Magical Moments with Popchips

I do love a challenge, especially when lots of family fun is involved, so teaming up with Popchips was the ideal way to enjoy a delicious, and low calorie snack, while on the go. We had a fantastic week of mini adventures with the new BBQ and Sea Salt multi-packs of six to provide us with fuel for all of our activities.

Saturday

The weather was a little miserable but a bit of rain has never stopped play for us! We went to Tenpin Northampton for a few hours where the Mr and I teamed up with the Mini Mes for a several games of pool, we slipped into some funky red and white shoes for some competitive glow bowling, we enjoyed racing in the arcades and we used all of our coppers on the slot machines. When we clambered back into the car it was nice to have something tasty to nibble on while we traveled home.

Ship Ahoy! - Magical Moments

The ferry trip across the English Channel from France to end our fantastic Eurocamp adventure was a little rocky, to say the least. It was quite a windy and wet day so I expected the sea to be less calm than our initial crossing to Calais but still, it was a little worse than I had hoped for.

Me and the sea usually results in sickness so I wasn't looking forward to it, although I had prepared for the worst with a few nappy sacks in my pocket just in case much to everyone's amusement!

When travelling abroad we generally fly so this was a new experience for us as a family. I had travelled by boat once or twice with my parents as a child but never as a parent myself (bar a few

Magical Moments - Movies

Sitting together, in silence.

They knowingly glance at one another, smirk, turn and giggle at their favourite parts. 

Two peas in a pod.

Eating from eachother's plate and swapping their nibbles for others they prefer.

Without a word, like mind readers.

A natural closeness.

Brother and sister bonds.

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Fairy Frolics

Minxy hadn't lost any teeth in quite a while so the moment she noticed one was a little wobbly at the weekend she decided to tug at it until she pulled it out, despite my best attempts to persuade her not to. Ouch!

I think she was a bit shocked once it was actually in her hand and she felt a little bit guilty for being impatient and not allowing nature to take its course.

Her note to the tooth fairy is proof of that...

She was rather apologetic and even provided a gift for the fairy!

The fairy didn't have any cash to hand, possibly due to the fact a tooth loss was quite unexpected, so she wrote a tiny letter back, left a new book (she raided Santa's stash hidden in my wardrobe, oops) and added some sequins and glitter to the pile. 

Minxy was very pleased that Felicity Fairy prefers the cello....
Funnily enough that is the instrument she plays too.


Does your child write letters to the Tooth Fairy?

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Make-Believe Magic

I'm fairly sure that Minxy is no longer a believer *sob*. She has doubted Santa for a few years but if it works in her favour she is happy to play along!

She is hoping Father Christmas brings her some rather pricey gifts...

...she gets more and more like me every day with her expensive taste.

I'm glad she has mentioned the return of the Elf on the Shelf, it reminds me that although my beautiful tween is growing up she still appreciates the build up to the big day and that she is still a little girl at heart.
I'm really looking forward to dusting him off for some festive fun.

I also liked the fact that she added a comment about her being good 'most of the time'.
She is unbelievably honest!

Apparently she is only ever naughty if someone has irritated her though. Hmmm.



Do your children still believe?



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Magical Moments - Play

A look of anticipation and another of deep concentration.

They can fight like cat and dog yet play nicely together, so naturally. 

Effortlessly.

Each grits their teeth for the challenge then eagerly awaits their next turn.

Being patient and providing encouraging words.

Offering support.

Playing happily together, yet against the other, as brother and sister.

We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything, than when we are at play.

― Charles Schaefer

Which games do your children enjoy?

Magical Moments - Affection

The Mini Mes are at the age where they are happy to go into school by themselves, giving me a quick wave as they run indoors with their coats and bags, while chatting to friends. 

They don't need me as much any more. 

They are growing up and becoming independent. 

At the same time as being proud that they have grown and developed from babies and toddlers, I miss them needing me and reaching out for my help and support.

They are at the point where they don't want to kiss me goodbye anymore as it's not cool in front of their peers. 

They want to spread their wings and do things for themselves.

However, behind closed doors they still cuddle up to me and even fall asleep in my arms after a long day. 

They plant their lips on my cheeks.
Want me to tuck them in at bed time.
Help them with homework.

They write me notes saying how much I mean to them as a mum.

I think this makes the hugs that I do receive that little bit more special.

“. . . I would have let him go one finger at a time, until, without his realising, he'd be floating without me. And then I thought, perhaps that is what it means to be a [parent] - to teach your child to live without you.” 

― Nicole Krauss

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Capturing magical moments

Capturing special moments on film is a constant reminder of the magical times we have shared as a family and I love having pictures on show around our house. It makes it a real home.

Since having the Mini Mes I have been inspired to take more photos, to see how they have grown, so when they are older they can look back at all of the good times we have had. 

Days out, birthdays, playing. Memories caught by the camera.

One of my favourites is this... 

It was a moment when I was trying to capture Jamster's cheeky smile before we headed out for a birthday meal. Minxy then popped up behind him photo bombed for a hug! 

It reminded me that despite the bickering and shouting that they do get on really well and love each other as brother and sister and as friends. 

It's the moments like this that makes my heart melt as a mother.

Do you have a favourite family photo?

This post is Emma's entry into the Printerpix Photo competition.