Travels home in October. Part One.

Pregnancy insomnia has it's advantages. Once a week or so I'm wide awake about three in the morning and just can't get back to sleep. I have read a fair chunk of a book over a few of these restless nights. Tonight though feels like a good chance to play bloggy catch up once again.

In October Mae and I spent a week in Southland before our family gathered to spread Mum's ashes. It happened to be the week of my Dad's birthday and also great Spring weather. Time is always a juggle as we balance sorting out the family home and spending time with friends and family. This trip was no different and the days passed by swiftly.

Us girls flew home on a brilliantly clear day. It was a big treat for the wee one to have a lollipop for take-off and landings. Miss Mouse looked so tiny in her own seat and lap belt. We were greeted at the other end of the country by an enthusiastic Poppa and Joh.

Patiently waiting to board. 

All ready to take off. 

Time spent in our family home is so precious. Though Mum is no longer there it is a comfort to be surrounded by her things and memories.

It is bittersweet to see my wee girl explore the rooms that we grew up in; rooms that hold echoes of our family when it was nourished by the most wonderful woman I have ever met. Every time I return I try to soak up all that goodness, attempt to etch just how it looks and smells and feels into my mind.

Fluffy time at Poppas. 

 Mae and I had a few days at home before my sister and Casey joined us. Dad and Joh had been working hard to complete a redo of our childhood playhouse. It it now sits up proudly on wheels, has a mezzanine floor, new windows and furnishings.

The big reveal

Suitably impressed with all the knick knacks. 

Busy in the kitchen.

I can imagine many hours of happy play here in the future as my sister and I once did. Tea parties and cooking. Games of Mummies and Daddies.

Miss Mouse was very excited to have her Aunty and Uncle arrive all the way from South Australia. More people to entertain and play with....and more people to wrangle sneaky chocolate buttons from! 

We celebrated Dad's 59th birthday with family and friends gathered around the home table. Mae spent a few hours at Queens Park, Invercargill with her Aunty Mary. Having fluffies at the cafe, wandering the gardens and meeting the animals. 

This gave me the chance to have a quick catch up with a dear friend. What a treat it was to catch up over hot cuppa in her very own little home. It was rather bliss to both be child free for my quick visit too.  Oh how I wish Sammy and I lived closer. 

Aunty and niece adventures

Meeting the locals. 

Other days were spent doing more sorting of belongings and entertaining a wee girl. She certainly makes the organising process much more fun if not a little longer. Box forts were made. Toy baskets ransacked and all sorts of silly games were made up. 

Fort construction.

Dressing up in Nana Fox's jewels with Aunty Mary

Rediscovering favourite childhood books and sharing them with an eager little helper. 

Taking advantage of the Spring sunshine we tackled a few outdoor jobs too. Mae is never one to miss an opportunity to sit on anything with an engine or hitch a wheelbarrow ride. So Poppa's place is never dull.

Testing out Poppa's lawnmower. 

Little legs racing back to the house

Our trips to Grandma and Grandad's house are always enjoyed. Ice-cream, lovely books and fun toys. More sneaky lollies and a fun garden to play means this we girl is in heaven. What sweet memories with very much loved people.

With the sun rising and a toddler now stirring I'll wrap this post up. Time for coffee and family. Another day of waiting for a now overdue baby. Hopefully a bit of sunshine and crafting thrown in for good measure too.