Just one day. Just one child....

I never had the chance to be a parent to one. I was thrown in at the deep end when two babies were picked up at the 20 week scan and from that moment onward I have rarely heard the word “mummy” without another small person echoing it behind them.

Then of course, not being happy with the perfect family of one boy and one girl, I went and had a third, meaning my name is now always said in triplicate…

As any parent of three will tell you, when you get rid of one of the little beggars, looking after two is a dream…

And on that rare occasion that you end up with only one child in your care – parenting is a dream.

It is a rare occurence that I only have one…

This weekend I had an utter treat, a full twelve hours with my smallest child, the one who makes my sides split with her dry humour. Father Christmas came up trumps and bought her two tickets to see Wicked in London, and she chose me to take her!

Which was a plus since I had spoken to Virgin East Coast Trains about the travel in advance.

Because why travel by car when you can leap on a train, relax with a cup of tea, play eye spy, colour in and look for objects out of the window.

Libby-Sue has been counting down the days since Christmas. She really couldn’t tell you if she was more excited about seeing a musical, visiting Shrek Adventure (an added treat), having a day with Mummy on her own, or traveling first class on the train – with free food!

We were both very excited when we climbed aboard this weekend.

Train travel is so much more fun than driving, and so easy!

It took 90 minutes to get from Yorkshire to London, no traffic, no arguments, and lots of tea and apple juice. The journey was almost as fun as the day out!

London

Walking and talking to my littlest was the real treat of my day. Saying yes to little extras that are unaffordable with three was a bonus. We luxuriated and reveled in every moment. We walked along the Thames, ate Pizza on the river, got carried away in Shrek’s adventure and sang our hearts out at Wicked before finishing the day with a well deserved curry.

My littlests little legs knocked out around 20,000 steps, which she did with little complaint.

We discussed everything from the Trump presidency to school work, and I loved every second. Every parent of more than one should allow themselves time with each one alone whenever possible.

I can highly recommend.

And I knew it was a success, when she sleepily declared on the train home,