As part of our Jubilee week off work (hurrah!), we decided to make the most of the one hot day we had this week and head off to the Lake District for the day. With its vast acres of hills, quaint streets and ferry rides we just knew it would be the perfect place to take Baby Z.
He could run around all day long and we could gaze lovingly him and eat ice cream.
The weather was hot, people were happy and Baby Z was having a brilliant time.
We decided we would push the limits of toddler adventure a bit more and go on a boat ride around the lake. One that takes 45 minutes. That’s when we learned a few key things about Baby Z, and probably toddlers in general, on a boat trip…
He was in awe sitting on the top deck of the ferry and seeing the amazing view. Completely quiet for a bit.
He is not shy in asking for ice cream, opening and closing his palms rapidly to the couple sat behind us eating their Mr Whippys.
Using fruit flakes to distract a toddler that wants ice cream is futile.
A boat will only entertain a toddler for about 5 minutes, 10 minutes – tops! That’s when you realise you are stuck. On a boat. With a toddler threatening to throw himself onto the floor and start a tantrum.
The couple behind you will move at some point due to toddlers cries of boredom getting louder.
It’s fairly difficult to hear the tour guide over toddlers protests about getting off the boat. E.g.
Me to OH: [shouts] “What did he say about those castle ruins?”
OH to Me: [shouts back] “I think he said it used to be a coffee shop!”
Eh?
Seeing buoys in the lake will make any ball loving toddler instantly shut up and shout happily “BO!!!!!”
It is probably wise to pretend you don’t hear OHs quip of “and you want to get on a plane with him for 8 hours +”
You will feel massive relief as soon as the ferry docks. And possibly run off it.
Watching Baby Z run around happily after swans and dogs will make the whole world right again.
Then part 2 of the trip…
Decide he would love a visit to Beatrix Potter world and, as we are here, it would be daft not to go.
Get inside, watch the introductory video in a darkened mini cinema. Watch lovingly as Baby Z points to Peter Rabbit and says “Ooooh”.
Think “Oh, shit” as we move onto the display section and a “the exhibition is very delicate, please don’t touch any of it” warning is sent over the tannoy.
Thankfully get through it without breaking anything and keeping Baby Z ,mostly, up in arms.
Watch him happily stuff his face later with prawn crackers at a chinese restaurant whilst roaring (his new favourite thing) at the person at the next table.
Drive home wondering whether there’ll be more sun this summer and that more days like this would be perfect.
Wonder if we are ready for a trip abroad.
