It has been the most beautiful weekend. Sunny clear skies, almost no wind, warm weather – the perfect weather for a weekend of spending lots of time together outdoors!

I washed walls. And windows. And I weeded some parts of the garden (too much hoeing!) and planted things, and completely polished our bedroom. I washed sheets and towels – and was able to dry them all outside in the sunshine! Talk about spring cleaning.

We had a lovely Father’s Day too. Two little people ran, giggling, into our bedroom at 6:30. They were told not to wake up daddy, so they sat against my spare pillows on the floor at my side of the bed, whispering and quietly giggling, practising saying ‘Happy Father’s Day daddy, I love you,’ and talking about the presents they were giving him. It was so sweet; I loved waking up to that. Fortunately it wasn’t long before monte yawned loudly and got up to open the blind to our room. Matthew and Elora jumped up and we went to make daddy a cup of tea.

With his tea in hand, daddy received lots of presents from the children. A dart board with magnetic darts, chocolate, a ‘Best Dad’ beer cooler, mints, garden weeder, a compass… Not to mention cuddles and kisses and handmade cards. He was very happy!

Happy Father’s Day Monte :)

It was a glorious day! We spent the day outside doing little jobs around the place; playing; enjoying the recently-completed front verandah paving; eating and drinking in the sunshine; checking on the animals and generally just hanging out together. Monte started plotting out the poly tunnel and we began making plans for vegetable gardens and this season’s plantings. It’s nice to sit back with feet up, soaking up the sun and chatting happily about dreams, plans and goals!

If I don’t mind big-noting myself, I did cook some great meals on Sunday. Homegrown lamb roast was for dinner, and for lunch we ate Atlantic salmon and salad on the deck, overlooking the view we adore. The dressing for the salad is a simple vinaigrette, made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil and lots of whole grain mustard.

The salmon was pan fried in a hot pan. I melted 2 Tbsp butter and then cooked the salmon for about 7 minutes on each side. The pan was hot and I only turned the fish once. Each side was crispy and golden brown, and the flesh on the inside was velvety smooth, like melt-in-your-mouth kind of fish. Yum!

So happy Father’s Day Monte. Thank you for everything. Especially the babies. And the house. And the work you do. And your jokes and cuddles and for all the love you give us so unconditionally.

Happy Father’s Day, dad. I love you so much. You have taught me so much. I love your hugs and I love it how you always know the right thing to say.

Happy Father’s Day poppa. We love you. We love your endless generosity, stories, songs, cuddles and your booming voice that always makes us all feel safe.