When we were asked, as a family, to choose one word for 2016 there was only one word we all thought of – ADVENTURE!
As a family we love to push ourselves out of our comfort and try new things, hubby and the teen the most daring ones of the family. As the kids have got older (and taller) they are keen to try new things too with Isaac now hot on the heels of his big brother on climbing walls, trees and then ziplining back down again.
Even Eliza has got in on the action now and had a go at windsurfing and sailing last year which she loved and is keen to do again.
Kian is now an expert at courses like Go Ape or the High Ropes but he wants to explore other adrenalin sports and really enjoyed his first snowboarding lesson at the Snow Centre. I had thought he would spend most of his time sliding down the slope on his bottom, but he surprised us all as a natural.
I hadn’t skied for 25 years but it was just like riding a bike – I hadn’t forgotten what to do and I proudly watched as Isaac and Eliza hurtled down the slopes beside me with no fear at all. I may need to do some work on getting off the ski lift though as I fell off each time. Even Sebastian got to join in the fun building snow castles and then knocking them back down again.
Adventure for us isn’t just trying new things, but exploring new places too both home and away. We enjoy exploring the beautiful county where we live, hiking to some off the beaten track places to see what we can find.
When we go abroad we like to venture out and about and visit quaint little towns and try local cuisine. We once took a day trip to Albania from Corfu which will stick in my memory forever as the coach trundled along a road the same width as the coach with a sheer drop either side, much to the horror of all the passengers. It was all worth it though for the spectacular views though.
Last year we were lucky enough to visit Turkey where we learned to Scuba dive and hubby managed to make me fall off a sailing boat (for the second time). We have been kayaking on the sea with the kids, climbed the O2, headed to Wales to launch ourselves of the side of a mountain and zip line down to the bottom and done the highest (106ft) Powerfan Plummet in the world.
I long to see the Northern Lights and lower myself to the bottom of a volcano in Iceland, visit South Africa and zip down from Table Mountain and see the Victoria Falls in Zimbawe but maybe when the kids are a little older. For now we have a hot air balloom flight booked in April and have started this year as we mean to go on with a flight over Bournemouth Pier – I cannot wait to see what else this year brings!
Our perfect holiday would be one where we could all indulge our adventurous sides as well as kick back and relax with an ice-cold cocktail, or hot chocolate, depending whether it was sun or ski. We are big fans of Mark Warner holidays having been on one last year. The kids got to do so much at the kids clubs whilst Hubby and I got to have a go at new activities too, knowing the children were safe and happy.
This is my entry along with my post on my other blog Are We Nearly There Yet to join the Mark Warner Ambassador Program to find a #MarkWarnerMum or #MarkWarnerDad
Wow – Isaac and Eliza are going to have a career doing stunts in movies!
It wouldn’t surprise me – they will do the stunts and Kian the special effects!
Wow, what an adventurous family you lot are. I am scared of skiing but hope to learn one day before the kids
It is best to face your fears – why not book a session at the Snow Centre and try it out, you may surprise yourself
What an action packed year you have had. Hope you have lots more adventures planned for 2016 xx
Thank you :0)
You lot put us to shame with all your activities!! Good luck with the application, I think you guys would make excellent ambassadors!
Thank you – you do get out and about a fair bit too :0)
Erm… WOW! Your adventures sound amazing – what a lovely host of memories to have shared as a family. LOVE that Eliza had a go at windsurfing – I have SUCH fond memories of doing that as a child on a school residential trip and surprised myself at being quite a natural. I managed to surf all the way to the other side of the lake before we’d been ‘instructed’ on how to steer or turn around so got stuck! I absolutely loved it but have never tried it again since – something to add to my to-do list. You’ve inspired me! Good luck with the Warner holidays application – they’re onto a winner here by the sounds of it!
Thank you. You should certainly try it again once you have had pickle (and the weather is warmer)!
Wow you have been on some incredible adventures!! I would love to try skiing although my balance not so good lol
I may have spent a fair bit of time sliding down the piste on my bottom ;0)
How brilliant! These pictures are fantastic and it sounds like you’ve had some amazing adventures, skiing is on our list as something to do as a family in 2016 and after seeing your pics I’m determined we’ll do it!
I loved skiing and really want to take the kids. I was surprised how quickly they took to it when we went to the ski centre
aw looks totally amazing and such great quality family time
You are more than definitely putting me to shame with those activities, I was impressed I managed to go out on Saturday night and not hibernate under the duvet!
Here’s hoping there are lots more adventures planned for 2016. Good luck with your entry x
We have a few up our sleeve already – thank you :0)
When I look through your photos that is exactly what I see : adventure and I am loving the diversity in the photos. I would love to travel more.
We would love to go abroad more often but this country has some amazing adventures to be had too
Wow what an adventurous family! Love it.
Good luck with your entry, sounds like you’d be perfect for the role.
Thank you Liz :0)
Wow! Way to go family! Sounds like you guys know how to have a good time
Life is for living after all :0)
What fantastic photos, I would love to go on more adventure holidays when Boo is a bit bigger as I know she would love it, and her half brothers would too! Travel is so exciting, and when you get to try new things it’s even better!
Yes, it can be awkward when the kids are tiny. I love Mark Warner holidays though as there childcare is amazing and I felt reassured that the kids were safe and happy whilst I got to try some new activities for myself
Great post – I love travelling, but my family is not as adventurous as you! Good Luck! Kaz x
Thank you Kaz – maybe they will as they get older!
Oh wow you certainly do like your adventures! Looking forward to seeing what you get up to this year
We have a fair bit planned already – I am finally doing my first Go Ape later this month
Oh my gosh look at how fearless Isaac and Eliza are, amazing, much braver than me x
They have got Daddy’s genes……..I take more persuasion LOL
He he, what a brilliant adventure ambassador family you would make!
Thank you Penny – I am determined not to fall out of a boat this year!
adventuring is the best! good luck with your entry x
Thank you :0)
What fantastic set of activities you get to do with your family. I love seeing kids learning new things and getting the chance to try stuff.
I cannot believe how adventurous they are – the only thing the little ones refuse to try is a rollercoaster but we will get there
Wow, it seems like you really are a family of adventurers, how fantastic! I tried windsurfing once and loved it, you’ve made me want to try it again
You really shoudl – make it a resolution for when it gets a bit warmer
Good luck with your entry Kara x
Thank you Sonia xx
Fab entry, wishing you the best of luck! MW holidays are the best aren’t they! It’s been a fair few years since I’ve been on one but we used to go every year as kids and I adored every minute of them. c
We were lucky enough to go on one last year and hope to go back – we would love to try the skiing
Lovely post Kara, best of luck it seems like such an awesome programme. I need to get my skates on and find some time to write a post x
I look forward to reading it! We love Mark Warner as there is so much for the kids to do too!
Wow lots of adventure over the past year or two from your family.
And we hope they continue this year
Your adventures look amazing. Good luck with the competition. x
Thank you
Wow what an adventurous family. We really aren’t that adventurous when I think about it. My step son is 11 and just starting to push himself out of his comfort zone with things, I’m hoping my son who is 2 won’t be as shy. All you adventures sound amazing and the indoor ski slope could be something we as a family could enjoy. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
It is lovely to watch them start to gain their confidence isn’t it! We are working on roller coasters with Isaac now
Having read your blog for a while now I would completely agree that adventure sums you up as a family x x
Thank you ☺️
Beautiful post, Kara, the best of luck! I know exactly what you mean about ski lifts, I did it last time we skied, so very embarrassing, especially as young kids zoom past you expertly, ha ha!xx
I just can’t seem to master it – perhaps I just need a bit more practice!
Your adventures look like so much fun!
We certainly enjoy them!
You have been on some fantastic adventures. I would love to see the Northern Lights too. I’d also love to stay in an ice hotel!