I do feel inferior talking about our holidays even though it was the best yet for us. We did not travel within UK or abroad , nor did we visit any museums or amusement parks. We didn’t go camping or glamping and we didn’t go to any festivals.

Such things are expected of the “best ever holiday”, right?
Even though we did not proceed on doing mentioned activities, we still did have the best summer we have had yet as a family.
So what did we do?
Monkey World with the DCF
The Dorset Children’s Foundation “DCF” funded a fun day at the ape rescue centre called Monkey World at the very start of the holidays. We were ecstatic – well, I was at least as I’ve never been and Melody was all keen to see chimpanzees!





We had a lovely day, never mind that Elisa slept through the whole thing.
Maybe she dreamt of monkeys though?
Played Football with the DCF
These football sessions are such a safe place; there are footy related games for those who can and want to join in, but no-one is looked on badly if you decide to run around the hall playing chase with your Mum instead or have your very own game going on with a wheelchair football.
Neither are you judged if you happen to fall a victim to your emotions and have a temper tantrum.

There are only few opportunities where all parties of the family can join in the activity fully when one is physically disabled – it happens so easily that the disabled is on the sidelines or then the siblings.
These football sessions are for all; all of our three children love to join in the fun. Well, after all, this is “Accessible for All” Football arranged by the Dorset Children’s Foundation.




The DCF Fun Day
We only came for the afternoon part of the fun day – so we managed to get some lovely cake, then burned off those calories with playing indoor football and dancing to the beats of the amazing DJ Nose It !




Launch party of the DCFFC
As we already had been enjoying the football sessions arranged by the DCF, we were excited to attend the Family Fun Day that celebrated the launch of the new football team.
Can you spot Elisa and Ruby in one of the photos from the Dorset Echo’s news article? You can check it out here.

We went swimming at BH Live Leisure Centres
Littledown

We do like the pool in Littledown. It is all wheelchair accessible and we go for a swim there every so often.
Pelhams
Our favourite Leisure Centre has to be the closest one to us though, but not because of it’s proximity. We love how the changing area for swimmers is an open area and so we can get changed as a family. The disabled changing facilities include an essential hoist, and there is a hoist to the warm pool too.

Mummy – Daughter – quality time with Elisa
It’s rare that I get to spend one on one time with Elisa. So on a day when Melody was in nursery, I took Elisa out. Just me and her.



Attended Julias House event called “Housemates”
Julia’s house arranges these events called “Housemates” during holidays and half-terms that are designed for the whole family. The events are relaxed, offering parents a chance to enjoy a cuppa and a chat with other parents when their children take part in supervised play.






Picnic at Moors Valley
Dan arranged to see a friend of ours at Moors Valley. We walked around the pond and then settled for a picnic.






Random moments








Moments at home






How come was this the best summer holiday yet?
This is something any family with a child with complex medical needs will agree on.

This was best holiday yet, as we all stayed home. Elisa didn’t end up being admitted to hospital once. She was poorly with a tummy bug for couple of days, but that is so minor that is not even worth properly mentioning. Honestly – even as we lacked the confidence to book anything and make certain plans because of last years experiences, we ended up having the most active and loveliest time we’ve had during holidays. Happy, content time, as we were all healthy enough.
Isn’t that amazing?
Did you pay attention?
Most of the activities we enjoyed as a family were arranged and funded by charities like Julia’s house and the Dorset Children’s Foundation. Both of these charities are really close to my heart and our lives would be so much poorer in so many ways without them.
Which is why we are raising money for the Dorset Children’s Foundation.
Did you read about that here yet? Most importantly, if you could spare a quid or more, have you donated here?

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