Beamish and Christmas

We had good fun at Beamish.   Carousel rides, brass band playing in the town square, hot roasting chesnuts, a carriage ride, lantern making, fish and chips cooked in beef dripping, writing our name with a nib and ink pot and gingerbread cookies...   all good fun.

Madeleine is warming up to the idea of Santa, who she previously declared "scary".  However, when we went to look at the queue it was over an hour long...  we will have to see him another day.

Castles and Christmas...

 Frightened by the pricing in Edinburgh Christmas, we decided to head south for a little look at how they do Christmas Northern style.  The day we left was the first time that Madeleine started using her own name to talk about herself.  First of all we headed south to Langley Castle, where Madeleine was initially quite frightened that she'd come across the Beast.  As soon as she worked out the coast was clear, she chilled out and got into the Castle Hotel swing of things... dressing up and eating gourmet style...

If you're going to say in a castle, even if you're only 2 years old, eating a 4 course gourmet meal is an absolute must.   Madeleine was a bit unimpressed with the portion size of the pre-appetiser, and was quite convinced the palate refreshing sorbet was dessert - she is only 2 years old though... sure she will get the hang of it.

The following day we went to Durham to look at the shops and visit the beautiful Cathedral.   Madeleine looked up at the ceiling and declared "I like it!".

In the evening, we went to the Enchanted Park - part performance, part light show, part spectacle...  some of it was really scary.  Madeleine's favourite part was the mechanical birds. You sing at them and they dance for you.  How charming is that? 

Then we went for Pizza - considerably less sophisticated than a 4 course menu in a castle... but just as nice...Madeleine is looking so intense here because she is concentrating on spearing an olive with a cocktail stick... 

Christmas Markets

Poor Madeleine had a stinky cold, and when I stroked her cheek to wake her to leave at stupid-o'clock, she just nuzzled in deeper to the blankets - a little sweet contented smile flicking across her face.  So when mean Mummy gave her a firmer prod, she roared like a Banshee.  "We have to go Madeleine - we're going on a plane" I told her.  "High in the sky?" she asked, recovering slightly - and so we were off.

Flights to Basel-Mulhouse we took in a Swiss market, the German market at Freiburg and the French market at Colmar, in between heading up to the mountain to have a look at the snow.  It has to be said, the highlights for Madeleine were probably the Christmas Busy Book (a board book with 12 Christmas plastic figures), the light switches in the holiday accommodation (excitingly placed low enough for her to reach) and the roundabout at Freiburg (which she went on alone for the first time - what a grown up girl!).

The low points were most definitely having to give up her bags and her buggy at airport security and in the museum at Colmar.  Madeleine doesn't share!  No, not even with security guards.  "It's MY buggy" she told them defiantly.   

So that's it then - we are into Advent and hurtling towards Christmas.   "Do you want to visit Santa?" I asked her.  "No - he's scary" she insisted.   "Wouldn't you like a present?" I offered.  Apparently she would not.   So that's us told then.

Madeleine was a little big dubious about some of these...  that's the scary witch she remarked quite casually... but the elf with no shoes was a definite no-no...

Miss M was most unimpressed with the snow... and gave her parents withering looks... unfortunately we didn't have a handy sleigh... what a shame...

ooh a Christmas tree... Madeleine said for the umpteen time....

This cake is as close to a Tunnocks Tea cake as you're likely to get, but is apparently a traditional confection of the Alsace region.   Miss M approved.

We went to see Mickey!

Madeleine has just enough language now to chat away constantly. "Is that a case?" she asked rhythmically, as every single case fell onto the carousel at Paris Charles de Gaulle, before suddenly adding"is that a pink case?"   I didn't even know she knew a colour.  That's the age she is -  a mixture of tedious questions, caution, amazement and wonder all rolled into one. What better time to go meet Mickey and friends.

Initially cautious, Madeleine found much in Disneyland to terrify and delight.  Quite unimpressed that Mummy had a special job checking the dragon's chains were still tight, she declared herself terrified of the Castle, Buzz Lightyear and Pinnochio's workshop.  Equally however, she terrified mummy by trekking to the top of the huge slide at the Davy Crocket Ranch and repeated demands for the Oribtron - which goes awful high, and doesn't seem to have much to stop you falling out - though to the best of my knowledge no one ever has.

Besides Mickey and friends, the Princesses were a huge hit, along with the teacups and all the other physical rides, the parade and most of all the night-show, which was the most amazing thing Mummy had ever seen!

Festival Time!

At this year's Festival, Madeleine was more interested in getting down and dirty.... playing in the mud kitchen a the Royal Mile Play day.

Having fun at the Udderbelly..  Mummy's favorite show was Santa Needs a Wee...

Madeleine was developing a real interest in Princesses!

Madeleine is 2!

Madeleine had a birthday party at home with all her friends, complete with a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Birthday cake, balloons and games.   Everyone brought presents, and by the end of the day Madeleine had caught on that presents might be quite nice.  She was initially a bit skeptical it all, and most unimpressed with the idea of sharing her Mickey Mouse toys!

Then for her actual birthday we managed to see all 5 grandparents across 2 countries, starting with coffee and cake in Luton, and finishing up with Birthday cake (made by Granddad) for Madeleine's and Kat's shared birthday in Lorgues.   What a busy day.

We went to Croatia!

We flew to Dubronik, and spent a couple of days hanging out in the sunshine, walking through the marble streets and eating copious amounts of ice-cream, before heading north to Orebic and Korcula, where the sea was perfect blue and warm.  Madeleine and Mummy especially enjoyed the sea food, the amazing cherry jam and the sandy beaches with bath-warm water at Lumbardo.

First Hair Cut!

 Knowing I might be a trifle nervous, Mummy took me to the posh hairdressers in Morningside High Street.  They don't just have seats, they have hobby horses to sit on, and Cbeebies to watch whilst you have your hair cut.  I really enjoyed sitting on the horse, and it was all going swimmingly, until I realised that woman was coming at me with a scissors.  I have to say, I was rather inconsolable.  This is the end result anyway...  gorgeous, aren't I?

Modern Art Gallery

We went to the Modern Art Gallery and they had an exhibition about Death.  It made no sense to me, and I was astounded to find this.  None of us knew what it meant.  I quite liked a flying scuplture of a dog/duck combined animal.  I might go again.

Visiting Granddad and Gran Kat

We went to visit Granddad and Gran Kat in the South of France again.  

Even though I am only a beginner walker (with a mere six months walking experience) I managed to make it most of the way round the woodland walk by the Monastery this time - Mummy only had to piggy back me for the last mile!  I especially liked the exercise equipment on the way round, and very independently climbed up to the top of this, and howled when I was dragged away.

Other newly acquired tastes were the beach - which is just fabulous now I have figured out this sandcastle building business - the swimming pool, which is there to throw your boats into and pizza.  

Hobby Horse

Apparently my Mummy is prone to hobby horses, but this is my first one.  We bought it on Princess Street, and I insisted on riding it home.  I think I'm rather good already.

Easter Egg Hunt

I went on my first proper Easter Egg Hunt at the Georgian House in Charlotte Square this year.  It should be pointed out that I catch on exceptionally quickly and am now fully versed, and can recognise foil wrapped confectionary at 20 paces.   I enjoyed the art.  I didn't however enjoy the facepainting at all.  I am highly suspicious of anyway who wants to draw anything on me at all!  Maybe next year...

Stair Climbing Licence

Madeleine does not quite have her Stair Climbing Licence, but this weekend she has mastered climbing down on her feet!  She has also started to ask to dress up!

Sledging!

This was a first for Mummy and me!  I quite liked riding along the flat, but going down the slope was scary!  Mummy thought it was awesome though!

First Snow!

There was, admitedly, the odd snowy day last year, but this is the first proper one ever.  We invited Madeleine to look out the window, and she complies. Double took.  Looked again.  OMG - what had happened!  The World had turned white!

We went for a walk to Colinton - which is quite far when you only have baby legs.  Madeleine walked about half the way.  Her wellington boots were incredibly cute, but didn't really keep her feet that warm :-(   We met lots of dogs and 3 horses.  It was very exciting!

When we got to Colinton, we had a cup of coffee and a slice of Carrot Cake.  Very nice it was too.

The Science Museum

Breakfast in Borough Market - a huge foodie paradise, filled with every foodie delight imaginable.  We sampled and bought some preserve and chutneys, the best artisan sausage we have ever tasted (and it was British) and a punnet of lovely fresh raspberries, before nipping into this baker for breakfast.  A choice of artisan breads and pastries and a peanut butter that even met with Daddy's approval.  Superb!  A lovely walk, via Southwark Cathedral, across the river with views of Tower Bridge, before heading off to the Science Museum.

Another bright, busy space - very different to how John and I remember it!  Madeleine enjoyed the Bubble Show, in to which they had shoe-horned a teaspoon of "science" and the Space Exhibition.  I was chuffed to see Stevenson's actual Rocket.  How amazing is that?  John saw Ernie.  Apparently that is exciting too.

Another long walk in the afternoon - all the way from Kensington to the South Bank.  Ducks featured heavily again, but we also saw the changing of the Guard or should it be the changing of the horse  at Horseguards in Whitehall.

Just time for a quick ride on another kind of horse altogether on the South Bank.  Madeleine spent half the journey frantically pointing at the London Eye - maybe next time!

A beautiful city.  We had a lovely time.

The Natural History Museum

If you love animals, it really doesn't get any more exciting than this.  Madeleine hadn't seen a dinosaur before, and was hugely excited by the exhibition. The animated full-scale T-Rex excited her as much as it had her big sister. They both clearly thought this was real.  Since coming home, Madeleine has been pointing out dinosaurs and bringing me our plastic models.  It clearly made a big impression on her!

Madeleine especially enjoyed the bird section - walls covered with every species you could possibly imagine!  

Afterwards we blew the cobwebs away with a long walk in Hyde Park, pausing for lunch at the Lido on the Serpentine.  It would be lovely to come back in the summer when we can hire a little boat. This is Madeleine in front of the Duck House!

We went back to see Trafalgar Square in the daylight and clamber over the lions like proper tourists, before a quick flick around the National Gallery to play boobies and babies.  This is a traditional family game - well Catherine played it anyway...  you have to look for things that excite little children.  When they are bigger you can include dogs.  Early art is great for boob spotting...

The Christmas Tree in Covent Garden was definitely the most impressive.  Just time to watch some street theatre beneath it, before grabbing a pizza on the piazza before bed.

We went to London to see the Queen

Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, where have you been?
I've been to London to see the Queen!

OK, I admit the purpose of our visit was a little less regal, but it is the only child-friendly rhyme I know about London - that and the one about the Bridge falling down, which doesn't sound very promising.  Madeleine took it all in good stead as we bundled her up at the crack of dawn off to catch the train.   We were busy congratulating ourselves that we had at the very last moment remembered the rain cover for the buggy, and were happily waiting at the bus stop when we remembered that we had completely forgotten our case.  Fortunately Daddy runs quickly!

 Just 4 hours and 20 minutes to King Cross, and across town on the tube.  It has to be said that the tube was not built with buggies (or wheelchairs for that matter) in mind, but you can cope if you are prepared to hang precariously off of escalators ignoring all safety warnings.  As the tube thundered into the station, Madeleine looked up at me with huge alarm - clearly checking to see whether running screaming would be an appropriate response.  Despite the noise and the bustle, by the time we left 4 days later, she seemed quite the veteran tube-traveller and wasn't phased at all.

First stop was the Tate Modern - just over-whelming for the scale of the place.   We waked from gallery to gallery with a gawping Madeleine in tow.  Of particular note, some birds arrowed to the wall, a canvas streaming with colour and some blobs, which might or might not have been meant to be poo.  We also watched a puppet silhouette performance, where an African slave grew a huge penis and then gave birth.  It was all very disturbing.  Madeleine, in between gawping, began to shout "DUCK.  DUCK".  At first, being a little literal, we, her parents, looked vainly around for duck-like shapes.  I think however, when you only have 50 words max, this was her attempt at art-critique.  She does like ducks, so I guess she was approving.

Afterwards we went for a walk along the river.  The South Bank (we stayed in Southwark) has changed out of all recognition since I lived in London twenty years ago.  I hadn't been in London since her 20 week scan - and Madeleine had only ever been as an inside-baby before, so we were both a little blown away - by the scale of the place, by its bustle, by how very alive and exciting it is.  Madeleine expressed this by sitting upright in her buggy, squealing and pointing. We ended up in China Town.  Madeleine was totally wowed.  It is so, so bright.  So busy.  So noisy.  With amazing cake shops and restaurants by restaurants by more restaurants - all wafting amazing smells, and proudly displaying spit roasted duck.  "Duck. Duck" yelled Madeleine.  Absolutely.

We went to the place that we'd eaten in just after her 20 week scan, when she had been given a clean bill of health, but was still 4 weeks from even being viable.  So much to play for then.  This time she sucked in the busy restaurant and tucked into prawn crackers and duck pancakes. 

We walked back to Southwark via St Martin in the Fields.  London, all decked out for Christmas - the bells of the church chiming away across Trafalgar Square.  Madeleine could hardly believe her eyes, and sat in her buggy frantically signing "horse" as she pointed at the statue of King George.  

What an amazing city!