Earlier this week, three lovely friends and I, and our tribe of eight children visited my favourite little garden shop Bliss. They were hosting a 'potting workshop' for young kids - for $5 the kids got to pot a pretty little petunia (yay, dirt and mess!) which they could then take home. It took place in the Tulips Cafe next to the nursery, which is an adorable little place with delicious food and a playground right next to the cafe tables.
This meant after the kids had a blast planting their flowers, they could run wild in the playground whilst we mums sat near by at a table, having coffee and cake, chatting and keeping a loose eye on the kids as they played....
...and played
....and played!
Whilst playdates at a public place can be a variable entity, and sometimes feel more work than they are worth, this morning was a blissful melding of all the elements of a refreshing and delightful morning out.
The little playground area was set up so well in a fenced area and there was no-one else there so we had it all to ourselves (there was a second section where all the kid-free people could sit and yes, I would totally sit there too if I didn't have rug-rats with me!). It was just a simple playground but it was enough to keep the kids busy (plus they made their own fun and games). The kids all know and adore each other and get along really well. They were so thrilled to hang out in a group and played happily the whole time, which every parent knows does not always happen especially in a larger group!
Everyone was having such a fine old time we didn't want to leave and ended up lingering for well over three hours and even had a spot of lunch there! Felt rather decadent indeed to not be rushing home. Such a lovely relaxing morning, beautiful company and a great experience for the kids. Suffice to say we are all looking forward to heading back soon.
I left feeling so utterly grateful for a refreshing morning of friendship and flowers!
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| Finn, Eli, Harper, Lily They ran into the courtyard and jumped straight on this see-saw for a wild rock in this sweet boy/girl arrangement. I could not have arranged it better and only just managed to snap this before Finn took off in a whirl of excitement! |
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| He was a little bit like 'Um, what is happening here?' |
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| A happy little group of gardeners! |
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| The girls chit-chat while the boys just sit... and eat! |
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| Gotta have a babycino of course! |
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| Miles did this basically the whole time! Those folded little feet are killing me.... want.to.nibble. |
Sounds delightful! So great to have loving friends to do life with, especially when your children can grown in friendship too! I love miles' little neck pillow! Never seen on before!! Is it for the pram? Xx
ReplyDeletethank you yes it was a lovely outing w lovely friends and yes having mummy friends is essential for survival in these years :) (and all the other years too, lol). The neck pillow is awesome i gotta say - my amazing mum picked it up somewhere and I have to say its very handy for these newborn days, stops his little head from completely flopping over!! you could also try a rolled up blanket or something perhaps? but this little thing works well as it goes around the sides of the neck to hold it up. I use it in the car capsule (that he is in here) especially as when I cant see/touch him in the car and if his neck flops right over there is a small concern about his air supply! for the pram would be good too though!
DeleteThis is so lovley! I stumbled across your blog and cant help but keep coming back to visit! Your posts are so beautiful. I too love taking my children to nursery/cafe's, unfortunatly the ones i go to dont have a playground which would be great! Your little clan of children reminds me of my mothers group and our growing broods. Its so lovley when they all get along isnt it! :) Makes for a relaxing stress free outing which is nice x
ReplyDeletewow thanks for your lovely comment Lyndal and for coming back :) you are always more than welcome!! oh yes mothers group outings are the best huh and so lovely to see the tribe grow and grow! yes i was SUPER pleased to find this place - the nursery/cafe/playground combo means its a winner for everyone and SO relaxing!!
DeleteWow!!! I like the happy little goup of gardeners..
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove your warm words Kate, and the photos are fabulous! It is a brilliant place, can't wait to go again! :)
ReplyDeleteloved having you and yours there too Sally - SUCH a great day, im still buzzing :)
DeleteLooks like fun! Does Miles sleep in a woombie? Also, I wish I had felt the freedom to let my little one sleep on the go like that; Mom's need that time with friends. Love your blog:)
ReplyDeletethanks jessie, yes it was a fabulous day! Miles does sleep in a Woombie at home - my mum picked one up 2nd hand and I am IN LOVE WITH THAT THING!!!! now cant believe i didnt have one for my other two kids! So easy to use w just a zip, so snug and cute! loving it. do you use one too? (btw i take it you are referring to the photo of him in bed in my other post?). yeah i definitely like to give my babies plenty of chances to sleep 'out and about' so we can keep doing life and of course its essential w older siblings! i try to balance it with lots of 'proper naps' at home in bed, w the occassional nap out for flexibility. maybe next time round you can feel free-er to try it out more too! xx
DeleteHa ha, I guess I kept reading! My remark was in regards to the other post, that said, no, we didn't use a woombie. I was the typical first time mom who thought her baby didn't like the swaddle:) I love to sew and was thinking about making one for future little ones since it looks tons easier than blankets (and cooler too!). I just didn't want to fork over the money for one when I know how fast they grow!
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