Another long weekend

In our local area, we had another long weekend this weekend. The weather was the perfect Queensland winter weather. Clear bright blue skies, warm sunshine and gentle breezes.

We took advantage and got out amongst it.



We spent four hours on a picnic rug by the river. This was our picnic food, but there was also wine, books and napping. Oh.... and the children - it was all scooters and new friends in the playground for them. They stopped by occasionally, when they were hungry.



This view is what made lazing in the winter sun so enjoyable. Nothing to do but watch the lovely slow pace of the sail boats drifting past.



We finally visited the gorgeous little shop, Twig and Grace. Beautiful - everything - beautiful! In fact Miss Moo Moo and I returned this morning for coffee and a piece of their delicious nana slice (caramel slice)



On Saturday, the kids found the only sunny spot in our tiny backyard and set up house. They ate there afternoon tea out here and played for hours. There was a play tent off to the side (not in the photo)



The kids helped make the choc chip pancakes that we ate for breakfast outside. Served with huge splashes of maple syrup and runny cream. Yum.



On Sunday Mum joined us for a barbecue lunch, we moved our table out onto the grass to catch the lovely winter sun. We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon, eating and drinking more wine.

I hope you enjoyed you weekend too.

Flowers, country drives and presents

The good thing about having my birthday fall on the Queens Birthday long weekend, means I get to have 3 days of birthday celebrations.

Always.

And this year was no different.





I was so very spoilt: flowers, money! and some beautiful presents. For a minute, I forgot that it was all because I was getting another year older.

I remember when my Nana was 85 years old, she told me that no matter what age she was, she always felt 21 years old. To a then 23 year old me, I could not understand what she meant.

Now I get it.



It was a full weekend:

• On Saturday morning, Mum joined us for lovely long breakfast at our favourite coffee shop. Despite the cold, we sat rugged up in wool scarves and jackets, drinking cappuccino's and hot chocolates to keep us warm. The children were happy to ride their scooters and climb trees.

• The afternoon was spent taking a long drive in the country. Making detours and driving along dangerous, unknown roads. We enjoyed the warmth inside of our car as we passed lush green farms of rolling hills, dotted with cows. The pouring rain did not bother us.

• We rediscovered the beauty of this little town and enjoyed a coffee in the old bakery.

• For dinner we celebrated my birthday with Dad, Tiya Ning, Granny and Poppy Don. We shared a Chinese banquet at a local Chinese restaurant. Way too much yummy food!

• On Sunday we sent 'the boys' to the beach and 'the girls' went to the 'two golden hours pop-up shop'. After looking at the gorgeous vintage wares, Tiya Ning and I sat on the verandah late into the afternoon, we watched Miss Moo Moo make friends in the garden, climb trees and collect flowers.

• On Monday we visited Mr Moo's parents for morning tea. They have recently returned from overseas. We enjoyed listening to their travel tales and eating freshly baked scones.

• For lunch I took Mr Moo out to the 'two golden hours pop-up shop'. We ran into lots of people we knew. The weather was perfect. We lingered on the verandah, enjoying the beautiful jazz music, a glass of wine and a delicious lunch. This time I took my camera. This place is gorgeous.

• In the afternoon we went to visit my aunt who had also just returned from travelling. We left with a bag of homegrown lemons, a 5 kilo bag of peanuts from her friends farm and a bundle of fabric she had collected for me.



It was a great weekend, but all that running around has left me feeling a little under the weather. It has been a busy short week, as all short weeks are. In between appointments and play dates, I did manage to curl up under the blanket with Miss Moo Moo and watch the Sound of Music one afternoon.

Sometimes it just needs to be done.

I'll show you some pictures of the lovely Yandina Station tomorrow.

Beautiful.

A slower pace

(this image is from Hanna's gorgeous blog, girl from the corner table)

I am looking today, for a slower pace, it's here somewhere, but in all of the mad rushing about over this last week I seem to have lost my sense of peace. Don't misunderstand me I have had a great week, but it's all of the mundane day to day things thrown in together with all of the fun things, rushing in and out of the house, driving here and there and everywhere, late nights, tired kids.

I just love being at home. The weather is getting cooler, and I am wishing to slow down. I want to do things both for myself and with my children. Baking, cooking, crafting, chatting, drawing, reading, exchanging stories. I guess I am sick of hearing myself say 'hurry up, lets go!'

I might have to schedule in some time, as things won't be letting here up for a few weeks yet.

Here are some of the very fun things we have been doing over the last week:

• fish and chips in the park
• cups of tea in the winter sun
• birthday breakfast by the sea
• yummy panang chicken curry at mum's restaurant
• roast pork buffet at the local bowls club and dancing!

The really lovely thing was, that these times were shared with my beautiful family. Most visiting from far away. We had 4 generations at the bowls club on Saturday night, it was nice.

Oh, and we had a really fun craft night, on Tuesday night as well.