Now that the trees are getting more mature there is a lot of work to be done thinning out where new trees have sprouted too densely, and removing dead trees, fallen trees and dead branches.
The little boys got to watch Grandad work with an axe and chainsaw, and help remove some of the dead wood. I believe it's far better to teach children to behave safely rather than just stay away, and I also think it's right that if they get to enjoy something, they appreciate the work that has gone into it. So they helped.
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| It's a mug! |
There was even a bit of wildlife rescue - a toad who (it was decided by our 4 year old) needed taking nearer to a stream or pond
After all of that hard work a hearty lunch and then some time with Grandma's Shetland Ponies. Most of the time the ponies don't have any suitable riders around, so they're also trained to pull a cart.
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| The 4 year old expert |
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| The 3 year old novice! |
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The children know they have to help look after the ponies if they want to ride them, but I don't think they find grooming and watering a chore anyway!
We had a great time while we were away, my partner's parents live in a very beautiful place and we're very lucky to be able to go and enjoy it with them.
I'm linking up this post with Coombe Mill's Country Kids
Your 4 year old really does look like a complete expert :) I've never ever tried it but would love to one day. It looks like a brilliant trip away.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tas, it was lovely. You should try it - you should try everything you're interested in at least once :D
DeleteWow! Looks like an amazing place to have a trip away too...Aww the ponies are so cute!! I had a Shetland pony when I was a child...hehehe
ReplyDeleteThe Shetland's are incredibly cute - I think my boys would smuggle one home if they had a chance! :D
DeleteWow! How lucky to be able to enjoy such a beautiful place :-) It looks like you all had a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteThank you, we're very lucky and we did have a great time :)
DeleteWow! How lucky to be able to enjoy such a beautiful place :-) It looks like you all had a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteBoy #3 knows that isn't a pony in the final photo, right? Seriously though, it looks like a truly idyllic spot, you are very lucky to share it with them.
ReplyDeleteHahaha....it's not a pony, but it's their water buckets! He loved using the hose, it took about 15 seconds before he realised he could fill the buckets by using the highest and most indirect angle possible :D
DeleteI quite agree with teach children to do the task safely and make them aware of the dangers, no different than sharp knives in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteooks like lots of fun was had, and educational to boot.
Thanks, they did learn a lot - the fun way!
DeleteThe boys looked like they had fun, next time please bring me back a little Shetland they are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHahaha....I'm sure the boys would second that - I think they'd have eaten all the grass in our little garden by the end of the first day though :D
DeleteYour right, they do have a wonderful place. No wonder the boys have so much fun there, the ponies are lovely and how great that they can have a ride. Helping Grandad they are learning so valuable life lessons and having fun exploring nature at the same time. Thanks for linking up and sharing your great outdoor adventures with Country Kids.
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you! Thanks for hosting what has to be one of the most enjoyable linky's and encouraging people to get their children outdoors every week :)
DeleteOh, I know a little boy who would love to be helping his grandad chop and collect wood! What a beautiful place your in laws live in x
ReplyDeleteIt is gorgeous, just a shame it's 200 miles from where we live! :) x
DeleteLooks like a fabulous place, my 2 would love running around those woods, and those Shetland ponies are so cute!
ReplyDeleteIt really is magical and the ponies are very sweet and incredibly friendly :)
DeleteI could do with a bit of chill out time with this, looks like you've had an amazing time
ReplyDeleteWe did have a lovely time - I had no idea when I started seeing my partner that he came with such a great place to go 'home' to :D
DeleteWhat a lovely place, looks like you had great fun
ReplyDeleteWe did, and it really is, thank you :)
DeleteFab pictures, especially the second to last! Very blessed indeed :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks Sim :)
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