Trams, Things and going underground

It was unanimously decided that, whilst in Llandudno, it was the prescribed law to visit the Great Orme at least once (and that you'd get AT LEAST 3 points from your being if you did - 3 added if you didn't - Thing 1).... So we did. Myself, three Things in tow.... Things' granny, grandad, two aunts, an uncle and 3 cousins.

We arrived at said tram (ridiculously tram- full) , purchased tickets (well, I didn't... I'm assuming that a sister or mother in law did .... Otherwise I'm a thieving criminal!). Do note, welsh police, I really did have tickets! (Or I hope my caring relatives did!).

We had a mini drama as I had to physically extract Thing 3 from her pushchair to get her onto the tram ... Then fold up said pushchair and wriggle my way on to the busy tram to find the rest of the family.

The tram ride was fun. The Things loved it. I did have to keep a check on Thing 1 who developed a habit of sticking his head out of the side rather a bit too far, and also on Thing 3 who would probably have jumped did I not have her in a bear hug. Thing 2 was being a girly girl and sitting with her glamorous hairdresser auntie, to whom she'd taken quite a shine.

We eventually reached the top and headed to the cafe for refreshments. A GIANT cookie per Thing, and teas an coffees all round for the grown ups.

The Things picked the smarties off the top of their cookies and then decided that they needed to visit the shop; where they gravitated towards oversized Biros.... I allowed Things 1 and 2 to have one each (I paid for these! Honest!) and convinced the Biro hugging Thing 3 that she would much prefer a fold up hairbrush.... I could pre-empt the state the hotel room walls may find themselves in, were I to allow a 1year old free reign of a biro!

It was then decided that Thing family would visit the Great Orme copper mines. Thing 1 was most excited about this fact and Things 2 and 3 soon caught on to the fact that they were embarking on an adventure.
The sun shone brightly; the heat was lovely; it actually felt like we were on set of 'The Flintstones'. The Things were so excited being in the mines. All three held tight to their hard hats (Things 1&2: red, Thing 3: pink) and made their way through the barely lit twists and turns that are the ancient mines. Thing 1 wondered about the fact he was under the ground. Thing 2 ran back and forth informing me she'd found rocks. Thing 3 ran her hands over the stone and occasionally stopped in order to lick it. We had fun!

We soon headed back to the hotel and I then left Thing dad with Things 1 and sleeping 3 and took Thing 2 out to browse the shops. We had been gone about 15 minutes before I received a phone call from Thing dad informing me that Thing 3 had awoken and was refusing to stop crying. We ran back and collected the crying Thing 3 and took her back out with us.

All too soon, it was time to return to the hotel and get ready for our evening meal. As it was Thing granny and Thing grandad's golden wedding anniversary, we had to get downstairs earlier than planned in order to place set and the like; not an easily planned feat with three Things to deal with! But, we managed, and it was a lovely evening, with beautiful food served in The Imperial Hotel's award winning restaurant, Chantrey's. I highly recommend it! Even the Things loved it and they are fussy eaters! (The free colouring books that they were given may have helped!). I have to admit, I did wolf my meal down as Thing 3 had decided to take mealtimes as the best time to cry and tant,until picked up and then practise the 'Thing fling' (pushing backwards in your arms and practically unbalancing you) until you walk around jiggling and rocking her about. Although, I can't complain too much, as her naughtiness did lead me to meet the manager of the hotel,who was most pleasant, introduced himself and asked after the 'Things'.

After coffee, we returned to the room, full and tired and sad that we were to leave for home the following day. ... At least we could get a good nights sleep in those lovely hotel beds....

Three Things in a hotel

Back home at Thing Central, as I sit and eat a rather lacklustre "dinner" of take-away soggy pizza and chips (haven't the energy to cook), I find myself reflecting on the last couple of days; Thing Central has stood quiet and empty and Three Things have been causing chaos in Llandudno, N.Wales.

It was touch and go all of last week as to whether we would be going to Wales, all or partially, in consideration of the Things' pox. It was decided late on Thursday that's we would indeed be going, following a trip to both the Drs and local hospital and receiving an all clear with regard to the Things' contagiousness. They'd also perked up a bit by Thursday and so the unanimous vote was to head Wales-way the following morning.

Friday morning was madness! To say I'd packed mine and all three Things' clothes about a fortnight ago, I still seemed to have a mountain of jobs to get done on Friday before we left! There were toiletries to pack, and countless snacks for the journey to be organised; Bottles and nappies, not to mention getting all three Things dressed and clean. We eventually
set off at something nearing 11am (for those who know me, I don't do late in the day travelling! If I'd had my way, we'd have been in Llandudno for breakfast time!).

We made good progress, considering we had to run a few errands on our way out and were in Llandudno a little before 1pm. This suited us fine as check-in wasn't until 2. By the time we arrived, both girl things had succumbed to the relaxing movement that is a car journey, and were softly snoring in the back. Thing 1 had talked for practically the entire journey (never have I wished for a soundproof partition between front and back of vehicle more than I did at weekend), and continued to talk away as Things' dad skilfully manoeuvred the car into a parking space nowhere near big enough to fit said car.

Once parked up, Thing 1 giddily jumped from his seat and clambered into the front, where he plonked himself on my knee and re-took up his endless chatter. I was understandably relieved once the Things' paternal grandparents (whose Golden wedding anniversary was the reason for the weekend trip) arrived and took a bouncing Thing 1 up to reception with them, to check in, whilst I roused the still sleeping girls.
Thing 2 was tremendously excited to be at the 'Hoteyl', understandably so, as it was their first ever hotel stay, and was eager to see the room.

We were allocated a suite, and were surprised to find that we were also lucky enough to have a sea view; Three things bounded around excitedly, looking in drawers, exploring the bathroom, licking the walls and generally being Thing-like. Thing 3's entire face lit up as she was lifted to see out of the window and she giggled at the view.

A swift unload of the luggage and unpack later, I left Things' dad to get some rest after the drive and myself, all three Things and Things' granny went for a walk along the prom and on the pier.
We ended up in the arcade and then had to stop every couple of seconds along the pier so that Thing 1 could look through the gaps in the boards to "see what is down there!" (The sea?!)
Eventually we meandered back to the family friendly hotel (The Imperial) if anyone was wondering, and headed room way and changed our clothes .

Feeling fresh and invigorated, we bounded down to the dining room. The Things behaved surprisingly well, the staff tolerated the Things surprisingly well and the food was absolutely amazing! Yum! A day in Llandudno, staying at The Imperial hotel, is pretty hard to match!

Yes! 3 Things poxed.... She says, sitting here with a crying Thing 2 and a just gone to sleep Thing 3

Christmas? Birthdays? What are they in comparison to 'pox' day? The excitement on Thing 2's little face this morning as she discovered she did indeed have chickenpox, is indescribable.
Alas, she was back into the 'in-crowd'; no longer left out; the pack of Things were again in union; She had the pox! She was so proud and kept lifting her top to count 'how many now?'.

The post lady knocked on to deliver a parcel; Thing 2 proudly announced that she had 'chicken pots', whilst lifting her top to show them off.

Sadly, all wasn't so happy for little Thing 3. She spent last night waking every hour, crying, itching and feeling generally under the weather. This morning we both looked like we'd pulled an all-nighter.... Oh, we had in fact done just so....
She is covered head to toe, including pox amongst her eyelashes. So today I took the executive decision to obtain one of those elusive Drs appointments.
I phoned from the time the surgery opened until about a half an hour after opening time... Continually it was an engaged line and then, it just kept cutting off.
I did the legally obligated school run of thing 1 and once I got back I roused the husband and Things 2 & 3 and we drove down to the Drs. I went in; greeted by mrs Brash, the receptionist, who brashly informed me that the phone lines were open and, after a wee bit of brash cohesion, mrs Brash came up with a midday appointment with the head practitioner.

We headed home, Thing 2 pranced about a bit, dressed herself in her Drs outfit and 'treated' herself for chickenpox (apparently modern day treatment is bashing your own knee with a reflex hammer countless times and then listening to your own big toe using a stethoscope).

We headed back to the surgery for the allotted 12pm appointment ... Signed ourselves in with Mrs Brash as the automated system was out of order (in five years I've seen it work once). Thing 3 did well in the 'I'm poorly, so I'm resisting the urge to body slide on the wonderfully polished surgery floor even though its killing me inside not to' stakes . The only bit of rebellion was her launching of a trainer at the surgery notice board announcing; what we did in 2012, with photos, dating back to 2010 (damn you digital photo date adding).
After what seemed like a lifetime (five minutes) we were called in. Dr D agreed, it's pretty severe and we are now referred to the local hospital for the smallest Thing to have her eyes checked thanks to the eyelid pox.

Thing 2 remained smug and proud until about half an hour ago, when she awoke crying and being grumpy. It took a fair amount of convincing for her to take Calpol; including myself taking a spoonful (yum!) to show her it was yummy. I would've rather avoided having to try it . I had to convince Thing 3 to take her two medicines by trying them first myself... This sort of scenario makes me wonder; is it just me?! Or how many parents are unknowingly walking about under the influence of a misguided 'yet another' intake of 5ml of cherry calpol?! Bunch of druggy parents! Or maybe it's just me... But cherry calpol .... Doesn't half taste good!!!

Return of the pox... Much to Thing 2's dismay

'When I'm bigger, I will get chickenpox because I'm bigger'
Thing 2, age 3

After a couple of days of having a big,spotty, brother, Thing 2 had become quite attached to the thought of getting chickenpox. She had begun to see it as a sign of being more grown up.

Every morning since Thing 1 announced with pride that he had chickenpox, Thing 2 has woken me with the instruction to look at her back and search her for chickenpox... To no avail.

This morning was no different. My attention was demanded to look at her and check for the spots. No spots visible.
This afternoon was a different matter though...Thing 3 had a rough afternoon. Crying and not able to get comfy. Finally, after munching on mud in the garden, she found the land of nod. When she awoke, she screamed and shouted. Flung herself about and caused chaos.
I checked her back; two chickenpox. I showed Thing 1 and he ran to tell Thing 2.
Thing 2 then marched into the room,hands on hips, demanding proof of this revelation. I showed her, she sulked momentarily. Feet were stamped, that dreaded phrase; 'it's not fair!' Was uttered.

But then, she settled most happily into mother hen role; asserting that 'only big sisters can give calpol to little sisters'. Thing 3 wholeheartedly agreed by point blank refusing my attempt to administer medication, but gleefully taking it when offered to her by Thing 2.
Thing 2 then fussed over the littlest Thing and tucked her into her doll's wooden cradle.

Two down and one to go..... But what is it they say? Two out of three ain't bad!!!

Chickenpox, chicken spots, dot-to-dots

'Mum! I've got chicken spots'
Thing 1, age 5

'Mummy! Thing 1's got dot-to-dots!'
Thing 2, age 3


This is how I was awoken this morning. I have never seen more pride in a small being as I saw in Thing 1 as he attempted to count his spots including those on his back. Thing 2 took over and announced that there was most definitely more than one hundred.... On his back alone. There wasn't .... At first count there were about 11 on his back. However, by the end of the day there were 42. That's not just a guess.... I was made to play 'count the spots' every hour or so.

Thing 2 has been persistently checking her own body and that of Thing 3 looking for chickenpox .... She's resigned herself that she will get them when she's "bigger" ... Now there's something to look forward to!

I on the other hand am hoping all hope that the girl Things get chickenpox this coming week.... Countdown to weekend away in Wales .... Twelve days .... They have to have it over and done with by then! We have FREE pool access!!!

Three Things at the zoo

'My favourite animal at the zoo was the Barbies, I like Barbies'
Thing 2, age 3

Tuesday morning was filled with the laughing and giggling of excited Things. Day trip to the zoo!

We were going with Nanna and meeting Thing aunty and Thing cousin there. Thing 1 was extremely excited to see the dinosaurs at the zoo and in honour of this we had listened to dinosaur songs all the way there... I say listened...myself and Nanna had sung along to the songs and three Things had argued and bickered in the back of the car. It was a relief to finally arrive at the zoo and I cannot be sure as to whether I or the Things was the most excited....

Firstly we went to see the elephants, but only one was out when we got there, so we resolved to make a return trip to the elephant enclosure, and set off walking around what is quite a large zoo. It's amazing how far you can actually walk without feeling tired!

We went to see the giraffes, who had drawn quite a crowd considering that the latest addition to the giraffe family was only two weeks old. Thing 3 was in awe of these tall creatures that must have looked amazingly huge to the little Thing 3. She stood stock still for ages just looking upwards and occasionally waving at them.

Thing 1 asked if we could go and see the dinosaurs. We told him we would when we got to them but we were going to work our way round rather than zigzagging back and forth. We went to see the monkeys. Things 1 & 2 dashed off to press buttons on an interactive unit and paid little attention to the actual animals.

We decided it was time to consider finding somewhere to sit down for lunch. Perfectly timed, really as we were right by some benches and the park. By this time the weather had also brightened up considerably and so it was pleasant to sit, eat and watch Thing 3 mush food into the table, her clothing and her hair. Thing aunty hadn't been as organised as us and hadn't brought a packed lunch, instead deciding to purchase something there. So, whilst we tucked into our soggy ham sandwiches, bottles of corporation pop and single penguin biscuits, Thing aunty swanned off to buy some food, then returned with a box of pizza and a cup of hot chocolate.... I have never wanted pizza so much! And hot chocolate?! in an act of defiance I took myself off to the nearby kiosk and soon myself and Thing nanna also had hot chocolate. . . Unfortunately, my quick trip to the kiosk was with the accompaniment of Things 1 & 2, and so resulted in the purchase of three ice creams as well... I can't complain. It kept them quiet for all of ten minutes!!!

We went to see the lions and tigers, then finally headed round to the dinosaurs. That should read 'round to where the dinosaurs WERE', that is until last Christmas, when they were removed pending a new exhibit. Thing 1 sobbed. It was heartbreaking and now I'm researching where I can take him to see dinosaurs! He was however bribed to cheer up, with the purchase of a dinosaur grabber which is what he'd been saying he was going to buy from the zoo! (luckily remnants from the dinosaur shop remained in one of the other shops).

We went to see the butterflies. The Things were dubious at first but once inside they were amazed. Thing 2 was happy until one rather big butterfly settled on her back. I whispered to Thing 1 not to say anything whilst I removed it, but of course he very loudly announced to her that there was a butterfly on her back; cue lots of flapping and spinning round in circles by Thing 2 as she got increasingly more hysterical. I managed to get the butterfly onto my hand and then Thing 1 had to hold it. He was adamant that it had "fangs".

We still had so much to see. We went in the bat cave, which we ended up walking through twice as Thing 2 got almost to the exit, decided she wanted to leave and as only a three year old can, stubbornly insisted that the exit was where we came in, thus dragging myself, Thing 1 and Thing aunty back the way we'd come, against the tide of other visitors to the bat cave, which of course, at that moment in time consisted of a large school group, all dressed in red, just like the Things. We finally convinced her that the exit was the opposite way and managed to get her out. Thing 3 had fallen asleep in her pram before we got to the bats, so we left her and Thing cousin outside with Thing nanna whilst we went in. That's not really a bad scenario, as last time we went to the zoo, when Thing 3 was six month old, the bats had taken the decision that she looked like a latrine and therefore pooed all down her leg. Poor Thing 3!

We had such a great day. The Things behaved exceptionally well and enjoyed themselves although they were very tired; we worked out that they must've walked solidly for the best part of six hours so they did fantastically well. Roll on the next day out!

*special thanks must go to the lovely lady and her husband who sent us zoo tickets, as without them we wouldn't have afforded the trip... If you read this, you know who you are and you really are fabulous. Thing 1 says that you are his fairy godmother! *

A week into Easter and Thing Central remains standing.... Result!

I'll admit it. I was wondering how we were going to survive two full weeks of a fully stocked Thing Central. I will admit that, one week in and I am not only surprised that the place is still standing, but also that I haven't yet had to enforce strict rationing measures upon the food supply (although, we are getting rather close to this eventuality).

On Sunday, we went to paternal Thing grandparents' house and all three Things played splendidly well with each other, whilst my mother-in-law taught me to knit. I can only knit long strips and squares.... But, ever the optimist, that means I can knit scarves and handkerchiefs.

On Monday we visited a friend. This was the only day there was a minor hiccup in Thing behaviour. They were playing nicely upstairs with friend's two children, Big J and little J, then there was a yell of 'help! Thing 2 is stuck!' ... It materialised that they had decided to play hide and seek and then had decided that fabric wardrobes would be a fabulous hiding place. Said fabric wardrobe had then collapsed, Thing 2 and all. New fabric wardrobe was broken, clothes were everywhere, I was mortified and Thing 1 remained proud that he'd been able to reach the zip to unzip the wardrobe in the first place. Needless to say, we made a quick getaway, me flushed beetroot and Thing 1 still chattering away about how tall he is.

Tuesday was dinosaur day at Thing Central. We made dinosaur booklets with glitter pictures and lift the flap dinosaur eggs. Then we made chocolate cornflake 'dinosaur nests'. I had three happy, chocolatey, glittery Things by the end of the day.

The rest of the week has been a mixture of pottering about and playing with toys. Although on Friday afternoon I did have the fabulous idea of sorting through summer clothes to assess what we already had for our June holiday to Cornwall and what would be needed.
This was all in all a terrible idea I will say in hindsight. Trying to sort through piles I clothes with three Things running riot? Honestly, within five minutes the entire house looked like Primark.... When there's a sale on! It was ridiculous! There were shorts hanging from lamps and swimming costumes on the door handles. It really did look as though the Cat in the hat had paid a visit and released those Things there and then. Lesson learnt. I shan't be doing that again.

Yesterday (Saturday) I threw all three Things outside to play in the sun. I put up the play tents they got for Christmas. Got out the little tykes cars. They upturned the cars and pretended they were houses, they sat in the tents, pretending they were cars (?!) ... Then, as I turned my back momentarily to sort some washing, they decided to dig in the mud. Thing 3 decided to eat the mud. I took them a tub of warm soapy water and asked them to wash their hands. They splashed and splished and filled the tub with stones.
At least they had fun although I was despairing.

Next week we have a treat planned. A trip to the zoo. I can't wait. I'm hoping that they'll all be one their best behaviour (the Things, not the animals) and that Thing 3 refrains as best she can from her current habit of growling at any creature smaller than a Labrador as barking at any bigger than that.
It is something to look forward to over the next two days, Although if I hear another rendition of 'nanna's taking us to the zoo on Tuesday', I may go spare!