{eight} sandpit

These holidays we decided to get a load of sand to make the children a sand pit.

There was an old wagon wheel tyre down the paddock when we moved in here so we rolled it into the orchard to sit in front of the cubby house under the almond trees.

Both children are impressed and I am happy that they have a great spot to play outside in the shade on long Summer afternoons.  A tyre swing is next on the agenda out there.

Of course, it has been the WETTEST couple of weeks since we did this which is not great for playing outside, but when there is a break in the clouds it is all systems go in the sandpit.

Have you entered the Blogtoberfest giveaway I am having here?

{seven} climbing

Further to the camping adventure blogged yesterday, we also went rock climbing while at Mt. Kaputar.

The Mr is a bit of a climbing enthusiast (nut?) but we have not been able to climb often since having children.  Prior to the little folk arriving we had climbed in the Blue Mountains NSW, The Rock NSW, Ebor NSW,  Mt Arapiles VIC and Phra Nang in Thailand. 

The rock at Mt. Kaputar is first class and the guide book states that it is the best in Australia outside Mt. Arapiles.  We agree.  It was amazing quality to climb on.

We did three easy climbs at Mt Lindesay to ease back into things.   Thanks for the Mammaries, Deep Water and Short Shrift with a slightly alternative ending due to having to follow the top rope.

We had a great afternoon while Grandma and Grandpa watched the children back at the campsite.

A photo of me climbing Deep Water.  Not the most flattering of camera angles!

{six} camping

We found a couple of days between rain to head back to Mt. Kaputar National Park.

Our last visit was back here last October.

Euglah Rock

We stopped again at all the lookouts to enjoy the views across the Nandewar Range and from some spots the plains below.

We wandered out to Mt Lindsay lookout and the Mr and I went rock climbing there in the afternoon, but I will say more about that tomorrow.  

Possum called this area the Rocky Land.  She wants to go climbing with us next time.

West Kaputar Rock

Both children love camping and think it is a real adventure.  When asked what her favourite part of the camping trip was Possum replied 'everything!'.

We camped at Bark Hut and the bathrooms where open aired and lovely.  Hot showers and proper toilets made it very comfy and at just $5 per adult per night it was affordable too.  Children under 5 years old are free or $3 per night for the over fives.

Last time we came up here I had a photo taken with the children so decided we had to do that again at the same place, Mt Kaputar summit.

Then we had a rare family photo too.

It is hard to get a photo of the two children together...

The Governor

Next time we come up I am going to hike out onto the Governor.  There is rock climbing there and I want a closer look.

{five} colour

I get sick of sharpening them, but the children both love colouring in.  We have had plenty of wet days these holidays so the pencils have been busy.

Possum is waiting for a few nice Spring days so she can swap the pencils for the finger paints.

{four} fudge

To use some pistachios from our tree (and because I love fudge) I made this recipe by Nigella.  It tastes perfect, but it is sticky and hard to work with which puts me off the idea of making it again in a hurry.

I saw a white choc rocky road recipe that used pistachios, so I think I will try that next.

{three} kids craft

A few pipe cleaners and a couple of fluffy pom poms.  Glue on some eyes and we had a quick craft effort to combat the rain (lots of rain!) over the weekend.

One of these critters even survived the night tucked up in bed with Possum.  I am not sure how it ended up looking much the same come morning because I have slept with her, and it isn't easy.  She is a wriggler and likes to keep at least four points of contact with you as she moves about.

{two} A giveaway

EDIT: Giveaway now closed.

There are no rules.  Just leave a comment and make sure I have a way to get in touch and after the 31st of October I will use a random number draw to pick a winner. These are Red Thread goodies up for grabs and are a great prize for anyone.

I always think half the fun of Blogtober is the giveaways :)

And for those that read about yesterday's fun, Bloggy is doing well, and still in the lounge room.