The summer holidays, your children at home for 6 weeks. Some people love it, others find it a bit disappointing. I myself am somewhat in between. Last year was the first time it was really a summer holiday. My eldest had just started school at the time and the youngest had just been born. We had already been “on holiday” before the official holiday.

I don't remember much about those 6 weeks, but I do know that it was tough. I still had my previous job at the time, so I worked 24 hours. The youngest went to daycare for 2 days and what I remember is that the weather wasn't very good either.

This time I was looking forward to it much more. In fact, week 1 is almost over and I think we have already done more than the entire holiday last year.

What was the past week like?

On Monday the youngest went to daycare until about 5 p.m. So I had time to go to the cinema with the eldest. He wanted to go to 4DX where the chairs also move, well fine. So it became Despicable Me 4 with moving chairs, coke and popcorn. Take the bus back and forth to Pathé Leidsche Rijn and therefore tip number 1: from this year onwards, children up to and including 11 years old ride for free with an adult, at least here in the province of Utrecht for the bus and tram. 3 children are allowed per paying adult.

So, it pays off to take public transport instead of the car.

Both he and I had a very nice afternoon. When we got home, we continued building his Super Mario Lego Peach castle together, until it was time to pick up the youngest and cook dinner.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are always outsourced here. My parents always look after the youngest on Tuesdays and my parents-in-law on Thursdays. During school holidays, the eldest can enjoy fun with the youngest, a big party of course at grandma and grandpa's. This way, mom can also try to get some work done.

Wednesday morning is now my regular shopping time, during this holiday with 2 boys instead of 1. That went better than expected. The eldest was allowed to scan, super good help and so the youngest was unable to get to the scanner and demolish it.

Tip number 2 fits in nicely with this, around Bisonspoor, the shopping center near us in Maarssen. They now have the theme 1001 nights there.

The children can do a treasure hunt there during the summer holidays, listen to the Arabic storyteller or admire the desert animals. Both kids couldn't get enough of it. The youngest, who was just 1, was swinging along to the music while enjoying a cheese stick.

Last Friday I went to the Aarweide open-air swimming pool in Nieuwveen with a friend and her children.

Good weather and water are always a good combination for my and her children. Definitely a tip I think, a really nice swimming pool.

If you are looking for free alternatives, BatensteinBuiten might be a good idea. It's still on my to-do list.

What turned out to be really nice recently was the fountains at the Leidsche Rijn Centrum Shopping Center. Just take off your shoes and walk through.

Now, of course, you don't have to be out and about every day.

Today, with the heat, we alternated indoors and outdoors. I had set up the water table and a small bath. Yes, I know, I'm lazy, the big one was too much effort for one afternoon. And then occasionally cool down in our home with air conditioning for some gaming or a nap.

We don't have a plan for tomorrow yet. At least Mom is going to sleep in! Dad has been on “duty” on Sundays for 2 weeks now and we'll see about the rest.

So the week went by quickly. For the rest of the holiday I have planned swimming practice with the eldest and, together with my mother, going to the Miffy Museum with both kids.

But for now let's hope for lots of nice weather for splashing and splashing in the water.