Toddler lunch at the Hertford Methodist Church, Ware Road, Hertford

Had a lovely lunch today with Freddie’s little friend April in the Hertford Methodist Church.

Recently refurbished it is clean and fairly spacious (although Kate, Freddie, April and I were almost 50% of the head count, the rest was mainly staff, and so it could feel a little more cramped with more customers).

Covent Garden soup and bread, jacket potatoes, homemade cakes and coffee are on offer as well as a baby frappuccino (or whatever they are called – will get back to you on that one!). Don't forget a little packed lunch if your tot won't entertain the menu... There are a couple of highchairs and a selection of toddler toys and books to keep the tots amused oooh and  baby changing facilities too. The staff were very friendly and there was a real community feel.

All in all nice little place to park yourselves for a snack or just a coffee (just be aware if the sun is shining it could get a little warm as the whole frontage is glass and I didn’t notice any air conditioning – Freddie was a little red when we left – removable layers might be the answer). Would be good if they offered sandwiches as well...

We gave it a ‘toddler friendly’ thumbs up.

Messy play for toddlers using a salad spinner!

This is ingenious! Freddie and I went to our first ever Messy Play session this week, in Brickendon Herts. What great fun, although he didn’t seem to understand why some of the other little people didn’t like water splashed in their faces! There were lots of messy things to do, obvious ones modelling clay, water, colouring etc. There were two not so obvious activities: a strange mixture of what can only be described as cornflakes, cocoa flakes and baked beans mmm... but my favourite by far was the ingenious re invention of the basic salad spinner! Cover a paper plate with your favourite colour paint, pop it in the spinner, cover and spin... this was the result!

And a very very happy Freddie kept going back to do more! Now proudly centre stage on our conservatory wall with enough to send to Granny and Grand pop and Great Nan!

Messy play is a great way for your toddler to make a mess somewhere else - visit the Tot Friendly calendar for activites near you.

Willows Farm Village

Willows Farm Village - Hertfordshire
This may go down as the discovery of the year for us. We’ve lived in Hertfordshire for years and can't believe we’ve only just come across this fabulous farming complex which ticks all the boxes for an ideal family day-out. In fact it is much more than just a farm. Animals yes but also play areas (swings, trampolines, bouncy castles, huge slides, go-carts), kids shows for all ages, tractor rides and an intelligently designed maize set in the corn fields. The whole centre is sympathetically designed within the natural environment of Willow Farm and there are plenty of kid orientated shops as well as a farm shop and restaurant.
Freddie loved the pigs!

Royston Kite Festival 2010

What a good old British day out at Royston Kite festival we had. £1.00 entry (all to charity) to see some spectacular kiting displays. Most memorable was the one man handling of three separate kites flown to match music- we were mesmerised by the elegant formations. We’ll certainly go back next year but make sure we take a picnic and spend the whole day as there is plenty of other stuff to see- fire engines, market stalls, carousels, hot air balloons........

Baby Sensory Classes in Ware

Freddie and I have been going to Hanna's Baby Sensory classes in Ware for a couple of months now and he adores them! The whole hour flies by and Freddie has a wonderfully long nap in the afternoon... Enough time to put a dent in my long list of to do jobs!

Each session starts with the familiar 'say hello' song that all the babies adore followed by a few interactive games with stimulating items. This week among other things, each baby had a helium filled balloon (all perfectly controled!) attached to their wrist by a hair band and bell, and to the music bounced the balloon around. Freddie enjoyed this so much that he held onto his balloon throughout the next stage, free time, where there are lots of fun toys for you and your baby to play with and explore while socialising with other mums and tots.

Freddie and Louis decided to have a snack in the pool!

Finally the classes end as they begin with another interactive session of balloons, bubbles, balls and lights. Some manage to last the distance while others begin to doze during the final 'say goodbye' song...

We attend the class in Ware run by Hannah, but if you visit the Baby Sensory website there are other classes all over the UK.

If you are looking for a good hour’s entertainment for your little one that is not only fun but also very stimulating then this is for you. Hannah is happy for everyone to have a free trial, not surprising as I am sure everyone returns!

Today, not all of us were hampered by the snow, thankfully I wasn’t the only one who turned up – thanks for the push guys!!!