Warm, sunny, bank holiday evenings are perfect for exploring.  Taking a stroll through the woods, the light glowing though the trees giving an almost magical feel to the evening air.

The girls dressed in their tutus pretending to be their favourite My little pony character.

Hand in hand they explored the wood, lights twinkling from their skirts as they went adding a real element of magic to an already sparkling afternoon.

Stopping only to look for fairies and point out butterflies.

Before taking the winding path back home again.

Once home I removed the magic from a hidden secret pocket.  I could then wash the tutu ready for another magical adventure. 

This Day I love Magical bank holiday weekends 

Finding a fairy door when you are out on a walk has to be one of the most magical experiences for a child.  I remember the excitement on the girls faces when we came across this one

When I was a little girl my Mum used to take me to see Disney On Ice.  I loved going with her and my sisters and would secretly wish that one day I could be the children picked to ride on the ice.  It never happened but the dream is still very much alive.

My Mum accompanied the girls and I to Disney On Ice Worlds Of Enchantment last night.  I was nervous as I knew something the girls did not.  They were about to live a dream of mine, they were about to become the children who travelled on the boat with the Disney characters.  I was excited and listened to the safety briefing and what the girls needed to do.

I then told them the important news, The Little Mermaid needed help in her dance and she was looking for 2 good girls to help her.  They were in shock!

We had a chat that they would be sat in a boat as my eldest pointed out she did not know how to skate and had no ice skating shoes.  They then got very excited and the show began.

Minnie, Mickey, Donald and Goofy took us on a magical adventure visiting the Disney worlds.  The Green Army men were present to look after all of Andy's toys.

The girls waited patiently, listening for the familiar sounds of the Little Mermaid.  Then they heard it, they got excited and took their places in the boat. 

It was time for a short interval but the girls were just super excited and could not wait for the show to start again.  After the interval we were treated to a spectacular performance from Cars.  How they control the cars on the ice I shall never know, it was a real experience to be at the front and really gave you a different prospective on how cleverly choreographed everything has to be.

The taster session soon drew to a close and the Elves took us to our next destination, the Arctic Circle.  

Rovaniemi is around 5km South of the Arctic Circle and I felt very lucky to have not only gone, but to have been part of a crossing ceremony.  We entered a dark traditional house with a wood burning fire in the middle.  The ceremony was performed and the story was told about why Rudolph has a red nose.  Our noses were then coated in black soot from the fire, which will glow on Christmas to help Santa find his way.

Activity 1 - Husky Rides

There can be only one word to describe this and that is Wow.  The main ride took place at night, and was a little too dark for my camera to capture, but it was simply magical.  The dogs work together pulling the sleigh through the snow.  There is a real sense of speed as the cold wind rushes past your face, and a real thrill as the speed mounts.  The smell from the Husky is one that will stay with you forever, the thrill and enjoyment from the ride will leave you forever with a smile.  A truly magical experience.

As might be expected there are some wonderful Christmas decorations and a great market.  I picked up some lovely decorations and some Christmas presents from here.  There are a great selection of shops, activity/excursion shops and restaurants.

Santa took off his coat and hung it with the Boys and Girls coats

Before taking it in turns to speak to each of the Boys and Girls.  As the only couple present without children we decided that we wanted the children to see Santa and we were not going to go up.  However Santa had other ideas and his Elf came to get us.  He spoke to us and asked what we wanted for Christmas and I told him.  It was the same as what I had wished for on the reindeer rides.