Getting ready for Easter Hunts...

Hi all. Not sure if you get as excited as I do (yes, still at my age) when it comes to Easter time? But I really have to confess that I do love planning fun things for my family to do over this period. Time unfortunately does not always allow me to get as "creative" as I would like - but that is probably just an excuse. And a bad one at that.

I do have to confess - It is the 29th and I still have not ventured into the shops to stock up on "Easter treasts" - think I am simply avoiding the shops as I know I will be whisked into "Easter Frenzie Mode" and want to buy them all. Especially all the delightful Easter treats that Woolies are displaying on their shelves.

I was chatting to one of my friends today and she gave me a wopnderful idea....creating an "Easter Treasure Map". Now before you start thinking that this is simply far too much energy....think again. How fun would it be for your little one to have to follow the clues...e.g. take 5 steps down the garden path. Open the gate and look for the toy bunny under the tree. What clue is the bunny holding? Take 3 steps towards the red rose bush. Now look for 2 easter eggs....and so it goes....what a wonderful way to get them to learn about a. counting b. taking steps c. looking and finding etc. etc. plus the rewards are amazing.....chocolate!!! What more could one ask for!!
Definitely one that I will be working on for Sunday.

Time out with my family

So much for slowing down, taking time out and having "me time". Yes these were all my plans and goals that were listed the beginning of the year...have I fulfilled them? Hmmm - no! But what I have done, which I am sure that a lot of you can relate to ans that is simply to "accept". Yes, accept the fact that time does NOT slow down as we get older. That tomorrow comes just as quickly as the next and that I am constantly going to be playing catch up as long as I have kids and a wonderful husband.

I have to say though - This past long weekend we took a drive to one of my most favourite places - Golden Gate. It is approx 16km from Clarens and about 3 1/2 hours from Jhb (so not a bad distance to travel with a car full of cherubs. Did I say cherubs?) Perhaps when they were all sleeping...

Well let me just say that if you are ever looking for an affordable getaway for the family - definitely consider Golden Gate. The view is simply breathtaking and if those mountains do not rejuvenate your soul...well then there simply is no hope for you.
It is the perfect place to simply sit, relax, go for hikes (my 4 year old has been coming with us since he was a baby and has even managed the hikes), read a book - believe it, let the kids run free and just take it all in.

The accomodation: There are camping sites for those that like to really "bond with nature" (not quite my scene I have to say - but hey, I'm a city girl after all). Some very quaint and clean chalets and for those that really want to splurge - there is the magnificent Highlands Mountain Retreat.
Remember it does get rather cold - so be sure to always pack a jacket or two - especially for the little ones.

So put it down on the "Bucket List" of places to visit. The view in itself is worth it.