Today we had an impromptu visit to Normanby Hall Country Park. We were originally going to a farm park but when we got there, it was closed (doh!). We decided that we weren’t just going to head back home so we thought we’d go there and let J burn off some energy. As it back to school week, it was pretty quiet apart from a few older people having a stroll and parents with babies/toddler. I like quiet, so I was pleased!

There is so much to do at Normanby Hall for both children and adults, including a play park, nature trails, tree climbing, a farming museum, walled garden, sunken garden, a tour of the Hall itself, and much more (including beautiful photo opportunities)! We headed to the park first, though I wish we’d gone on the way out as we couldn’t drag J away!

I left Daddy with him and went for a wander with N (who I was wearing). We came across this gorgeous peacock and of course I couldn’t resist some photos.

After Daddy had managed to drag J away, we headed to the main country park so he could have a run around. We should have taken a ball if we had known we were going (we really must keep one in the car for occasions like this) but J befriended a little girl who he played ball with for a little while! When he left her he decided he would keep taking a few steps and then roll around on the floor. He nearly had his first go at climbing a tree too after Daddy showed him, but he chickened out!

Once again I left Daddy & J to it, and headed for a wander around the sunken garden. All the times I have visited here I have never actually been in there and had a proper look. There are some gorgeous flowers and colours so I had to take a few photos. It is a lovely place for just sitting and taking in the scenery & fresh air. Also for feeding hungry babies!

We would have wandered further but it was getting on and we wanted to be home for tea. Next time we will plan in advance and take a picnic, and make a day of it. We did have to stop for an ice cream on the way out though!

As hubby works 6 days a week and doesn’t know very far in advance when his day off will be, we usually do things as a family on a spur of the moment. Today was the day for this week so I was hoping the weather would be nice so we could go to the local park for a picnic and a fun afternoon. It was sunny when we woke up but then black clouds were looming – we thought we would risk it anyway!

First things first we had our picnic – I just popped to the supermarket beforehand and got a few items to nibble on (sausage rolls, mini sausages, chicken bites, cheesy puffs and jam & custard Jammie dodgers, yum!). It was still a bit cloudy so we managed to find some shade under a tree. N was in the pushchair and just enjoyed having a good look around whilst we all ate.

After our picnic J & Daddy had a kick around with the football that we took along, before we headed to the play area with a sandpit and water area. I’m not totally sure who had more fun though!

We then headed over to the park where J had his first go on a roundabout, though I don’t think he was very keen as he didn’t stay on it for very long. He was more interested in the huge slide and we could barely drag him away!

In the park there is a water fountain which has been there for years, but it was out of action for a while. It has been restored a few years ago and this is the first time we have been to it. J loved dipping his feet in the water for a cool down.

Whilst the boys were playing I did a bit of flower spotting.

N slept pretty much the whole time so I think the fresh air got to him straight away! (And the sun popped out again in the end!).