Being a tourist...

...in our own backyard.
My mum and dad live in Mornington which is about an hour drive away from us.  We usually drive straight there if we are going to visit.  John had the day off on Tuesday and we decided to visit my parents but be tourists on the way and go to a couple of places we had never taken the time to visit.

First stop was the Dame Elizabeth Murdoch Arboretum in Langwarrin.

It was very beautiful and tranquil, a charming spot.

Next we drove down to Mornington to the Botanical Rose Gardens.

These beautiful gardens are run entirely by volunteers.  I stood on an elevated viewing platform, and with a light breeze blowing, wafts of strong almost hypnotic fragrance engulfed me.  It was wonderful.

Next a stroll along the Mornington main street of shops and an absolutely delicious lunch at Counting House.  This charming little restaurant is located in the old original State Bank and has an interesting history.

The food was divine.

I was very happy to finally visit the Mornington store of Tree House Textiles.  They also have a studio in Balnarring. I loved the fabrics they have on offer and I will definitely participate in one of their workshops next year.  Such a delightful shop.

Because we have been visiting Mornington for many many years it is easy to forget just how lovely it is.  The picture on the left shows the Mornington Yacht Club.  John was a member here for many years and sailed out of here with his brother Mark.  You can catch a glimpse of the beach below, called Mother's Beach, where both Sam and Jack loved to swim and play when they were little.

Next, on the recommendation of Shez and Cheryl, it was off to the Christmas Tree Farm to take a look in the Christmas Shop.  It was overwhelming, but fabulous.  The most decorations I have ever seen in one place.

Finally the playing tourists was over and it was off to my mum and dad's place for afternoon tea.  I should have taken some pictures of their garden, it was looking magnificent.  I did, however take a pic of sweet little Jackson.

He is such a cutie and speaking of cuties we called in at Sam's place on the way home and Henry had fun 'driving' my car.  He tells me we were going to a Wiggles concert.

All in all, a brilliant day. It really was wonderful to stop and smell the roses rather than just driving straight to our destination.

Does someone you know need a new Christmas stocking?  Well the three shared at All About You have to amongst the loveliest I've seen.

You can find the patterns HERE.