ED Christmas Cracker

What a lovely day! It started well with EDtot waking up at 8:30am!! 8:30! Usually that means she's ill, but thankfully at the moment there are only the usual seasonal snuffles to contend with (touch wood). So we were all happy this morning after a decent night's sleep.

After a trip to the playground and lunch at a local pub, we headed down to check out the East Dulwich Christmas Cracker - the Lordship Lane and North Cross Road street festival. It was a busy old afternoon on the Lane, but amongst the crowds we managed a rare sighting of the ED yeti.

EDtot was not impressed though and continued painting her Christmas tree at the craft stall for the afternoon parade.

Unfortunately we missed the parade as we were too busy enjoying an impromptu pub crawl down the Lane. We did, however, find our favourite winter street market stall... the chestnut stall! Our pleas from last year have been heard and our local Rye Books have expanded into the chestnut/mulled cider market. We hear they'll be there every Saturday at the usual North Cross Road market. Hurrah!

The final destination for us was The Plough for both one final glass of bubbly and to buy our Christmas Tree from the stall outside. It was our top choice both thanks to the free delivery and the donation to charity that they made for each tree sold. And cos it was outside a pub.

So after a fun day out on the Lane, we now have to figure out where to stash all the rubbish that is currently cluttering our living room so that we can decorate the tree tomorrow. Don't you love December?

The Natural History Museum

We tend to avoid heading too far into West London, unless we happen to be driving, as it never feels like the easiest journey by train or bus. However, with EDtot's current dinosaur phase it seemed like a good time to introduce her to the wonders of The Natural History Museum.

So on a rainy Monday we set off on the train to London Bridge. As we had to make a slight detour to Hyde Park Corner to drop off a package (nothing remotely exciting), it meant we had to take the longer route of going via Green Park. Whilst there is a lift at Green Park, the walk between the Jubilee Line and Piccadilly Line is still really long. With all the changes of transport I had opted to sling EDtot, but with hindsight I really should have taken the buggy as she is getting a little too heavy for a whole day out in a sling. Well, to be fair it would be feasible with a sling if she was occasionally willing to walk and at a pace that meant we returned before Christmas.

So after a long journey on train, tube and bus we arrived at the Museum. It is a beautiful building, but unfortunately I only had my phone camera to hand so the shots are less than impressive. Despite EDtot being very familiar with the entrance to the museum thanks to her London Bus book, I was ill prepared for the fear that took over on seeing the massive dinosaur skeleton. EDtot most definitely did not want to walk at this point and was torn between keeping an eye on the beast and burying her head in my shoulder to avoid eye contact with it.


After much discussion EDtot decided to brave the actual dinosaur exhibition on the understanding she would be carried throughout. There is a lift up to the walkway in the exhibition so if you do take your buggy it is still possible to see the whole thing, but it does get very crowded. I could not believe it was a Monday with the number of people that were there. I don't think I would ever contemplate heading there on a weekend.

Most of the dinosaurs were labelled as "cute" by EDtot apart from the last one that was roaring away, but due to it's pose was deemed to be "taking a bow", not "preparing to attack". Thanks to Diddi Dance for that one! After moving on to the less scary animals, EDtot finally agreed to walk and give my back a rest. We managed a couple other exhibits before stopping for a sandwich on one of the many benches in the museum. I think there is a lovely garden we could have gone to for our little picnic, but on a rainy day it was easier to stay indoors.

We then set off on a far easier journey home which involved one bus from right outside the museum (although it is not a frequent service and does take a convoluted route) to Vauxhall and one more bus home. Definitely a fun day, but one to save for when you're feeling well rested and able to tackle London's transport system.

The Dinosaur Trail

We really did have a beautiful summer, didn't we? The weather has turned now and autumn is in full swing. It is my favourite time of year though with all the colours in the trees and that lovely crisp smell in the air. If the wonderful summer weather meant you spent most days in your local park and you can no longer face going back to the same paths and swings, then have a look at one of the many other options we have in South East London.

Crystal Palace Park is accessible by many different bus routes, a train line and has a few car parks dotted around. There's a decent amount of things to see and do in the park including the usual children's play area, cafe, lake and a small farm.

The old One O'Clock Club has become a pre-school on weekdays, but on Saturdays and in the school holidays the centre, now called Diddy Dinos, opens for drop-in Pay and Play. I really missed the old One O'Clock Club so I was thrilled when I found out we could still pop along on certain days. EDtot loves the paint and craft options and the outdoor space has so much to offer the under 5's.

EDtot's favourite part of the park though is definitely the Dinosaur Trail. She loved sitting on EDdad's shoulders trying to "find" the dinosaurs hidden in trees. Can you spot any? :)