Autumn Nature Walk

I'm so pleased that we have managed to get some outdoor time into our weekend. We've been so busy with appointments and the weather hasn't been great that we hadn't managed to get out as much as I would have liked. Doesn't a bit of fresh air always make you feel better though? We love to get out and walk; take an hour or so away from everything else and just enjoy each others company.

This weekend we went for our walk around our town's cemetery; you might think that's a bit strange but it's such a nice walk full of really old trees and very peaceful up there. So many local people go for walks round there and it is lovely in Autumn. They also have so many chestnut trees, perfect at this time of year. I wanted to collect some treasure for us to start an autumn nature box and we were lucky enough to come across some early conkers and beautifully coloured leaves. There were a few people out hunting around the chestnut trees, it's a serious business! We also found a particularly good game to play with the 'helicopters' from a massive Sycamore tree; they weren't quite ready for spinning but made a rather amusing moustache. 

 As Lucas gets older it's great to see him learning new things and he was quite particular that he carried his conkers rather than put them in the bag. Of course we also had to collect a few sticks and some very green acorns. Lucas loved it when we found a conker still in it's shell and we could open it for him to get out. They are now dotted around the house while I look for a suitable container to keep them in and I'll cover the leaves in sticky back plastic so they can be played with. I'm hoping we'll be able to add some pine cones and more acorns when they turn brown, what else would you be on the hunt for?

The Summer Of 2013

Early this year, in the depths of our snowy winter, I was dreaming of the summer months. We are very lucky to be able to have my teacher husband at home over the holidays and when I can drag him away from his work I had planned all sorts of fun days out. In between then and now however, we found out we were expecting twins and not only has it meant we have had to be a little more careful with our money but it has given us a kick up the bum to get the house and garden in order. Poor Lucas had his outdoor fun confined to the garden while we built and painted a shed and he has patiently played while we decorated a new room for him. Maybe we haven't quite made the most of the summer like I had hoped but towards the end of the holidays we managed a few trips out to squeeze in some outdoor fun in the sun! This is a little photo round up of our summer but if I'm honest, I'm an Autumn girl anyway and I'm looking forward to getting those knitted scarves and wellingtons out and going up the the park on the deserted mornings where we can jump in the puddles and collect leaves. 

Paddling with Nanny / Park fun with Auntie / Digging /Gardening / Tree Climbing / Garden Dining / Ice Cream Eating /Family  BBQ / Rook Pooling

Beach Picnic / Down the Bear Pit / Playing Fetch / Chester Zoo / Outdoor Games / Long Walks / Tired Legs / Ice Cream Stop / Picnic in the Woods

A Day Beside The Sea

This day out is something we have been planning to do all summer but we've been busy with DIY and gardening and we haven't had as much chance to get out and about as I had hoped. Before we know it the summer will be over so we finally set a date to visit New Brighton beach on the Wirral with Lucas' cousins and Grandma and Grandad. 

I honestly think it has been at least 15 years since I last went to New Brighton, probably with my Grandparents, and needless to say it has changed dramatically  The beach is lovely with plenty of rock pools to go exploring in and we spotted several jelly fish on stroll down the sea. The sea wasn't too chilly for little feet to go paddling in and there were plenty of shells for us to collect and even a couple of crab claws. The boys had a little go on the rock pools but I was forbidden from climbing too high as my husband warned me they were very slippy. We took a picnic, camped out on the beach and ate whilst building and demolishing sandcastles. One of the best things about the day was that it didn't cost us a penny; parking is free and as we were there early we got a great spot by the beach. There is plenty more to explore there and we'd love to go back to walk along the prom and check out Fort Perch Rock, the RNLI shop and the crazy golf.

We had such a great day and Lucas and his cousin loved running around the beach. Lucas in particular liked the freedom a little too much and kept making run for it, back towards the sea. Luckily his cousin was very sensible and would grab his hand quick to bring him back. Despite the escape attempts it was so lovely to spend the day with the two of them, seeing them play together and giggling at each other is a joy. 

 

A Toddler Garden Update {Phase 3}

Way on back in June we planted some plants in Lucas' toddler garden and here is a little update of the beautiful flowers we have been able to enjoy over summer months.

The garden turned into a little family project and we have all done little bits to it. Lucas has loved seeing the flowers in bloom and we regularly watch the butterflies and the bees that are attracted to our patch. Even better the sunflowers that we planted even further back in April have come up a treat; in fact they are starting to take over the garden. He still goes in there to do a little digging and we all take turns watering. We'll soon be on the lookout for some winter flowers so we can keep it in bloom.

Keeping Cool In The Garden

Let me just say that I am most definitely not complaining; I love this weather, I love the heat and the sun and I love being able to get outside but at the hottest point of the day we do generally retreat indoors. It is just that little bit too hot to play outside comfortably and Lucas more often than not won't wear a hat so I don't want him to spend too much time in direct sunlight. This has also meant that we've been finding different ways to cool down, we've already had a little paddle in the car ball pool but this week I made some ice shapes to play with. I've seen these all over Pinterest and they are easy enough for even me to make! I just filled some of our plastic container with water and any other waterproof bits and bobs; beads, buttons, plastic toys, dice, sequins and stars then left them in the freezer to go solid. 

One particularly hot afternoon I got a tub out and just let Lucas investigate  He spent so long playing with it and kept coming back when it had melted a bit more and he could get more bits out of it. As the ice melted it left a little pool of cool water than we both splashed in to cool our feet and the little stars were sticking to his hands. When he got to the middle and found a plastic toy dog he was delighted; I even had a little play pulling some beads out. It was so quick and easy to make (as long as you remember the day before) and I just used things I had around the house but have a look on Pinterest as there are some lovely ideas. It cooled us down, kept Lucas entertained and gave us something different to do in the garden.

Sunny Days

It has been so easy for us to get outdoors this week with the amazing weather. We have packed in so many fun things over the last few days to make the most of the weather. We've been to the playground with Lucas' cousin and had a picnic at the park, we've played in paddling pools and kept cool in the garden, we' have had so much fun with family and friends. He loved being at the playground with his cousin but getting him to sit down for a picnic was more of a challenge; he is definitely a flight risk! Lucas has never been a natural water baby but with some encouragement he finally went down the slide into the paddling pool and then there was no stopping him. We filled his little car ball pool with some water when we got home and he was straight in there (as was everyone else, at his request). I think back to last summer and he was only just starting to walk and now we are the ones trying to keep up with him and it is amazing fun.

I'll leave you with my favourite photos of us enjoying the sunshine and I hope you are all having lots of outdoor fun in this amazing weather!

With Nanny in the paddling pool.

Dancing at the playground with his Auntie.

Walking with Grandma and his Cousin.

Wahoo! Finally in the pool.

Just Us Two

This weekend I had grand plans for us to get outdoors; firstly I wanted to go to some woods we used to walk our dogs in when I was younger. The are about a 20 minute drive from our house so we set off only to get there and find that the road was closed and we couldn't get to them. Then I thought on the way back we could stop in my old village and walk on the linear path, this too was shut for maintenance work! By this time Lucas was getting ready for lunch so we just headed home very disappointed with our outdoor fun.

Luckily, earlier in the week we found a new playground tucked away near Grandma's house and had a great hour playing on it. The equipment was good for Lucas, we had it all to ourselves and the sun came out. It was a lovely way to spend the morning, just us two.