Churchill Island

We had a beach holiday at our old home of San Remo, yet I don't have any pictures of our time at the beach. I don't really like taking the camera to frolic in the sand unless I'm only going for the sole purpose of taking pictures, a little paranoid I know.  We stayed with wonderful old friends and spent a lot of time hanging out at home, the kids were so happy playing with each other it seemed a shame to move them. Middle Bowerbird has nasty eczema and screamed when when the salt water hit his legs so he wasn't so enamoured with the sea but still had a great time with the sand and shells. Little Bowerbird is besotted with the ocean and takes an eagle eye to watch, as she makes a fast beeline to the water.

We visited Churchill Island, it feels like an old friend as it was a regular haunt when we lived on Phillip Island. An ancient olive tree, they're such tough trees.  I have one that has fallen over in it's pot, exposing its roots, being invaded by couch, yet still thriving.

These two girls have known each other since they were babes and have the most beautiful long distance relationship. They were inseparable the whole time we visited. 

 A trip to Churchill Island wouldn't be the same without a stop at the cafe.

The prerequisite babycino, my big kids still love these, finding a hot chocolate a bit too sweet and large.

My sister passed me on this hat when she shifted to London but regrettably it's too small, it sits high on my head and looks rather silly, the big Bowerbird has been delighted to put it to good use.

I just want to gobble her up in this picture, her hair is getting sooo curly, she asked the hairdesser for a Tinkerbell haircut but Shirley Temple comes to mind. The little Bowerbird mastered saying metamorphosis this week and likes to pop it casually into conversation,  she's still seeking the initial cheers of applause when she first uttered it. "Can we read the metamorphosis book mum?"

Stealing a few petals from the feijoa flowers, they taste like puffy floral marshmallows, a little hard to describe but recommended.
 

  

More beautiful gardens to explore, I love tree magnolias, we have one at home that has been blessing us with flowers since Christmas, not as impressive as this specimen though.

Churchill Island is just as beautiful as I remember, amazing birds, great old gardens, an array of heritage farm animals and breathtaking views.  We got to spy on some of the indigenous plants we grew and planted over 10 years ago. Such a delight to see our work with Landcare still blooming years later, trees grow pretty slow in the salty windy conditions so it's takes time to see them prosper.