8/52

She loves to get dirty this one... rocks, dirt, puddles, mud - you name it, she's in to it.  Despite the stains (oh the stains!), watching her is fascinating.

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series for 2013.

our Apple Aisle adventure

We are home again after a magic week away in enchanting Tasmania - all exhausted, but wonderfully happy.

It was our first real taste of holidaying with children in tow - our travelling caravan comprised of three couples, each wrangling an energetic and endlessly curious toddler. 

Aside from the insanely large mountain of luggage required for three little people, choosing to holiday with two other families proved a genius move, as the kiddies absolutely revelled in each others company all week.

Car trips became an absolute pleasure - side-by-side car seats meant Matilda chattered happily with her little pal throughout each journey, the two of them frequently holding hands (melt!) and trading toys contentedly.

The Boy and I honeymooned in Tassie just 4 years ago, yet amazingly this trip we managed to fill each day with new experiences, discovering some total Tassie gems along the way.

Food is always a highlight for us when travelling, so when one of our troop suggested The Italian Pantry our first evening, we were immediately on board. 

On a Friday night only, this tantalising and colourful providore sets up a handful of tables, and treats the lucky few patrons to a tasty and authentic menu of traditional Italian fare, making the most of local produce and age-old recipes. 

The food was sensational, and the service warm and welcoming - a best kept secret by locals I am sure.

A lazy Saturday morning was spent meandering around Salamanca Market and the beautiful boutiques tucked away in sandstone alleyways, Matilda delighting in the many street performers and musicians along the way.  The air was filled with smells from market food stalls, locals and tourists alike enjoying the sunshine and lively atmosphere, action and colour wherever you looked - a sensory feast, and I was in absolute heaven.

As if Salamanca wasn't enough excitement for one day, we ventured enthusiastically to another icon of Hobart for the afternoon, MONA - and it was nothing short of incredible.

On approach we marvelled at the sprawling vineyard that cascades down the hillside - the Morilla Winery appears like a living rooftop above the striking architecture of the museum building.

Being a Saturday, the rooftop lawn is buzzing with activity - market stalls, pop-up wine and cocktail bars, and a sea of happy people sprawled on beanbags, listening to the live music chiming out from the main stage.

We were blown away, and hadn't even reached the museum yet...

Once inside, you are immediately struck by the ingenious design of the building - like a labyrinth, the intricate walkways and dark corridors weave their way over 3 floors, suddenly opening to vast and open caverns, housing the many fascinating (and often controversial) installations and artworks.

The museum building itself was a work of art, and for me the highlight - not a stuffy, library-quiet space this one.. exactly how modern art should be displayed and considered.

Much of the rest of our week was spent outdoors - trips to Mount Wellington for the spectacular views (and photo ops!); watching the little ones chase birds around the many lush parks in and around Hobart (the Cascade Brewery Gardens was a beautiful spot for the kiddies to explore while we sipped on local cider and beer); and a leisurely drive through the Huon Valley, with lunch and a spot of shopping in a few of the sweet little towns sprinkled along the way, before a quick pit stop to marvel at the Big Tree before the rain set in.

Normally quite conscious of spending money in our every day life, it felt amazing to shell out some pennies to bring treasure home with us.  Favourite purchases include the sweetest tea cosy from the CWA shop in Hobart, a fun little DIY project picked up from The Makers in Geeveston, and a sweet art illustration for Tilly's room from the MONA market.

We returned home with a bank of happy memories shared with dear friends, already daydreaming of another visit in the not too distant future we hope.  Tassie, you were the perfect host.. we miss you already!

*I've noticed that there is a distinct lack of photos of Tasmania on the camera, but with such a cute muse to capture, who can blame me?.. Her beloved Bunny (Bubby) also makes an appearence in most shots; a well travelled bunny indeed x

7/52

Golden sun atop Mount Wellington, Tasmania.  Such a Daddy's girl after a full week away together - a special bond that fills my heart to the brim.

*photo taken last week, posted late as we have just returned from the Apple Isle

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series for 2013

6/52

Slow start to today, after another wakeful night...We are all longing for that promised rain, to sweep away the humidity and cool the air.

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series for 2013

from the fog

It's been a quiet week for us - we've all been fighting off a pesky, mystery lurgy, which just about beat us.  There has been a lot of Tea and Panadol consumed, several Play School marathons enjoyed from the couch, and snuggly pyjamas left on all day.

Amidst the aches and pains, Matilda has been such a brave little soldier -although she clearly feeling absolutely rotten, she still managed to shine that beautiful, infectious smile, giving us all a much needed boost when we needed it the most.

We've only managed a couple of little outings as a result...A leisurely stroll through some local Antique stores on Sunday (a favourite past-time of the Boy and I pre-baby), and then today a wonderful catch up with the beautiful mums and bubs with whom we shared a Baby Massage course with when the tots were only a few months old.

As horrid as the past few days have been, I am grateful that we were all struck down this week as opposed to next... I have Valentines Day (week!) ahead of me - hundreds of red roses to de-thorn, gaggles of customers to attend, and the annual logistical nightmare of deliveries to conquer. 

The only reprieve is that we then fly out to Tassie the evening of Valentines Day, the most wonderful and welcome reward after what is sure to be a chaotic/exhausting/dizzying week a the Florist.

1. total treasure trove of loveliness here

2. exploring the labyrinth of collectibles and furniture

3 & 4. Granny's washing machine, hours of entertainment
5 & 6. Today at The English Garden -  bubs ran ahead, chasing ducks; mamas trailed behind, coffees in hand.

5/52

We spent the afternoon moseying around some favourite antique shops. What did we come out with?.. A bag full of plastic dinosaurs...

*yes, she is in her pyjamas..someone only slept for 20mins today, so to ward of a meltdown we quickly piled in to the car and set off on an adventure!

Taking part in Jodi's weekly portrait series for 2013