Parklife

Last week I saw a photograph posted on Instagram from Dalkeith Country Park. So I added it to the list of places it might be fun to visit this week. And I also had in mind it might be a nice place to take a photograph to send as our Christmas card this year. I can't decide if sending photos of your kids as Christmas cards is horribly self indulgent or not. It probably is but too late now because the cards are ordered!

So it turns out the Park was a perfect place for a day out. The play park and fort is incredible. They also had archery for the kids to try which they loved. You have to pay for these things but I didn't think that was unreasonable given the amount of fun the kids had and the quality of the equipment. It kept a nearly 2 year old, 5 year old and 7 year old busy for hours. In fact we might still be there were I not freezing and the littlest in need of a nap.

I had a quick look in the beautiful shop and we had a drink and snack from the cafe. 

I literally dusted my camera off as we hustled out of the door to pile into the car. It felt good to have the weight of it over my shoulder. I think I got a bit fed up of carrying it around when we go out. And when I'm flying solo with 3 kids it's something I just don't have time to think about. But when Greig is around I should as I know I will appreciate having photographs of days like this to remember so I'm going to make more of an effort over the rest of our our October holidays and dare I say beyond. 

Because look how lovely. 

Grier hit the bullseye with her very first shot. Move over Merida.

The bridge across the river has this crazy tunnel which wraps around underneath it. Kids thought it was great. I think they are bonkers.

Toddlers and stones. Always and forever.

These October holidays have been fantastic. We are working our way through things that need taken care of in the house and I'm busy making Christmas preparations like an actual adult. I know I'll be glad when December rolls around. Hoping there will lots more cake eaten over the next few days, lots of outside in the fresh air adventure and fingers crossed - some knitting.