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Bugs and Slugs and Toads, Oh My!

Posted on October 6, 2017March 20, 2018 by Henry Elliss

Last weekend we were up in Hereford, spending my birthday weekend with our extended family. It’s almost an annual tradition in our house, and one of my favourite weekends of the year – and not just because of the obvious birthday timing!

My cousin and his wife live deep in the Hereford countryside, in a house which is paradise for a small child (as well as a slightly bigger one like myself) – acres of fields and woodland to explore, a lot of fun sporting equipment to try out and a tonne of family around them to keep them occupied.

Needless to say we had a fun time – so I thought I’d share some pictures. As luck would have it, I’ve also been sent a couple of products to review which fitted in perfectly with the occasion.

The lovely folks at Trespass clothing asked if we’d like to review some of their new outdoor clothing, and sent us a couple of items for the boys. Robert opted for a new rain jacket, which is going to be perfect for the colder months ahead. You can see him proudly sporting it in some of the photos below.

Setting off on a country walk, geared-up in our new waterproofs and jumpers

Freddie opted for some new waterproof trousers – an of clothing item that I’d never have really considered before becoming a parent, but which i now consider to be an autumn essential!!

We were also sent some lovely bug hunting kits by the folks at Busy Bees nursery, to celebrate their awesome new website (especially useful if you need to find preschools in hammersmith, or wherever it is you live!!)

Hunting for bugs and spiders to pit against each other for their entertainment, apparently!

The bug hunting kits (including binoculars, some chunky tweezers for picking up creepy crawlies, magnifying glasses and more) were put to good use by adults and children alike – at one point there was a “spider vs slug” battle going on in one of the specimen pots, while the children whooped with delight!

Anyway, it was a lovely day in the countryside and something we hope to enjoy for many years to come. A big thanks to Trespass clothing and the guys at Busy Bees for supplying some of the kit to make it so much fun!!

“Autumn days when the grass is jeweled…”
Collecting the eggs from the chicken shed – and fighting off spiders to get in there!
A friendly toad that we found hiding amongst the leaves
Our bounty!
Two very tired boys at the end of the weekend!

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16 thoughts on “Bugs and Slugs and Toads, Oh My!”

  1. Rainy Days Fun says:
    October 26, 2017 at 10:26 am

    OMG that toad is huge!! I don’t think I could have held it like that in my hands as I kind of have a phobia of all these things lol!! We have some frogs in our pond (little ones) which my son finds interesting – so I am sure he’d find a toad like that fascinating!

  2. Amina says:
    October 26, 2017 at 11:39 pm

    That is the biggest toad I have ever seen! I don’t think I would be able to hold it! Looks like you guys had such a blast though!

  3. Katie Louise Halsall says:
    October 27, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    Nothing better than getting outside and looking for bugs and stuff! I never thought about waterproof clothing until I had to for uni haha, it is definitely a life saver!

  4. itsatashathing says:
    October 27, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    That toad creeped me out a little! I have to say I love that rain jacket, I love the fact it’s bright. I find bright jackets are better for children rather than dull colours, makes them easier to put on instead of ‘I don’t want to wear that’

    Tasha x

  5. Deb Sharratt says:
    October 28, 2017 at 8:14 am

    That looks like such a brilliant place to visit.

  6. Ky says:
    October 28, 2017 at 11:00 am

    That toad!!! I’m not sure I would have gone near it. Although nothing beats a walk in the fresh air and lovely countryside.

  7. Loving life with little ones (Sarah Humphreys) says:
    October 28, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    They certainly look tired out!! waterproof trousers are a must here, I don’t mind what the children get up too if they are wearing them to keep the mud off. We love bugs here and would have been excited to meet that toad x

  8. Archie and the rug says:
    October 28, 2017 at 6:04 pm

    My little boy would lose his proverbial if we found a toad like that I am.pants with bug hunting

  9. DASH | MODE LILY ☀️ says:
    October 28, 2017 at 6:09 pm

    Sounds like an amazing house, sorrounded by nature, any kidn would love that :) I used to love exploring the nature but never collected bugs, eugh haha

  10. Alexandra Donnelly says:
    October 29, 2017 at 10:02 am

    This looks like such a fun day! It’s so good that you encourage your kids to get outside no matter the weather. It looks like they thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

  11. mrswinthemaking says:
    October 29, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    That toad is massive! Looks like a fun activity to do with the kids. My son has the same jacket from Trspass and we love it :)

  12. Tanita says:
    October 30, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    Oh My goodness that toad is huge! My two would have loved him! This is something we love to do with our kids its always nice to be outside and encourage the children to explore more. xx

  13. Eva says:
    November 21, 2017 at 12:49 pm

    Fabulous outing. My husband can’t wait to take the kids for such a fun day out. But they are too little yet. I

  14. Jess @ Catch A Single Thought says:
    November 21, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    Yikes, not sure I would want to get up close to a toad but it does look like a lot of fun! We spend quite a lot of time outdoors but I’ve never really considered investing in waterproof trousers for my kids either; definitely something I need to look into!

  15. Sonia says:
    November 21, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    Looks like you had a great birthday weekend! My dream is to collect eggs and have them for breakfast! That toad looks very friendly :)

  16. louisebodlex says:
    November 22, 2017 at 12:52 pm

    It looks like you had such a good weekend. What a lovely family tradition! My son loves exploring the outside world as well.

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henweb

henweb

Pun-loving, 👨‍👦‍👦 dad-blogging, 📷 photo-taking, 🏰 Lego-making, 🎅🏿 beard-wearing, 👶 child-caring dad of 2. 💍 Husband of 1. 💩 Strategist

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