Glorious weather, yet we are buying umbrellas!

New umbrellas

This morning when we arrived at Tregongeeves we were transported onto the set of 'I'm Singing in the Rain' - except there was no rain and the back drop was Tregongeeves.  You see Judith was let loose in Truro this week and as well as getting some lovely new garden furniture for various cottages she stumbled across the most beautiful umbrellas with various animals on them - so much so every cottage now has one for those occasional Cornish showers.  The umbrella display that greeted us was not exactly how I expected to start the day!

This week we have had glorious weather, the sun is really warm - in fact I even got sun burnt sitting in the garden.  We ventured to Cardinham Woods this week.  It is a really lovely spot for both families with young and older children and dog walkers.  There are a series of trails varying in length - we always do the Lady Vale walk as it is short and doable for toddler legs.  The worm trail keeps them entertained too.  There is a lovely natural play area and a beautiful cafe called Woods Cafe which offers yummy homemade cakes.  I am very excited about the woods as we have just signed up to the new Forest School running there - keep an eye out for one of events in the holidays run by the brilliant Claire.  We completed a term at a different venue before Christmas and the girls loved it so we cant wait to start again in April.  Over Easter Claire is offering various courses for families - their sessions fill up very quick as her reputation goes before her so book early to avoid disappointment.

Views from the Coast Guard Hut

This weekend we are going to take the girls to the coast guard hut at Caerhays.  It is the most stunning hidden gem.  Follow the signs for Caerhays Beach and on the sea side of the road you will find a pull in and see the top of a small hut.  Walk down to the hut and have your breath taken away.  The views are stunning in all directions, over looking the sea.  The small hut offers shelter from the sea breeze and the enclosed gardens lets little people explore whilst staying very safe.  It is the most amazing place.

We are going on a chick hunt...

There is a book that is loved in our house called 'We are going on a Bear Hunt'.  Well tomorrow Grannie, with two granddaughters in tow is 'going on a chick hunt'.  As you do!  Apparently there are some rare chickens available in near Falmouth that lay brown and green eggs (I am certain Judith will give you a much more accurate account of names and breeds than I can).  All I know is we are soon to be mothering 10 chicks under a lamp for a while whilst they grow strong enough to go outside.  Eggs have been a bit thin on the ground of late so hopefully over time this new members of the coup will get producing for us.

The rest of the animals are doing well.  The sheep very much enjoyed seeing their friends Pippa and Sam who are returning young guests, and enjoyed the attention they got from everyone during half term.  Alice also enjoyed having her hair trimmed by guests recently whilst the pigs enjoyed the extra food they got.

Over half term our younger visitors had fun not only feeding the animals each morning but also partaking in a bit of 'Tin Can Cooking'.  The feast was made even better by homemade shortbread.  We also had lots of fun creating crafts to decorate the Recreation Room windows.  We hope over the year our younger guests will help us make lots of lovely hand prints.

Today a very rare event occurred; my two girls fell asleep at the same time in the same place - the back of the car.  I can count the times this has happened over the last 10 months on one hand!  So what do you do in Cornwall when you have sleeping children in the car - you take in the view and the gloriously amazing spring sun.  I head to Caerhays Beach


when you can park and see the sea.  It is a must just for the view but it is a fantastic family beach too with a castle behind you it is a truely magical place to inspire young minds.