Tinker and Tailor: A Trip to France

A couple of weeks ago Mathilda and I went to France with my parents. Sadly Ed had something important on at work and wasn't able to come with us, so we had to set off on our adventure without him.

The drive down was horribly long, but altogether worth it when we got there; gorgeous countryside, delicious food and lovely weather!

The day after we arrived we went to see my grandparents, who living so far away had yet to meet Mathilda and couldn't wait a moment longer! Introductions were made, cuddles stocked up on, and after a deliciously French lunch with an aperitif, chicken and petit pois, cheese, and babas au rhum, we ended up spending the afternoon sat outside in gloriously hot sunshine - a perfect welcome to France!

When we got home it was still warm enough for Mathilda to have her supper in the garden, although without the restraint of a high chair she was far more interested in looking at the view than actually eating...

In fact most evenings were gorgeous and we went for a walk round what once was a field and is now, much more excitingly, part orchard, part forest.

There is an avenue of silver birch that leads to a hidden clearing surrounded by crabapples.

We all helped plant the trees years ago and I remember putting the tiny sticks in the ground and wondering if they would ever really turn into trees. It's magical seeing how they've grown and how they've changed a big expanse of boring grass into something so interesting and full of life.

They also helped keep us slightly drier when we walked down one evening and got caught in a rainstorm.

It was absolutely hosing it down so we made a coat tent for Mathilda and waited for it to stop, but after 10 minutes getting wetter and wetter we decided to make a break for it and ran all the way up the field back to the house.

We got soaked! On the bright side, what better excuse to settle down in front of the fire with wine and chocolate?!

Not that we really needed excuses, as I had decided that since I am still breastfeeding I may as well make the most of being able to eat all the delicious French things without feeling too guilty! As well as hopping up to the local boulangerie a few mornings for chocolatines and croissants, we also picked up a few pattisserie: a huge meringue, a tarte au noix - a sweet pastry case filled with a buttery filling and walnuts, and a 'Japonaise' - a choux bun filled with hazelnut buttercream and covered in chocolate. Utterly delicious and definitely something I definitely need to try and re-create at home!

Apart from one showery day the weather was warm and sunny and we spent most days pottering about outside, Mathilda kept herself amused playing mostly with Corky (the champagne cork which currently her favourite toy!) and I managed to get some sewing done!

Wish I could always sew with such a gorgeous view!

We also did some knitting, the outcome of which was a gorgeous new hat for Mathilda,

which she modelled in my rather ingenious highchair solution!

My Dad carved a beautiful walking stick for my Grandpa

and my Mum started stripping a sweet little vintage cot ready for the next time we visit.

Then all too suddenly it was the end of the week and time to go home again; au revoir to the lavender and lunch outside, to cheese and chocolatines, to wanderings and wine and all the delights of France.

We climbed rather disconsolately into the car and set off on our epic journey north, past the vines and under a perfect blue sky, stopping off in Bordeaux for supper and a continuation of the family catchup.

We left early next morning after a delicious breakfast of fresh pattisserie - croissants, chocolatines, chaussons aux pommes, and pains aux raisins...they were delicious!