Family Life Adventures : Courageous Dylan (April 17)

April is an important month in our family and one we are not allowed to forget with a consistent countdown to the 4^th April, when Dylan turned 7 years old. His birthday is always in the Easter holidays being an initial Easter Sunday baby, so far has meant a week off work to get ready for his expectation of celebrations, to celebrate, then recover! There is no doubt he is his mother’s child as he sets out his stall of birthday requirements.

A birthday, according to Dylan, does not happen without:

· Balloons

· Decorating his awning space

· Cake with candles

· And a new one on us this year – a present is not a present unless it can be unwrapped!!!

So you can probably appreciate it is quite a challenge to live up to. Especially as last year, although he had a big party with a big room to decorate, I overlooked his awning space to decorate and he was initially disappointed. I feel the pressure!

Dylan’s day started with unwrapping a new ‘big boys’ bike, he was thrilled and delighted. He adapted instantly to a bigger heavier bike. As long as Dylan’s natural caution is respected and acknowledged he will be adventurous and give new challenges ago. He sped along on his bike really quite quickly, flicking through the gears being the greatest thrill. The causative effect of such excitement was in half an hour of constant gear changing his poor left hand thumb was blistered and too sore to use. (You can share in his pleasure by watching my video, sorry about the tinge of blueness in bits of the film I couldn’t work out white balance).

Dylan’s birthday adventure was going to Go-Ape at High Lodge, Thetford Forest with a few school-friends and cousin for the afternoon. They were all challenged to walk the junior tree top assault course. The course is a variety of twists and turns on rope walkways and bridges all lacking stability 4 meters (13ft) high through the tree trunks – tops, whilst harnessed to the safety cord. Milo and I went up with our group of 6 years old celebrating Dylan’s 7^th birthday, so all very young.

Mio led the way followed by his little brother and his friends as I cheered and encouraged from the back. I could eyeball all the children at every step and was really proud and awe-inspired with how well they all dealt the challenge of an activity which pushed them to the edge of their comfort parameters without a parent nearby. There were moments when fear was visible in their little bodies but all of them took the next steps and moved forward. The only bit some dipped out of was the zip-wire at the end, but all got around. In the café with fizzy-drinks, chicken nuggets and chips they shared how the experience was, “both terrifying and exciting at the same time”, Tremendously Courageous Children!

The afternoon carried on with much more grounded play in the wonderful playground for quite a bit longer. Then back home for birthday cake, when many of the campsite family wandered around with grandparents, packed into our caravan. I’m pleased to say enjoying Dylan’s homemade three layered smarties decorated chocolate birthday cake. (Share the joy in my video below).

The holidays obviously brought Easter and this year sported by a family gathering for tea together and Egg Hunt at Stone Barn, my sister Vanessa’s home. The vast array of children made the occasion pleasurable, being the very small to adult grandchildren and their lovely partners alike.

from left to right Dylan/India/Finley with Llewella/Esmai and Lucia

The little ones being 2 years old who could take or leave the chocolate just enjoyed the fuss. To the 6-7-9 years old who were frantic for the chocolate sported by a treasure hunt to cease their chocolate loot.

Eloise with Chocolate loot stuffed down her top

Milo - his coat pockets holding his treasure

Callum and Hannah

Connor and Emily

Jake and hs lovely bride Nicola expecting their baby!

Katherine - jacket stuffed!

Lovely old folks! - Sandra and Kevin

To a vast array of adult children whose true colours of desire to collect the Easter Bunny loot was evident with pockets, jumpers all full of collected coloured eggs.

It was a great laugh, relaxed afternoon and wonderful seeing the majority of the family together catching up. I’m hoping a few pictures of Easter Sunday will assist in capturing the flavour of the day we enjoyed.

Our Easter weekend was finished with experiencing Wymondham Great Duck Race on Easter Monday, it was an experience, many races were sponsored to watch plastic numbered ducks release and floated down the River Tiffey. The winner being the duck the old boy fished out at the end in the net, quite a surreal event. We won none!