We met the Murnanes there and - fairly literally - released the children into the forest. Pete and Charlie disappeared down a leaf-filled gulch, eventually finding other, older children that they co-opted into their rudimentary adult-free society. Oscar tried to eat everything, and managed to sneak stones, acorns and many leaves into his mouth before getting them removed again by a fast-acting mother. Izzie hung around the fire and convinced Hannah to make her hot chocolate with marshmallows.
We stayed there for two nights! Yep, seriously hardcore. On Sunday we packed up, recycled our wine bottles and drove over to Cox Farms where they were having their annual pumpkin smash before closing for the season. And after that we saw the Muckers for some fun in their new tree house.
There's been a report published recently that says children should only be allowed an hour's screen time each day, which means that Pete and I have some serious catching up to do to correct the balance after a weekend spent entirely outdoors.
Sitting on the front porch swing. It's like The Waltons around here.
Or Little House in the Big Woods (I always preferred the one on the prairie).
What's this? Only Hannah's birthday present from me: a Chillbo Baggins. What's a Chillbo Baggins? Just buy one and relax.
Unless there are kids around. Then you never get to relax.
Masterchef Jack whips up breakfast.
Oscar adopts his guru pose.
Look! Even consultants do real work sometimes.
Off for an afternoon hike.
The actual bay of Pohick.
Throwing rocks.
Some dynamic climbing from Pete.
Girl on a swing!
Childcare at its best.
Family Christmas card pic sorted.
More climbing.
Cheeky chappy.
Passing on my many years of Boy Scout fire-lighting experience. "First, syphon some petrol from a nearby car..."
Some more top childcare.
Nocturnal animals.
An actual nocturnal animal!
And some more.
Sunday morning breakfast.
We indulged in a little leaf-peeping as well, as the colours around here are stunning at the moment.
A yokel down on the pumpkin farm.
Pork sandwich.
Boom!
We normally stick to Massey Fergusons but McCormick is at least a British tractor, even if this one was made in Chicago.
Our car was stuffed full of our camping gear but the farm was selling any size of pumpkin for $5! I don't even need a pumpkin, certainly not one of that size, but you'd be crazy to miss out on a deal like that!! Hannah will learn to thank me.
"When can we have a go?" whined the children. "I just have to check it's safe. Again," says Vince.
