Now I will be the first to agree that 2020 was a year that we will never forget (no matter how hard we try!). As with any new year, it started off so full of promise… but soon enough it went downhill! The dreaded Covid-19 pandemic hit and the world pretty much went to shit*. But before I put 2020 into the vault of years to forget, let me run through some of the highlights.
* Forgive my strong language but this is very mild in comparison to how I actually want to say it! Trouble is, I try not to swear here!
Family Time
Due to lockdown and closure of schools we had to stay at home for almost 3 months. That started off a bit chaotic as both husband and I went into overdrive at work whilst also trying to do schoolwork with the children. Did not lead to happy times I must admit.
Soon enough we found a routine which seemed to work for us. The moment I stopped worrying about schoolwork is the moment we all breathed a sigh of relief. I’m thankful that my children are not of exam age and anything we do was a bonus. In the end I think it clicked – a happy Becca makes for happy children. So instead of trying to do sums with them* I ended up doing crafts, some baking and enjoying the absolutely beautiful weather we had.
* cannot do maths with my girls. I lack the patience! Husband had to deal with the maths and I did the Welsh reading and writing instead.
Sunshine and Garden
Thank everyone above for the weather! Had it not been for the glorious sunshine during the start of 2020 I’m not sure we would’ve survived! Lots of time in the garden making blankets teepees and having teddy bear picnics. Absolutely fantastic!
And we bit the bullet and bought ourselves a barbeque and a lovely set of garden furniture for the garden which has been used a fair bit this year. During the summer we had food out there and played games like dominoes and cards. We’ve had one or two outside cinema evenings. Snuggled up on the sofa, fire on and eating sweets. Again, absolutely fantastic!
Yorkshire Holiday (Part 1)
Before Covid-19 was a thing, we had a week away in Doncaster to see David and Donetta and for Emyr to take a look at a new car. We stayed at Kings Wood Lodges and it was amazing!! Whilst there we took a trip to Elsecar, and a trip to York. Lots of places to explore up that way which is why we went back later in the year.
Birthday Party
Leading on from family time we had a birthday to celebrate under lockdown in July! Littlest turned 5 and we had a garden party. Nain & Taid (in our extended household and provided childcare so I think we weren’t breaching rules there) came over as did my Mam and a family friend – they kept their distance so I think we were all pretty responsible.
Anyway! Littlest absolutely loved her birthday party! Not the one she should’ve had with her friends but I think she enjoyed it! Party food out on the patio with a kareoke! Cool eh?
#AD – Zipworld Quarry Karts
ZipWorld invited us to try out the fab Quarry Karts to promote the local loyalty scheme. It was in the days of pre-Covid and we had fantastic fun! Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to make much use of the Local Loyalty scheme as Covid-19 hit. But I have bought 2-4-1 vouchers to use up this year so here’s hoping that we can go on some more awesome Zip World adventures! Actually there’s a new one coming in South Wales this year which also looks amazing!
Ff&WHR Bygones Weekend
Not going to lie, this has been one of the best things this year! I had grand plans of sticking my nose in anything the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways did this year but Covid put a stop to that.
However, the Bygones Weekend (an alternative to the Victorian Weekend) went ahead as planned and I got involved! I went to help out with filming on the Friday and had a fantastic time!
On Saturday I had a train booked to Tan y Bwlch and on the Sunday I had a train to Blaenau Ffestiniog booked. Must admit it was pretty awesome getting the train back to Blaenau – especially since the sun was shining. To top off a fantastic weekend full of steam trains we also had absolutely amazing food at Spooners at Harbour Station in Porthmadog.
Yorkshire Holiday (Part 2)
It wasn’t the holiday we had intended (big family holiday to Walt Disney World in Florida was all booked and paid for!) but the husband and I managed a few days away in York. We spent a day at the National Railway Museum where we debated over which was the best steam engine – the Mallard or Livingston Thompson. Please head on over to YouTube and tell me which one you prefer!
Also had a trip on North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Whitby and it was such a beautiful day!
#AD Drive LapLand at Silverstone Circuit
Being invited to attend Drive LapLand at Silverstone Circuit was also pretty epic I must admit! Yes it was a bit of a trek down there however it was well worth it. We were also given complimentary tickets to the Silverstone Experience. The Museum was absolutely fantastic! Full of history of the Abbey, and the RAF base before becoming the race track we all know and love today.
After the Museum we took our fake Golf onto the track itself to see the spectacular lightshow that was Drive LapLand. It was epic to get to drive our car around this iconic F1 circuit. Check out the video for the full experience!
Now those were just some of the highlights of 2020. Having looked back via my photos there are a lot more good things that happened in 2020 despite the overriding Covid-fear and lack of freedom that was hanging above us. Take a peek at my Instagram highlights reel for more fun times! So onwards to 2021!!
