Hugo's first holiday - the Northumberland Coast

A fortnight ago we packed up a rather overflowing car and headed off to Northumberland to join mum and dad in their caravan for a week. It was our first proper trip with Hugo so packing was horrible and we'll definitely be able to pack lighter in future. I guess we won't have much choice for our next trip to Bermuda!

On the journey there I was thinking I could never ever have my own caravan because of the fear of towing it. Following a caravan in horrendously windy conditions was horrible enough, I had my heart in my mouth the whole time, but the idea of being in control of that would be worse. But as soon as we arrived I started thinking about how much freedom it would give to be able to have cheap, comfortable enough holidays and explore the UK and even into Europe, so caravanning and campervanning is definitely something I'd like to explore, if I could get over the transportation issue.

Our home for the week was just outside of Seahouses, north of Alnwick on the coast. We could see both the sea and Bamburgh castle from the campsite in the distance - the campsite itself wasn't much to shout about, but the location was great.

The week was very chilled, going at our own pace. It was great for mum and dad to have time with Hugo and Adi and I managed a bit of us time too. It will probably be the last time the five of us can fit in the caravan, but we'll definitely join them again even if it means pitching a tent. Some of the highlights:

- Seeing Adi's face on the first night as he realised that he'd left all of his tops at home - one of those priceless, had to be there moments

- Relaxing evenings in a cosy caravan playing card games - my new favourite is hearts, I think it's safe to say Dad's not quite as keen as the rest of us thanks to some absolute thrashings
- Windy walks on the beach
- Pretty castles - Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh, Alnwick, Lindisfarne
- Fab fry-ups cooked by mum each morning - who needs a hotel?
- Getting active, back on the bike and a game of tennis - I definitely need practice
- A roadtrip to Scotland to see Rach and a lovely walk across the bay in Dunbar with her family
- Trying a new fish - Lemon Sole - this may not sound at all adventurous, but for someone who has only just branched from (heavily disguised) Tuna to Cod, its saying something. I'm determined to find new flavours I enjoy
- Discovering secluded bays - Low Newton beach to be specific - mum has a way of going off-piste and it turning out great
- A wonderful, relaxing massage to ease away seven nights on a rock solid caravan bed, and a nights stay at Doxford Hall to celebrate our anniversary (albeit feeling more shattered and full of cold after)
- Dressing up in a pretty dress to go out for our anniversary, ending up in a near-empty curry house, collecting desert from Morrison's and putting wellies on for a beach walk - I guess stuffy restaurants and hotels isn't really our thing
- Elan's pizzeria in Seahouses - absolutely fantastic pizza, so good we went twice
- Crazy Golf - although this may have got slightly competitive! I ended up getting worse as I went along, but I love it and wish there were more courses nearby
- Popping into the country's biggest book store - Barter Books. I'm not a big bookworm but even I was taken aback at the old station turned into a store, complete with toy train going around the ceiling
- Bamburgh - a lovely little village right on our doorstep. Top tip would be to avoid the Copper Kettle tea rooms - its a typical tourist trap that don't need to work hard for custom, so the cakes aren't freshly baked, instead head to the Castle Inn, a lovely pub that we went to on the first night to celebrate mum's birthday

diamond wedding celebrations

Today we drove down to Langar Hall in Nottinghamshire to celebrate (belatedly in part due to Hugo's arrival) the 60th wedding anniversary of my incredible grandparents which was last month.

Having just sold their villa in Spain, they treated 35 family and close friends to a slap up meal at the beautiful Langar Hall. Not being a big foody myself and having a baby in tow meant there are no pics of food and very few overall, but I'm told by the more foody types that it was top nosh.

Among the guests were friends of Grandma going back 79 years from when they were 3! As if 60 years of marriage wasn't impressive enough! The remarkable thing was that not only were two ladies vying for the place of Grandma's oldest friend, but there were also four of her school friends there too, along with more recent friends as a couple. I've always been in awe of my Grandma's ability to maintain true friendships and can only hope that the friendships that mean the world to me will last as long! Grandpa's best man sadly passed away however his son attended - how amazing that the family still value my grandparents. 

As well as great food, cake, sunshine and family, we were treated to a vintage car rally driving through the grounds. Below is my fave - a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang style!

Hugo was naturally the VIP guest and had lots of attention and cuddles. Everyone remarked at how amazing he is as he didn't cry once, which was a lovely reminder if how lucky we are to have such a placid baby! 

After the speeches we were presented with the vintage trike that I played with as a child, just as my dad did before me, at the family home and business - Peacock Farm. The trike used to be battered and rusty but my grandma has had it lovingly restored to its former glory. It will be passed down to all of Hugo's cousins and siblings to enjoy and is a wonderful family heirloom. 

Days like today remind me of just how lucky I am to have such a wonderful loving family and how important there happiness and health is. 

Although a very happy day, my Grandpa did amazingly well to attend having had a stroke the week before, and my mum was in an intense amount of pain with an infection. I go to be tonight with my fingers crossed that she wakes tomorrow with signs of improvement and the doctors get to the bottom of it prompto.