by CoombeMill
10 November 2012 00:00
Bonfire Night a la Coombe Mill
Our firework party is becoming a bit of a legend. Each year Farmer Nick and I hone our organisation and production skills to bring our guests and local friends a bonfire party to remember. It comes hot on the heels of our Halloween party so we need to be super organised to manage both in the space of a week and it is all hand on deck for our children in the run up to make sure everything runs like clockwork on the night.
Many Hands make light work
Preparations for the big night include making our Guy, who this year was a topical figure, building the bonfire and laying out the tables, chairs and BBQ on the day. We also went for a gazebo as weather insurance and were glad we did since we caught a shower.
Designed for all the family
Our party kicks off in the car park at 4.30pm. The early start gives us an hour of light to chat over a drink and a delicious Coombe Mill sausage fresh from the BBQ at a sensible hour for our younger guests. Everyone has a chance to admire the children's handy work on the Guy and as the BBQ runs down.
Bring on the Fireworks
Farmer Nick makes a quiet exit from his chef role to mount the Guy on the Bonfire and puts the last pieces in place for the fireworks while we all remain in the car park toasting marshmallows in the embers and enjoy some sparkler fun as the light fades to darkness.
On Nick's cue we cross with anticipation from one car park to another to watch the bonfire take hold and Farmer Nick set off an amazing display to rival any organised event. Every year I am so proud of him and so happy there were no dud fireworks to cause any accidents! Everyone finishes up admiring the blaze from the flames and marvelling at another successful party.
It is so hard to capture fireworks well on camera but there are a few in the video here I am rather proud of:
Come and be part of the fun
We would be delighted for you and your families to join us next year when our Bonfire party will be held on Sunday November 3rd. This is the week following the school half term and prices are super low, so plenty of reasons to take a family autumn farm holiday!
Joining in with Country Kids
Whatever you have been doing outdoors with the children this week please come and share your fun here on the linky and be inspired by others here too. From outdoor crafts to playing in the park, Country Kids is all about healthy fresh air time for children. Please grab the badge and join the fun.
by CoombeMill
24 September 2012 08:13
A holiday for sharing
When families come to Coombe Mill they come for more than just a Self Catering Holiday in Cornwall. Yes we are technically listed
on a few directories as this, but to think that is all we offer is to miss the point of Coombe Mill. Our specialism is young families and we aim to create an environment where parents feel relaxed, in the knowledge their children can safely enjoy all Coombe has to offer from walks and play areas to farm learning and confidence with the animals. We have found increasingly that the social spin off of the morning tractor rides helps not only the children but is also a platform for friendships and sharing for parents too. Every week as I join the tractor rides armed with my camera, I eves drop and join in on sharing of information between families. Those who have stayed before offer advice new visitors on places to visit, while general parenting exchanges, based children of similar ages, are informative, sociable and essentially ice breakers which can lead to some real friendships.
Farewell BBQ
Last week was one of those weeks where all the guests had similar aged preschool toddlers. The children played happily together, striking up friendships readily as "like Mamma like daughter" shows, while the adults too found common ground for a chat. The families just gelled and towards the end of the week, one family suggested a BBQ get together on the front lawn to which several families joined in. We were all invited too which I was really touched by, especially as my children are now so much older. Sadly it was one of our manic after school club days where I fly from one activity to another with our six children, however between ballet and cubs I did grab my camera, follow my nose and discover a wonderful September scene:
Picnic rugs and tables were full, ample food and drink for all and the BBQ in full swing as families shared their week's events.
The children soon had their fill and dashed off to play on Farmer Nick's newly replaced trampoline, all within view of their parents. Communal parenting naturally formed with one parent on trampoline duty for several youngsters; team work and friendships in making from the young upwards.
These are the moments when I am really proud of all that Farmer Nick and I offer in a holiday at Coombe Mill.
by CoombeMill
25 August 2012 00:00
A huge family gathering at Coombe Mill!
I love a big family gathering and this week we have had just that! A real mix of 3 generations from both Nick's family and mine have been staying at Coombe Mill this week. It has been wonderful to all catch up together, the children have had cousins to play with all day and night and meal times with 18 have been relaxed and sociable for all. Having our new indoor BBQ has proved really handy, though there is no sharing with our holiday guests when we all squash in! Not strictly outdoor, but so very close in the middle of a field with the children coming and going, the smell of the bbq cooking and the sound of the river swishing through.
Sun Shine and the Beach....
To add to a wonderful family mix we have been blessed with some of our best summer weather this year and have made the most of it with 4 days at the beach. There is no pretending that packing up so many for a beach trip complete with picnic is anything but a major operation, but it has been worth it for the hours of fun with rock pools, sand and surf down at New Polzeath beach. I am so hoping the lovely weather hangs on in there for the last week of the school holidays too!
Surf, sand, sun and fun.......
Joining In
Please come and link up with your outdoor adventures this week. Whatever you have been up to, if it involves some fresh air and fun for the children it is perfect for Country Kids. Grab the badge, join the fun and take a peep at a few others for more outdoor inspiration.
by CoombeMill
31 March 2012 12:00
An amazing week.
The sun shone from dawn to dusk, how could anyone resisit having fun outdoors? Our children have played out till late with friends at the farm and we have seized every opportunity for a trip to Polzeath beach. The waves were perfect for body boarding so we took full advantage. With rock pools, rocks to climb, acres of golden sand, good parking and facilities it is a great family beach. Despite the gorgeous weather the beach remained largely deserted. I love the feel of the sand and sea salt against my body and the joy of the children laughing and playing. Weeks like this remind me just how beautiful Cornwall is and how lucky I am.
I love this video clip of Jed in the rock pool for the sheer excitement busting from his whole demeanour
An impromptu BBQ was just a delightful way to round off a hard day at the beach. My chance to pass the cooking baton to Nick, for the children to catch up with friends and the grown-ups chill out with Pimm's and marvel on the wonders of the British weather!
Just for the record, Guy has not cut himself in this photo, just an overload on the tomato ketchup!
I can only imagine you have all had a wonderful week too and look forward to seeing your pictures. Please grab the badge and link up your outdoor fun below
by CoombeMill
24 March 2012 11:40
It's Party Time
My 6 children all have birthdays within a month of one another. That kicks of this month. Theo was 10 on Wednesday and chose a trip to http://www.bigdunkspaintball.co.uk/ for an hour of after school outdoor laser tag followed by fun and games and a BBQ back at Coombe Mill. 
Farmer Nick took the excited children from school while I set up the BBQ ready for their return.
A huge success with Theo saying after it was his best birthday ever. As always with a party here everyone went home happy but soaked! A huge Water fight round and round the house progressed from water guns to plastic cups and containers and even the garden hose till dark. Just as well it was a warm evening!
1st BBQ of the Year!
Then the real "fun" began!
Funny quote to end the day from Guy (one of my triplets)
as he pads up towards the house with his surf board for protection:
Me "I hope those water logged shoes are not your school shoes Guy"
Guy "No, don't worry Mummy, these are Jed's"!
What fun have you been up to outdoors with the kids? Do add your highlights to my linky here and take inspiration from others here too. Please grab the badge too if you can.