The best thing about summer holidays?? OK, there are lots of great things, but one thing that I love is that it gives us a chance to read, play board games, watch movies, and generally relax. The aftermath of Christmas means we usually have a few new toys to try out as well. So here are some things we are loving at the moment.
Carcassone
What is it??? Well, it’s a great strategy game which is simple enough that Meg and Toby can play, yet still interesting enough for adults to enjoy too. I bought it for Country Boy for Christmas, after he left a few hints (such as a list on the fridge, and showing me a blog which reviewed the board game – he is subtle sometimes). The aim is to place cards to make cities, roads, and monasteries, which you claim with little wooden people to gain points. We call it sausage city because one of the first times we played, the cities all ended up long and thin like sausages, but it is definitely fun and easy. There is also an expansion pack, that may well be part of Christmas 2016.
River Cottage Australia (series 3)
Toby loves River Cottage Australia, and considers Paul (the host) and the other people on the show as his friends. He will often start talking about something Paul did, and it always takes me a minute to think “who is Paul?”, before I remember who he is talking about. Toby will also occasionally give a running monologue of what he is doing around the farm just like the show. My favourite one so far was when he announced “Things on the farm are going to change. I’m building a raft”. Any how, we gave him series 3 for Christmas (slightly unusual present for a 5 year old, I know), and we have all enjoyed watching it. I’m also getting some inspiration about what I can cook, and may have suggested to CB that we need to get some bees…
Wide Angle Phone Lens
CB bought me a little lens from Typo that magnetically attaches over my mobile phone lens, and gives me either a wide angle, or macro lens. It is super easy to use, and really extends the width of the photo. I’ve been using it a bit when taking photos of the countryside, and I love it. Check out my instagram account to see some of the pics I’ve taken with it.
Audio Books
Long time readers would know that audio books are always a staple of every Christmas at our place. We do quite a bit of travelling around the place, and audio books really help to keep the kids happy, and to make the trip seem quicker. This year we have listened to Winnie the Pooh, What Katie Did, and still have The Ranger’s Apprentice to listen to when we go up to Sydney next week. They are also perfect for hot days when we don’t feel like doing much. A little colouring or lego or trainset with an audio book in the back ground makes the day go faster and happier.
Water Paint Sets
My sister and brother in law created the best presents for their nieces and nephews this year. They all received beautiful little sewn pouches with a good quality water colour set, paint brush, pencil, and several little note books inside. The kids spent lots of time at Magic beach sitting around the table with my sister, painting together. My kids have also done some more painting since we got home from Magic beach. They are the perfect size for taking away with us.
What do you love about summer holidays? Have you found anything new that you love?
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Voyage to Centre of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues under the sea were favourites for my sons. Ancient history, they were on cassettes. Son and his wife and I combined to buy lenses for iphone for 15 year old granddaughter and a case. I had originally found a Fiji I liked as we all have Fuji XT -1 and love them. However tech nerd son did research and we bought the lenses. She is producing some superb photos and has a great eye for composition.