Camps and Dens

Yesterday we had Ruby's cousin round for a sleepover.  Ruby desperately wanted to take him to the woods and make a den and a campfire, so we packed some essentials of off we went.

We're so lucky to have a beautiful wood just ten minutes walk from our house, and they spent the short walk collecting 'fire wood' and dried leaves.

Through the kissing gate - you do know there's a LAW which says you have to kiss when passing through one of these gates don't you?  Well, maybe not a law, but I'm pretty sure it's in the Country Code.

We wandered through the woodland paths, the dappled sun guiding our way.  Before you start congratulating me on my den-building prowess, I must confess, this was already here.  We merely squatted for a while.

They lay out some cosy blankets inside and they set about building their fire.  I'm not TOTALLY irresponsible, it wasn't a real fire, but we made it look realistic with some light sticks and tissue paper for flames.

They had great fun hunting for sticks and twigs to feed the fire, and pretended to light it scout-style by rubbing sticks.

I found a comfy log a safe distance away, and let them play.  Is there anything better than listening to kids in their imaginary world, just chattering away?  They spoke to each other on imaginary walkie-talkies, with lots of 'over and outs', before finally snuggling down for sandwiches and hot chocolate.

Such a gorgeous afternoon.

Linking up with Country Kids over at Coombe Mill.