meal planning and our year of less challenge update

A month or so ago I discussed that our family was going to embark on a year of less so we can experience more challenge.  Inspired partly a reduced budget, and a to-do list on the farm that really doesn't bear thinking about unless we can help it.  It was also inspired in part by the desire to explore all the free beauty that our new district has to offer and to move away from the idea that consuming equals entertainment.

Making a veggie lasagne in the little old cottage.  If in doubt add cheese.  I find adding cheese tempts kids to consume more veggies. 

camping

It appears Grant is taking our frugal year challenge very seriously.  He found an old cattle trough on the farm he has dragged to the back of the caravan and is converting it to a bath/shower trough.  I'm yet to be convinced it is a particularly good idea but perhaps after it has had a good long scrub I will see his plan a little clearer....

Going for an early morning walk with Aggie and Ronnie.

School, childrens anxiety and ideas to ponder

Hello there, shall we sit and have a cuppa?

weekend reads

The heat is scorching here at the moment.  Everything in the garden is getting burnt.  I send the boys out for a little bit in the morning, and again at night so they burn off some energy but our days are consisting heavily of board games, books and movies.  With the odd trip to the beach and runs through the sprinklers.  I do so love school holidays!  I have even learnt to play chess, which was a game I didn't have patience for growing up.  But this family of mine do love a good board game and we are discovering some beauties.  

I hope you are all managing to keep cool for those of you in Australia!  There is some good reads this week, and I have included a couple of books that I really love.  If your Australian and haven't yet, I highly recommend getting onto this free public library app Libby.  I think this might be the best app ever.  Endless free books at your fingertips! 

Ronnie and Henry, best mates!  This dog loves his boys.