Pretend Play

What is better than throwing a pretend tea party when you are three? 

Role playing is such a crucial  part of a childs learning and development that it should always be encouraged. This afternoon Mr Bee cracked lots of eggs to make an 'eggy stew' which he whisked, added oil to his pan, poured milk into the mixture. Lots of skills which he has learnt from watching and helping me in the kitchen has been processed in his little head, to go into his own tea party for his imaginary friends. He even went to the 'shop' to buy cakes and made cups of tea and did the washing up after they had gone home. 

Yesterday
Pancakes for breakfast, bread making Wednesday ritual, beautiful skies and homemade barm cakes (on National Lancashire day apparently!) to have with our favourite yummy veggie burgers. 

I just couldn't resist sharing the rest of my photos from our visit to Packwood House on Tuesday.

Welly Walk

 

Packwood House must be good if we can visit twice in three days, with Mr Bee asking to go back again tomorrow.
This time we met Anna and her boys to check out the new facilities and have some fresh air. One of the (lovely) ladies suggested we went on Packwood's 'welly walk' as we were suited and booted for such an occasion.
We squelched in mud, spotted fungi, walked the amazingly long stepping logs, played in the dens, spotted sheep and cows and had a generally amazing time! 

Can you believe these photographs were taken by our three year old?! 

New

A morning spent shopping at a Winter Festival in the surprisingly mild air. We bought so many goodies, posh cheeses, stuffed olives and amazing sausages.
Our afternoon was spent at Packwood House, sampling their new menu in their spanking new visitors centre and cafe. Our Chicken, Pepper and Pesto sandwiches did not disappoint, we can highly recommend the flapjack too ;)
Dan and I had a peaceful wander whilst Louie ran and played in the gardens. He is so at home in this beautiful place that his Pappy had never visited. I can see us spending many more days here with him.

Exploring

It was a cold and beautiful day with the most delightful azure skies.
We explored more of Calke Park today with Anna and Isaac and Alistair.
There were muddy knees, monsters, giggles and the most beautiful colours. We found new trees to document and found some new perspectives.
It all ended with a sunset which turned the trees a dreamy colour.
This was a good day.