07 September 2011

Spring {you are} full of surprises

I rather think Spring has to be seen to be believed.


And see it we did.



The colours of spring are vibrant for good reason. The variegated shapes of the flowers providing such a contrast to the usually symmetrical stalks of plants and trees. As if to say 'Hey, look here, don't go mistaking us for any old leaf or tree - we're here, we've arrived, and we bring new life'


 New life that abounds everywhere, not just in the plant life.


Many new experiences awaited us on this first weekend of Spring.


Despite countless holidays at Nana and Poppa's house, we'd yet to be in the right place at the right time to catch a glimpse of the elusive train that toots and chugs past the end of their road a couple of times a day on what is an otherwise unused track.


It was our lucky day.


Our meandering down country lanes brought fine filly friends out to greet us.



There were opportunities for fence climbing.


Puddle stomping


Piggy back riding, ball kicking


And mower cruising.


This grassy knoll the perfect location for some epic Star Wars battles Uncle Nic was roped into by our little wannabe Jedi.


Make that one big wannabe Jedi too.



While this guy proved that the best games need not cost much.


Saturday evening was pretty special by our standards.

All three of us kids and partners together under Mum & Dad's roof for the first time ever. The conversation flowed like a fast bubbling brook, in between moments of hilarity and fun-poking and genuine joy to all be sharing the same physical space and time.


Particularly special that these two lovely people were here from Australia to share this precious time with us all.



Sunday morning we discovered a new sweet spot. Punnet Cafe, and more specifically The Country Providore.

It was Fathers Day, and of course, we hadn't thought terribly far ahead so the cafe was booked out but we did manage to get coffees and cake, albeit very grudgingly on the part of the cafe staff who were looking pretty stressed and harassed so this didn't get our outing off to a particularly good start. But then they made up for it as the coffees were super quick and very well made so we're inclined to look past the initial rudeness on their part.

It was warm enough to sit outside and soak in the lovely location amongst strawberry fields, complete with a massive trampoline, playground and an old tractor for the kids to ride on. You know who was in his element!



For me though, the best part of the experience though was the wonderful country kitchen store, The Country Providore.


I think you'll agree the setting to be quite delightful.


All manner of local produce, delicatessen and sweet treats to be found in this lovingly crafted store.


We can certainly vouch for the icecreams, and if for nothing else, we'll back for more in the summer!


There's a look of utter contentment on the face of that man in case you couldn't tell!


And if I closed my eyes, just for a moment, I could have been transported to a charming local store in some quaint little European village selling its wares.


I loved this quote on the wall outside.


And then...despite our best endeavours to hang on to that minute hand of the clock and stop its clockwise journey around and around and around.......

the weekend was over, just as quickly as it had begun.


Homeward bound.

And so we went, reluctantly, but strengthened by the expanding bonds of love in our growing family.

10 comments :

Anonymous said...

Looks and sounds absolutely perfect! Love the lambs...and that ice cream looked divine! Roll on summer! :)

jacksta said...

beautiful post Meg!

Catching the Magic said...

Such a post filled with absolute joy, delight, happiness and fun. What a lovely read and such a visual treat for the eyes too. So happy for you in enjoying an amazing weekend with your family.

I live such a good, happy life here in New Zealand, but a huge chunk of the jigsaw is always absent, my beloved family. My sister, whom I haven't seen in four years, my nephews, aunts, uncles, grandparents... I will never feel complete without having them to share our lives. Your post was such a beautiful one to read, but stirred up so much in me too. I can't wait to see my parents this Christmas. It will be the first time our children have ever shared a Christmas with their Grandparents.

Looking forward to seeing you on Friday, if that still works for you and your boys.

Love, Sarah x

Dee said...

your photography just gets more and more amazing...i loved the spring collection at the start :)
and the pics of the 2 Jedi's, haha. awesome~

X

Renee said...

Oh wow - I just love the photos from your weekend away! I definitely think your photography has got AMAZING! What a beautiful family you have, so fabulous for you all to share a weekend together (and for Fathers Day too - special!)

I love spring, I think it's most definitely my favourite season - it seems to be so full of promise and hope. Love the Jedi fighting and catching a glimpse of you in the reflection ;-)

PaisleyJade said...

Breathtaking photos Meg. Love the fact that your family was all under the one roof together for the first time at your parents. Love!!!

Sammy said...

Lovely post- c'mon summer!
I know what a treasure having family close by is. Glad your reunion was so wonderful xx

Mika said...

Loving this post and the photos that went along with it.
I think your first one could definitely be entered into those stock photo thingies so you can get some mulah! My absolute favourite photo ;)

dearfutureme... said...

This is such a lovely post! The shop looks amazing! What a gorgeous weekend!

Jaz from Treacy Family said...

What a beautiful Spring weekend. Love xxxxx

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