loved it every time.

Not this time.

The mud, the smell, and yes, being in a different headspace with no ability to relax and just be one of the gang, it wasn’t a good holiday for us.

I’ve promised the kids another holiday this year. I’m taking a week off in August. We’ll see what the weather is doing by that point, and we might drag the tent out again. If we’ve managed to dry any of the washing by then!