We may live in a large, multigenerational household, but now all the boys are at school, we find we don’t get to spend much quality time with them. So on a lazy Sunday morning, with a break in the recent inclement weather we decided to don the wellies and set of to the woods on a bear hunt.

Only the twins wanted to join us on this adventure. We crossed the fields towards the trees and as soon as we opened the gate and disappeared under the shady canopy their excitement grew. They immediately started foraging for chestnuts that had fallen from the trees and were hiding under leaves, squealing as they pricked their fingers trying to prise them from their shells. Before very long we had a bag that was filling with chestnuts and different shaped leaves.

The discoveries continued as we came across a variety of mushrooms and toadstools. Some growing up from the ground, peeking out from under the fallen leaves, big ones, small ones, brightly coloured ones and others which, to the boys amazement, were growing out from trees.

We continued on our quest and found a tree that had fallen over completely, it’s roots standing taller than the boys, and some delicate blackberries peeking out from the undergrowth ripe for picking.

There was a game of pooh sticks in the fast running stream and when we found another fallen tree, we couldn’t go over it, we couldn’t go round it, so we had to go under it.

Following closely behind Granddad along the path, keeping their eyes peeled.

Then there it was ………………………………………………………………………. …the bear’s den.

One twinnie keeping his distance, the other tentatively approaching the den to see if the bear would leap out on him. Fortunately Mr Bear had popped out for tea so we snapped a picture by his front door before scurrying on our way.

Our mission accomplished, we found our way out of the woods, back through the little gate and across the field. The boys were a little wary as we passed a couple of grazing horses, but the horses were too busy munching the lush grass to be interested in two little boys.

Our final stop after a busy mornings hunting was the aviary in our friends garden, watching the cockatiels busy flying around, in and out of their house, on and off their perches, squawking loudly and the boys trying to mimic them.

With their bag full of gathered goodies and wellies plastered in mud, we returned them to their parents, excitedly recounting their adventure.

Grandparents retreating to their lounge for a lovely cup of tea

Happy Sundays