The last few weeks have been quite stressful and so this weekend, on a whim, we decided to retreat to the Lake District.

We found a lovely little B&B that accepted dogs and the four of us packed up the car and headed off to the hills and land of no wifi or phone signal (bliss!). A dinner, bed and breakfast package awaited us at Stanley House, our fab B&B run like a home from home by Letty, our hostess. The sister pub to the B&B, the Woolpack Inn was a mile up the road where wood fired pizzas for Blake, mussels and beetroot salad for me and steaks for both Shaun and Bailey the dog awaited. After our gorgeous pub tea it was back to sit in front of the roaring fire in our B&B. No TV, no phones, no emails and just the four of us cuddled up together. At one point Blake had us all (dog included) in a headlock and exclaimed “I love my family!” and I thought in that very moment, my heart would burst.

My family indeed. The most important thing in the whole world, for a weekend, cut off from the rest of the world. I highly recommend it!

Gem x

Mussels at The Woolpack Inn

Even dogs were allowed

My funny little dude

Kisses for Mummy

Cuddles for Mummy

Enthusiastic affection from the small boy

Eagerly awaiting his steak and sausages

Our B&B

A visit to the Bluebird Museum for Daddy

Life is always better on Daddy’s shoulders

At the water wheel in Ambleside

Number one on Tripadvisor for Ambleside and well worth the walk to find it

Awaiting his lunch in Ambleside

My gorgeous husband

Another great place that allowed dogs inside

Checking out the goods

His new thing – pulling tongues for the camera

Sweet treats I couldn’t have

Soya cappucinos all round

“Stop taking photos of me woman!”

Love and affection is all he needs

See…

Very apt for our weekend escape

More sweet treats I couldn’t have

Happiness is cake, yeah?

“Mummy shush, Daddy is taking a photo”

Reading time at Rattle Gill cafe

Reading books between courses

Peep-bo!

Reading the story to himself with gusto

Story time

Home made leek quiche

Stealing Mummy’s veggie chilli

“Just a taste Mummy!”

Mmmmmm…. veggie chilli with gluten free bread

Yes please!

This was calling out to me! (But I didn’t eat it)

Well wrapped toddler

My world!

Exploring Ambleside

How pleasant!

So well mannered

Crazy kid

Like butter wouldn’t melt…

Small boy and furry boy take a rest

Obsessed with the rivers

Blake

Blake

Blake

Blake

Staring at the river, asking if he can go for a swim!

Moody and ready for home

Snooze time! (For them both!)