Gone Camping!

Off we go again. Last week went so well, we're going to try for 2 days this time and further away. We are heading for the Auvergne region of France. A beautiful mountainous region set in a national volcanic park.

The forecast is no rain (fingers crossed that doesn't change). Now if I could only get Sam and Scott out of bed......us girls have been up for 2 hours!

See you in 2 days! x

Two little monkeys on a hot day

The shutters are shut, the sitting room is dark and cool. Over on the sofa sit two little monkeys who go by the names of Sam and Bella. Sam is giggling and Bella is squealing and gurgling. It is over 30 degrees outside and until after 4pm it is too hot to be outside for more than 15 minutes.

Just what the Dr. ordered.

Today, Scott and I had a few hours off from children and work and took off around the countryside on our mobylettes. My mum and step-dad came over to mind the children and to give us the opportunity to going out for lunch together - a rare occurence! We had fun zipping (they don't go very fast!) along the country lanes, through villages and hamlets, so much so, we'll hopefully do it again next week.

Swimming, splashing, sliding...

Saturday called for some fun. With both children having been ill recently, Scott catching up on work, we were at a loss of what to do. But, lucky for us we live 5 minutes away from the outdoor pool. I quickly packed towels, swimming costumes, cream etc and off we shot. Its lovely watching Sam run off without a care in the world and play with other children he's never met and it was nice to chat to other mums about babies and children and er babies!

In My Garden

This moment

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{this moment} A Friday ritual. A single photo- no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

From this to this...

The results from the vegetable beds have been better than we expected. Sam helped sow all the seeds and plant the bulbs and now we're starting to benefit from the results. Here, I'm making baby food for Bella. We didn't retrieve many peas however, has I suspect Sam and Scott have picked and eaten them on the go. Maybe I'll get to the tomatoes in time!

Photos from the weekend

Where shall we go next?

We're back safe and sound from our camping trip. A little tired and worn out, even after just 1 night. But, it was fun. The weather was lovely and it was nice to have a break from the monotomy of every day life.

Sam found a little 'copin' (friend) to play with and Bella enjoyed new surroundings. Next time we plan to go further south as we have learnt a few lessons from our practice run. Taking an inflatable matress for a start (very sore backs!) Until then, we are pleased to be back in our own warm, comfy beds.

We're going camping!

Today we are going on our first family camping trip. We're very excited, especially Sam. We're not travelling far and its only for 1 night (to trial it), but as we are surrounded by 1000's of lakes and campsites we thought we'd make the most of it. We are off to a swimming lake in the Brenne national park. There will be loads for Sam to do and I'm sure Bella will benefit too.

Yesterday, we had a practice run in the garden. I hope the real thing runs just as smoothy!

This Moment

Following http://www.soulemama.typepad.com/

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

My little helper

Sam is at summer club in the village for a couple of days a week which gives me the chance to crack on with my deliveries for my etsy vintage shop. Bella here is in her element helping me! She has developed recently a love of reading. Handing down Sam's baby books is keeping her amused. She is definately reading them too. x

Keeping Cool

It has been hot and humid now for what seems like months. The temperature has been a steady 30 degrees and we're trying to keep as cool as possible. An excellent excuse to make use of all the lakes around us and squeeze in the odd picnic. Lovely family time!

Sam is usually scared of water but has been gaining confidence the more we visit the lakes. Watching all the other children swimming and playing has encouraged him. Better buy some arm-bands!

Mobylette

Scott woke the whole village yesterday morning with the engine noise from the mobylette. His new toy bought from an old French man no longer able to ride it. It is very cute I must admit and Sam thought his daddy racing around the garden at 8am was hilarious!

Out for a walk in the village

First day of school holidays today. Constantly thinking of things to do to occupy Sam! I need to run my errands as usual so decided to tie in a nice walk at the same time. Sam loves to walk around St Benoit as there are various little streets, passages and courtyards. I let him decide which streets to take as you inevitably end up back where you started. Bella was happy in her pram being chauffered about.