Sofie's choice - The woods

Today was Sofie's day to choose an advent activity. Because she went ice skating with the school this morning ( a HUGE success - she loved it), and had swimming straight after lunch, I assumed she would pick something low key and easy, like a new book.

But in so many ways Sofie is very much my daughter, and the one activity she couldn't wait to do was 'go to the woods and cook sausages'. Sofie often has problems switching off. She constantly needs to process all that is going on around her, and think about it. Even at night she wakes up, thinks about stuff, and wanders around. She isn't traumatized or upset. There are just so many unanswered questions floating around her mind, and so many things she must discuss.

But in the woods it is quite, there is less stimulation, there is lots of space, and she finally gets to 'switch off'. She likes to wander off on her own for a bit, and comes back to the group when she is ready.

We invited some friends along, and the girls were very excited to head into the woods for fire making and sausage cooking. Emily was in a particularly funny mood, and for those who are wondering - yes, she is wearing a short dress and knee high socks, in the woods, in December. She did eventually put on her lined ski trousers, but some battles aren't worth fighting.

Oh, and they climbed on stuff, jumped in leaves, made an enormous birds nest, and played hide and seek as well.

A perfect way to end the week.