On a whim (and with beautiful weather) we headed out to Betty’s Bay to visit the botanical gardens.

It is a really beautiful reserve with two lovely gorges running through it and coming together.

Some bridges have been damaged by some bad fires that happened a few years ago.

But this crazy family had a beautiful and peaceful day hiking around.

And we ended with a short trip to the beach while waiting for our Ooskus fish and chips to be ready

Because some afternoons should be about sun, and catching tadpoles…..and just the two of us, while Duncan, Grace and Eli ride at school.

Grace started playing violin at the beginning of the year and has enjoyed learning to play an instrument and reading music. We have had our ups and downs with Grace not wanting to practice but after the Eisteddfod yesterday and seeing some other children play Grace is feeling inspired. As I sit and write this she is composing her own piece of music.

Waiting her turn with her friend Eva who is one of the reasons Grace started playing violin.

Grace played so well and after listening to her play her part without the piano it was lovely to hear it all together

She was very pleased with her gold