I enterted a competition which Pixifoto in Poole were running for a free family photoshoot plus a free print and to my surprise I found out shortly after that I had won.  I spoke to a lovely lady at the studio who asked a few questions about our hobbies and interests and we booked a date for a few weeks later.

Having seen the studio at the back of Mothercare in Branksome before I wasn’t a stranger to the location and firmly told my husband that we would be going in to quickly do the shoot and receive our free print and that we would try to avoid the sales pitch at the end haha.

Now anyone with a 2 year old child will know that there is a very small window of cooperation and that bribery in any form can only be used a couple of times before it’s success wears off.  We had a lovely guy doing our shoot and he wasted no time at all getting us ready and within minutes he had the camera going.  We did our ‘Complimentary’ family picture first and then he went on to change backing screens and get toys out.  

We were asked to come back after 45 mins to have a look through our photo’s which was fine with us.  I was fully prepared to say thanks and walk away with the complimentary photo on order but I was trapped by the first photo of myself and my son which instantly brought a tear to my eye. 

We had a very quick look through the other shots and both loved a few of them.  Sadly our little angel had turned into a little devil and hunger and tiredness on his part meant we struggled to concentrate on the packages prices that we were being offered.  I’m not very good under pressure and in the end I had to ask if I could go away and have a think about it. 

My husband did quite rightly told me that we will never ever be able to capture the same photo’s that were taken and that although the amount of photo’s we wanted would mean a certain package price we both knew they were worth it.  So I rang back and visited them again whilst my monkey was at pre school so I could have a good look through the pictures and we ended up buying a great package.  Having now received the prints I can say I am thoroughly pleased with Pixifoto.  The staff we dealt with were all very friendly and professional and I will definitely go back to them again.

UPDATE: Sadly Mothercare in Poole has now closed.

I know the new play barn has been open for a few months now but it was only recently that we had the chance to visit for the day and good old nanny came for some farmyard fun too!

Our son of course ran straight to the tractor ride on’s which he always does so when we finally managed to tear him away we went into the new barn and on first sight I couldn’t believe how amazing it looked.  Now, if an adult thinks it looks amazing then surely it’s a million times better to a child! 

Sam ran in and straight up the little staircase to play in the wooden house and when he came down he stood looking at the children who were running above his head and went on the hunt for a way to get in.  As I was asking nanny how on earth they get in a lovely little girl announced she knew the way and whisked my son back up the stairs to the secret door.  This adorable little girl quickly led our boy above our heads all the way around to the other side and down the twirly slide where my son’s delight could be seen by everyone! 

We must have spent a good hour in there as he explored all the different areas and continuously ran up and down the sensory tunnel.  Once we managed to get him out we had a fantastic lunch (as always) and then played in the outdoor play areas, had a tractor trailor ride and visited the animals in the barn.  We would have easily stayed in the sun all day but there’s only so much excitement a 2 year old can take and once he starts tripping over his feet I know it’s time to get him in the car for a snooze.

We always have loved Farmer Palmers and look forward to returning soon.  For up to date information and events, please visit Farmer Palmers.