A splash of Autumn sunshine.

So today was finally a gorgeous sunny Autumn day. As soon as I saw the blue skies this morning I knew we would go out and make the most of the sunshine. Overflowing Dad was on a mission today to go and sort us out a new car (after our old one blew up just a mile from Disney Land Paris in the summer...but that is another story!!) That left me alone with 5 children(one went with overflowing Dad) this afternoon, so it was just as well it was sunny!

The funny thing with the older children is that they always moan at the suggestion of going out in the fresh air, but they always have a great time once we get out! Today was no different. I had the usual moans to contend with as I attempted to locate 5 matching pairs of wellies in vaguely suitable sizes for the children! Eventually they were all booted up and overflowing mum, 5 children and the dog headed out into the afternoon sun! We are really lucky where we live as we have lots of nice places to explore within walking distance. In the past we have been guilty of not making the most of these lovely local spots , but more recently we have all been enjoying them more regularly and developing a greater appreciation for what we have on our doorstep. So this afternoon we went to the local Dyke. This is just 5 minutes walk from our house, and there is a lovely walk around the dyke, and the lots of lovely woodland to walk through and explore

The sunshine was gorgeous glinting off the water as walked along the path by the dyke and we were soon all feeling much cheerier! We paused to look at the lovely water and were rewarded by discovering two swans right by the edge which our youngest son loved as he thought they were very exciting "quack quacks"!

We then veered off the path and up into the woodland which the children love to explore. The floor was carpeted with gorgeous Autumnal coloured leaves which the youngest loved heaping into piles and kicking. There was lots of time for tree climbing and a spot of den building, always a favourite activity with all the children

It is always lovely to see the simple pleasure they all get from clambering about in trees without a care in the world!

They all had such fun, and it was totally free and we all got some fresh air and sunshine - it reminded me why I loved takingthem all to the woods.The dog of course was also in her element sniffing around the trees and playing with the children.She has so much energy and is such fun - we are so glad we added her to our family!

I had actually remembered to take my camera too, which was great! I love photography, and love takingpictures of the children especially , but I often get so caught up in the actually business of life I forget to take photos, which is a shame. I ogt to capture some nice shots of the children which I am sure I will be glad for in years to come!