Today was such a beautiful example of spring in this corner of the world, and we took a picnic to Brownhill Creek with some extended family. So long as we choose to ignore the fact that pretty much all the vegetation in these photos is introduced and spread as weeds along the creekline (buttercups! blackberries! Salvation Jane! figs! willowy things!), well, this was simply the most perfect spot on the most perfect day for a picnic.
It's all still so green and there was even a decent amount of water in the creek. 
There was space for cricket, and Jasper declared that he would like to
have a go at cricket this summer, which simultaneously makes me thrilled
and also a bit weary thinking about adding something else into our
schedule. Is that bad of me?
Can you spot the boys? (Clem, his cousin and cousin's friend, as seen from the other side of the creek.)
This small man had an absolute ball and got bumped, scratched and
filthy, which is all a bit outside his usual comfort zone, and I was so
proud of how he bounced back and kept up with his older cousin and even
older friend.
This is a water skink that the boys discovered in the creek (and let go
again). I didn't even know there was such a thing. Even Andy's sister
who identified this for us, and has a creek at the bottom of her hills
garden, hadn't seen one in real life before. What a beauty.
We brought Skylar, who could barely believe her eyes, ears and nose
with all the wonders of this place. Since she was raised in a kennel,
many things are very exciting new experiences for her. She explored and
explored and explored but finally gave in to the pleasure of a Sunday
afternoon nap on the grass. Ahem yes, she's wearing a Liberty kerchief.
Being dragged down a slope by your feet is apparently all kinds of awesome. And back for more.
Sliding down the dirt slope by himself: "Watch this one, it's going to be really
really really really really really really really hardcore!" (Clem also
told me the other day when we were throwing and catching his soft toy
Miffy that it was 'hardcore' so I'm not entirely sure of his
definition.)
Big dead tree across the creek. Charlie thrilled at being in photo for scale.
"I didn't realise it was going to be this much fun," Clem said.
Those clothes and shoes will never be the same again.
One hundred percent worth it.
I hope you've had a happy weekend too!
- Jane x
Awesome pics Jane. Like Skylar - a nap in the sun sounds perfect! ;o)
ReplyDeletelooks idyllic Jane. Cricket! I must admit to being secretly thrilled when my boys gave up cricket as their matches all seemed to be on Saturday afternoons that stretched into Saturday evening. We'd have an invitation out and I sat on the sidelines willing the game to finish, no matter who won. Sliding down a dirt slope looks much more fun.
ReplyDeleteYes, cricket is not known to be a short game, is it? My dad is a cricket tragic and would be thrilled to pieces if the boys took it up. But at least I can call an end to sliding down a dirt slope whenever I like!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos - blimey, your bigger boys have grown!!! Isn't it awful to feel bad about adding more clubs to the ever growing list?! F is quite a good swimmer and I'm rather meanly hoping he doesn't end up competition swimming as I'm not sure I could face all the training sessions. Nice to see Clem getting mucky, wish my Charlie would do that! Bxx
ReplyDeleteThat picture of Clem in the dirt in priceless! I hope your boys appreciate what an awesome mom they have! Seriously - we should all hope to have a mom that let's us roll around in the mud sometimes!
ReplyDelete