Visit the country more often.
Saturday morning and we spontaneously throw a few bits and bobs in the boot, buckle in all the children and hit the road.
To the north lie snow-covered mountains. East, the worlds longest wine route and South, the beach. We're still undecided.
We stumble upon an open-air 'living' museum, which proves to be a big hit. All we need for a perfect morning is a big blue tractor, a couple of ducklings, and the shade of a lovely big karee tree.
We can't resist pulling over to click the Nikon a few times along the Route 62, before we meander into an art deco style country hotel. The country air smells sweet. The deserted streets are safe for toddlers to run amuck, and the locals have smiles on their faces. Ah, The Serenity… except for the over-excited city kids vocally indulging in their new found freedom.
Sipping wine under a starry sky was a moment I sucked in deeply and now still recall fondly. And waking to birdsong was glorious.
The monotony of the home routine had been broken. The coziness was comforting. And so, I am reminded that less is more. Hit the road and be spontaneous. Leave all the paraphernalia. Just be together, laugh and breathe in the sweet air.
All the planning, packing, and preconceived expectations are for the birds!