Taking the lead, shopping and muddy puddles
We’ve had a bit of a heatwave down in London over the last few days, yesterday after school we even had the paddling pool out. This morning? Rain and lots of it. Apparently, we’ve had about a months worth of rain in just a few hours. I don’t mind, for once I welcome the rain. I think we all needed it to cool off from the heat.
I dug out our raincoats and welly boots for the school run and I have never seen M so happy splashing around in every single puddle he could find.
I don’t work on Fridays and today, we didn’t have a lot planned. After dropping his big brother off to school we headed into town. I needed to pick up a few last minute items in preparation for him starting the School Nursery next week.
We only needed a few things, a new water bottle and a spare pair of wellies and for once we didn’t have anywhere to rush to.
M was happy splashing around in puddles, stopping to look at the trains go by and wanted to stop to watch the builders we were passing. We never usually stop – I am always in a hurry to get to where we are going and normally usher him along but for once I was happy to let him take the lead.

We spent the morning walking on walls, looking at toys and possibly going up and down every single escalator in The Bentalls Centre. And why not?
He was SO happy and loved being in charge of where we were going next. We did eventually get round to buying the bits we had gone in for.
As we were leaving, he wanted to go up the “big escalator” in the centre that takes you from the ground floor right the way to the top floor. I had promised he could go on it earlier so off we went. Whilst we were on it, he turned around, beamed at me and said:
“I love escalators mummy”
Sometimes, we just need to let them take the lead and do the things they want to do don’t we? He has come home tired but oh so happy.

![[AD] We’re a cricket-mad family, so we’re buzzing that @thehundred is back this August! 🏏🔥
To get ready, M tried out the official FREE Activity Pack — and it’s brilliant! 🙌
Packed with fun games, creative challenges and sporty tasks, it’s perfect for getting kids hyped whether you’re at home or on the go.
👉Download yours now (link in bio)
@londonspirit @ovalinvincibles #EveryMomentCounts #TheHundred
#EnglandCricket #CricketFamily #TheHundredCricket #LondonBloggers #Cricket #CricketIsLife #kidsfun](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/505472555_18531279601016840_7092520074819907569_n-180x320.jpg)



![[AD - Press visit]
We enjoyed the glorious sunshine this weekend with a trip to Brighton. We went on the @brightoni360official which is right by the sea front.
The i360 pod take a slow journey up, allowing you to take in views across Brighton and the South Downs 450ft above ground. There’s a bar inside with drinks and snacks available to purchase and the experience lasts 25 minutes.
Afterwards, we headed to the open air roller rink for a roller skating session!
The roller rink is:
⭐ Suitable for over 5s
⭐ £6.50 if you have your own skates or £9.50 if you need to hire them
⭐ 45 minutes per session
Full details to visit the i360 + skating
📍 Brighton i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
🚗 Parking nearby (we parked in the Regency Square Car park)
🎟️ Prices start from £25.40 for an adult and £16.90 for a child
🕐 Opening hours are currently Sun-Fri 10.30am-18.30pm and until 19.30pm on Saturdays
☕️ Bar inside the i360, cafe and gift shop
Book tickets here:
https://tickets.brightoni360.co.uk/tickets/?_ga=2.195305772.1869001490.1689671753-1757164059.1689671753/#events?eventid=157](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/417980235_313576471048632_3682382982231216432_n.jpg)

![[AD] ***Summer of fun at Barracudas Activity Camps!****
There is plenty for kids to do at @barracudas_activity_day_camps
From Tennis, Archery, Swimming, Motor Sports and more you can be sure that there will be something for kids aged 4.5-14. ⚽🏈🥅🎾🏓🏎️🏹🏊♂️🏉
You can book on a day by day basis - so it can fit in with any other days out/activities you have planned and there are early drop off and late pickup options available. Barracudas are also Ofsted registered so you can use your Childcare Vouchers too.
⭐⭐⭐Get £20 off a week or £4 off a day using my discount code: MARIA20⭐⭐⭐
#BarracudasActivityDayCamp #BarracudasActivityCamp #BarracudaAmbassadors #SummerHolidays #SchoolHolidays #Summer2023 #SummerCamp #DayCare #Camp #KidsCamp #surreymummy #surreymums #SummerOfFun #ActivityCamps #HolidayCamps #Childcare #SchoolHolidays #schoolholidaycamps](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/353583570_625625966167953_545896259645102575_n.jpg)



![[AD] We have some super exciting news...we have been chosen to be Laser Quest Ambassadors, and the boys are over the moon!
We are really lucky that our local Laser Quest (@laserquestkingston) is just around the corner from us. It means we can pop in of a weekend or anytime during the school holidays, and with summer just around the corner, I know Laser Quest will be one of our go-to places for some family fun.
As well as games of Laser Quest, there are also VR experiences and arcade amusements too. To find out a bit more about how Laser Quest works, you can read my blog post: https://www.suburban-mum.com/laser-quest-kingston/ (clickable link in bio)
Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Laser Quest posts - I'm going to be giving away two family passes to use at Laserquest Kingston!
If you can't wait and want to head down to Laser Quest to try it out, use the code SUMMER30 for 30% off your booking. The code is valid from now until the end of August 2023 and can be used on Laser Quest games and birthday party bookings.
#LaserquestAmbassador #Laserquest #LaserquestKingston #ActivitiesForKids #FamilyFun #DaysOutWithKids #Lasertag #LaserquestVR #Kingston #ThingsToDoInKingston #SurreyFamilyDaysOut #ThingsToDoWithKids #RainyDayFun #SurreyMummy #SurreyLife #LifeWithKids #LifeWithBoys #familyfunday](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/353230107_797358078406942_2405522556733455165_n.jpg)

![[AD] The sun has finally made an appearance and the boys have been making the most of it by spending it
in the garden.
They’re go-to is always football and they’ve been trying to improve their aim and accuracy with the new Messi Foldable Footlball goal from the #MessiTrainingSystem range.
I love the fact the goal is foldable, making it easy to store away when not in use. It is also lightweight so you can effortlessly pack it up and take it to the park or to a friend’s house.
The Messi Foldable Football Goal retails at £36 and can be purchased from @argos
You can read my full review here: https://www.suburban-mum.com/messi-foldable-football-goal/
#TrainLikeMessi #FoldableFootballGoal #FootballSkills #OutdoorFun #LionelMessi #LeoMessi #FootballAtHome #OutdoorKids #JustGetOutside #OutdoorsAndFree #ScreenFreeKids #WhateverTheWeatherKids @flair_gp](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/341194882_615024710178056_41977149395989448_n.jpg)

![[AD] We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we are Barracuda Ambassadors again this year.
With Easter just around the corner, the boys were sent the @barracudas_activity_day_camps new camp kit in preparation for the school holidays.
There’s a wide range of activities for kids aged 4.5 - 14 including Tennis, Archery, Basketball, Arts & Crafts and more.
If you like the sound of Barracudas, find out more over on their website. You can also save £20 a week or £4 a day, using my discount code: MARIA20](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/336812306_765234558514317_685553691647241974_n.jpg)


![[AD - Gifted]
Last weekend we were invited to try out @tsarettaspice’s new Bottomless Brunch menu and I can tell you it was thumbs up all round!
There’s a good choice tapas on offer from Punjabi fish fingers, Indo Chinese Chicken to Spiced Lamb Scotch Eggs and Manchurian Cauliflower (which was amazing!)
If you’re local to Twickenham and fancy giving them a try here’s are the details.
Tsaretta Spice Bottomless Brunch
⭐️£37.50 per head for bottomless Prosecco or cocktail of the day
⭐️£55 per head for bottomless Champagne
⭐️ Food included: 4 tapas selections and dessert or 2 tapas selections, a pav or naanwich and dessert
⭐️ Non-alcohol brunch is also available
Tsaretta Spice
55 Church Street
Twickenham
TW1 3NR
You can also read our full review over on the blog (link in bio)](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/334565436_5960402314015030_663031098700829518_n.jpg)
![[AD] What does family look like for you?
I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, powerful women in the form of my mum, sister and mother-in-law (along with many others). With Mother’s Day just around the corner, @BootsUK want to celebrate all the different mums and mother figures we are lucky enough to have in our lives. They have a huge range of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from so we can show them how much they mean to us. (swipe to take a look at some of my choices)
If you want to express love and appreciation for the mother figure(s) in your life, head to Boots.com to find the ideal gift. They have a whole host of gifts, so you can be sure to find something to suit all tastes. Celebrate the #LoveForAllMums this Mother’s Day with Boots.
](https://suburban-mum.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/334276459_136658625736352_6403224988403337253_n.jpg)




10 thoughts on “Taking the lead, shopping and muddy puddles”
It was so hot and now this so-so weather but sometimes we must make the most of what we are having I suppose! You bet he liked being in charge. It’s nice sometimes #KCACOLS
Awww, this sounds like a lovely morning, I bet he felt so grown up being in charge.
#KCACOLS
It sounds like you had such a nice day. I completely agree with this. Life is so hectic that it’s easy to forget you’re dragging little people around when they just want to stop and take things in. Slowing down every now and then is good for everyone! #KCACOLS
Very true. The other day I released the toddler twins outside after a huge rainstorm…in only diapers…and me barefoot to jump in muddy puddles. I am sure the neighbors were gawking as I dont see many kids out running like little ragamuffins these days, Everything is so structured and neat.
They were squealing- and I was happy- and I thought…who gives a shit if people think I am cray and that my kids are unkept little animals. They are exploring, happy and with mommy.
#KCACOLS
It has been way too hot, gauge in the car said 37 degrees this week. Glad you’ve had a nice time since! #KCACOLS
I love taking the girls for extra long walks when it has rained to see how many puddles we can jump in. The rain always turns me into a big kid! Letting the kids take lead is important sometimes, they always remind me to keep things simple, not every good day out needs to be huge and pre planned.
#KCACOLS
Aw this sounds like so much fun! I love the “wellies” for rubber boots 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday Fyi it was odd tweeting it out to you twice 😛 Great job hosting each week, it is a ton of work!
Even the weather cannot stop your daily adventures. I think that such a change does not spoil your mood. It was a beautiful day for you.
Ah that’s lovely.Glad he had a nice day 🙂 x #KCACOLS
Sometimes the simplest things are the best activities for little ones. We have spent hours jumping in puddles or riding on buses just for the sake of it! Make the most of times like this before they are too old
#KCACOLS