November at Chatsworth

Another week, another trip to Chatsworth.  Despite the storms and rain we've had lately, we caught a simply magical day for this visit, with still  air and clear blue skies and bright Autumn sunlight.  It was a wonderful haven.  We went with our friends today, and had a brilliant time.  Though, Autumn is suffering from a cold and cough which is throwing her balance out a little, so she had a few falls and upsets, but fortunately was able to move on from them fairly swiftly.

The first thing we encountered (and we had to go at a fair pace to keep up with the boys - Evan was leading the way as I had told him we were going to the grotto, and he knew the way!) was the trough waterfall. Many toughs slotted together to make a marble run style waterfall.  It is covered in lovely thick moss and simply beautfiul.

After this stop at the Grotto with some stunning views, we encountered this tree which was initially mistaken for one of the many sculptures around the gardens, as it had been chopped off in such a manner that it presented itself in a very artistic manner.

Tom loved this Warthog, and Evan is seen here with a very large leaf, after having been asked to find leaves all a variety of shapes and sizes.  I also encouraged them to do with a variety of regular shapes and other objects... making me think I'd like to do a proper scavenger hunt on our next trip out and even with photos for the younger ones and words for the older ones to tick off and find - perhaps even with a camera so that they can take a photos of the objects as they find them, so they can include non-collectectable items.  I will devise some and hopefully post them up as an attachment to this page when I've done.

We stopped by this pond, at first glance, just a pond, then we stepped closer and this is what we saw. A-MA-ZING.  The glassy surface, the beautiful day, the variety of colours, the ever increasing circles of the ripples of the pond.  What could be better.

We created a mini playground in this tree near to the maze.  I had brought my rope swing which we erected, Autumn and Evan were climbing whilst Tom was exploring.  Loads of fun had by all.

Next we headed for the Kitchen garden, via the cascades.  Even now into November Evan enjoyed a little sunbathe next to the Cascade on our way.

We were greeted in the kitchen garden by these terrific pumpkin and Marrow collection.  What a treat - look at the size of that pumpkin.  For Autumn it brought to mind the enormous radish from one of their Peter Rabbit stories.

Evan, Tom and Autumn settled into a game involving making a home for a worm or two, though Autumn was eager to play Peter Rabbit, and pretending they were in Mr MacGregor's garden.

This mini maze ini the kitchen garden covered by a beautiful apple tree is still one of Evan's favourite bits of the garden.

Amy and Autumn busied themselves painting by a mini shed.  Whilst Su and I chatted about the wonders of nature and the natural world.  How lucky we are to get to fully enjoy it.  I have to say this year especially, I have been filled with gratitude for the enriching experience to my life that Home Education has brought.  I am so grateful every day for all the things in my life which have brought me to where I am right now.

We moved on after this to the playground for a short while after a little negotiation.  Evan spent the whole half hour making this river in collaboration with some other children at the playground.

Before we left Autumn had a bit of a bounce on the incredibly fast and scary zip line, and a few slides down some ace tube slides.

To entice the children away and back to the cars we lured them with a spot of animal handling at the farm.  Evan had the pleasure of Patch's company - interestingly this is the same Guinea pig he was given to hold as last time we were here (out of about 20 or so!)   He couldn't have been more at peace and full of happiness.  We talked for a while about the possibility of having guinea pigs ourselves.... watch this space.

Autumn totally loved her Guinea pig - Squirrel, and stroked him very gently and lovingly
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A simply perfect day out, even with the myriad of fallings over we had.  Chatsworth cannot do any wrong.