Snow on the ground so it must be time to see butterflies...

It's chilly, it's windy, it must be time for a trip to Kimmeridge! It was a bright crispy autumn day and we all headed off to the beach in Spotty Otter toasty jackets.

We have been busy with husband’s new hobby - kitesurfing. Evie and Bill love to see all the good jumping going on in Portland Harbour (Dorset) and asked the pertinent question: 'Why does Daddy spend so much time on his back when all the other men are jumping?'

What can I say but that I have already bought tickets for next year! Set in the grounds of the beautiful Lulworth Castle in Dorset, it was well worth the price for 4 days of high entertainment: both for the 3 1/2 yr olds and us 80' throwbacks. The children saw the Gruffalo stage show twice as well as meeting Peppa Pig (cue middle class mum's in a rugby scrum fighting to get their dahlings to Peppa).

The short blueberry season is upon us and we wasted no time heading out to Trehane Nursery just outside Wimborne for blueberry picking. With strict instructions from the nice lady 'not to eat the blueberries' We headed down the 200yard long rows to the bottom for some fat dusty-blue 'Berkeley' variety.

In true Dorset style we are a family of foragers! The season is just beginning with the wild raspberries and tiny alpine woodland strawberries. I can't believe how much the taste of these tiny fruit remind me of hubba bubba!

Oh to be in England...

Our main holiday this year was camping at Trevedra near Land's End. As ever the weather was mixed but Spotty Otter saved the day!

As soon as the lurgy left the children we were champing at the bit to get to the beach. Packed the car and off to Cornwall for some beach digging and surf.

It's official - I have now bought my tickets for this year's Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle. Hoorah! We went last year when the twins were 2 and had a ball. They loved camping and dressing up as a fairy and a pirate, this year the theme is 'Knights and Princesses' and they are already excited.

Hooray! It's cow time. The field behind us has become home to a herd of organic beef cows and Bill and Evie are sooo excited.

'Mummy, those frogs are having a cuddle!' exclaimed Bill, pointing at the mating frogs on their Nanny's windowsill. Awkward conversations avoided (for now) we decided to go on a search for the 'froggies eggs'. Armed with nets and wellies, we trundled off into the New Forest and found a lovely pond for dipping.

We are lucky enough to live in Dorset with 3 year old twins, and there are so many free outdoor things to do. My husband and I love sailing and we are determined to introduce Bill and Evie to as much outdoor life as can. This day was the first time they had been out on the dinghy in their new Crewsaver life jackets and they were so proud!