A family vacation part I

Haven't been meaning to be late to report on the on goings of vacation period. But I can't seem to find the right words to describe and to summarized what I saw and did throughout these 2 weeks. One thing for sure is that we went for a vacation with the rest of his side of the family minus his elder sister number 2 and family (since they're vacationing in China).

Its really no where far from France as my SIL just had her son and is in no shape to travel far. I didn't realize that there's a place called Centre Park, where its like summer camp. I thought summer camps only exist in the States!! But how wrong I was. Anyways, at this place we rented 2 cottage, each with 2 bed rooms, a fully equipped kitchen and the usual furnishing for whole place. The best part is that in each cottage, we have a whirlpool bathtub and a Turkish bath. Now how great its that! Besides this, we got our breakfast delivered to our door step every morning and a barbercue delivered as well...

Hubby enjoying a dip in the whirlpool....

We drove from Paris to Sologne, between Orleanan and Tours at the Loire Valley, which took us 2 hours to arrive. Upon arrival, the reception was packed with traveller just arriving to get check-in on a Monday. Once we're all settled into our own cottages (about 10 mins walk from the reception area) , we went to rent bicycles, which I though its really expensive for 4 and half days cost us Euro 17.- per bike. Then off we went to do some look see around the whole ground.

This place is what we called an enclosed recreationn forest, sort of like Club Med type of thing, except we're surrounded by forest. They've got a indoor water park, an indoor amusement with a bar, children's "play pen" (can we even call this big structure full of plastic balls a play pen?), an extra wing with outdoor "adventure" walk attached, a man made lake for paddle boat and canoeingg, several tennis, badmintonn and basketball courts and last but not least a small "zoo" for the "city"kids ! :) There's also a stable where kids get to ride their first horse or pony (well may be not their first). There's also a spa and wellness centre right next to the indoor water park. We could have got a baby sitter (there's a kids corner and kids club to keep them busy) for our 4 year old nephew but we though might as well have him with us for the fun.... But then again, his uncles had their own "fun" with him more often than taking care of the poor little guy! Boys will be boys won't they?

The poor guy!

I want to ride my bicycle! My bicycle!

Now yours truly is not what we call a sporty type that jogs or play sports every other day, but I managed to beat my BIL in badminton! hehehehe... Will only do or play sports when and where she feels like. Since I'm more of an adventure and thrill seeker, I'd rather go camping in the jungles, water rafting, wild animal watching (imagine safari in south Africa!), cave exploring, bungee jumping*, surf sailing*, sky diving*, paragliding* etc... *Haven't had the chance to do these yet, but I will in the future. *

We went to the water park and I can say that this water park really beat the ones back home! The tobaggon was great! They even have artificial waves, an outdoor jacuzzi and pool, a solarium, indoor rapids and cave. Basically the water temperature is about 29°c whole year round and the place is surrounded by lush greenery and a koi fish pond...

My SIL preparing our "electrical" bbq dinner.... No charcoal bbq allowed here...

Good thing is that this place has its own supermarket and restaurants, otherwise since we're about 1 hour away from the nearest civilization. No doubt prices are little bit expensive when you compare them to the nearest village or town, but when your car is jam packed with kids stuff and your own, there's no way you'll pack your own food.

Beware! This little angle in disguse has some tricks up his sleeves!

What I like about this place is that its self catering, its close to nature (well nearly close enough in terms of European forest setting) and we get to some spent time with family. Speaking about family, the little one is sure jealous of his baby brother! This little guy would scream, run around and create some naughty things to do or say just so that the adults around him will pay some attention.... The things kids do to grab your unbinding attention! :)