Last week we went to Scolton Manor with Aunty Jo. On this day trip she was nine weeks post stroke and walking around (no stick needed!) and only a few rest stops (which we all needed anyway!).
Here, Rebecca, leads her around the maze!
We had a lovely picnic first, then went on the woodland walk in the opposite direction to the way we usually go!
Izzy found her way out of the maze!
Older brother and sisters come in so handy to help Izzy up climbing frames and walls.
Izzy kept gifting us all with sticks- thanks Izzy! Much appreciated! Jo has had quite enough of walking sticks recently but kindly accepted the woodland ones!
I keep meaning to do some craft based on all the patterns we see in nature on our day trips but struggle to find the time once we get home. I love patterns made by the trees…
…and spotty ladybirds and stripy caterpillars!
I have lost count of how many photos I have of this tree hideyhole on my blog…I think it will make a great video one day if I merge them all of the different kids over the years!
We built a den, of course! It’s quite funny that as soon as the kids are deep in the woods they start instinctively “collecting” logs and branches for shelter and fire.
We always have fun playing “role play” games in the Owl House, such as “Cafe” or “Shop”. I think I’ll pack a picnic basket with hot chocolate, cream, marshmallows and sprinkles up in half term and they can “Serve up” everyone’s orders!
When we’re out and about we have to watch for signs of Danny getting tired due to his heart condition (he goes dusky and blue) so I really admire the fact that the energy he does have, he is kind enough to share with his sisters by carrying them when they are tired.
Rebecca is really good company too on a long walk, chatting away solving all our problems…
The kids love to lay by the ditch. They make bridges, dens and more friends, although it is interesting to note the natural girl/boy divide in kids of Danny’s age. Danny can usually get my girls into the game by saying “they’re my sisters- they’re alright!”.
It’s great how they think they are just playing but really they are problem solving and socialising- such great life skills! Rebecca’s bridge wasn’t as sturdy as it could have been (Danny later came and strengthened it) but it worked and she had a go and got across!
Then lastly we went to the play park before an ice cream and home.
Another lovely simple day!
Once again I am now hitting a “holiday panic”! I feel like I haven’t accomplished enough this holidays and we seem to have had a few more “home days” than usual while I have worked or tidied (which desperately needed to be done!) but I keep reminding myself that the holidays is not the end of “Country Kids” fun- weekend day trips are even more appreciated throughout term time especially during the Winter months.
And maybe, just maybe, once the bad weather returns we will get a chance to get all crafty once again too!
