It’s scorching in southern California and this British Mamma & her Kiwi born daughters are seeking out ways to cool down (especially with the air conditioning broken and the temperature inside the house reading over 88°F 31.1°C!). Outside, around the swimming pool (thank the heavens hubbie rented a house with a pool!) it’s in the 90’s and there’s a choice of take shade or get wet! Miss 8 has the right idea… whilst I zoomed in with my camera to get up close!

My favourite place to sit is in the shade of the house’s verandah, watching the gorgeous little birds flitting about in the shade with me, building their nests. This little visitor was very friendly and photogenic.

Miss 4 couldn’t quite decide what to do with herself in the heat, playing with the ribbon of a balloon she’d given me for Mother’s Day (or should I say, ‘Mom’s’ Day as it’s better known in the USA!). I don’t get out the camera and get up close enough, and this photograph reminded me that I should more often!

I love the beautiful green of her eyes…

as much as her long lashes as she cherishes the balloon for a moment.

Before finally hitting the pool, Miss 4 joined her oldest sister, Miss 10, for a spell of Minecraft. Miss 10 is definitely more of a winter loving lass!

I love the way Miss 4 gets up on a surf board now (though she’s yet to sample a real wave in the sea on one!).

Miss 8 really looks the part with her sun bleached Californian locks and tan!

All the swimming soon had Miss 4 asleep on the couch, enjoying a late avo siesta. Bless!

She later woke up with energy to play with her best friend Ollie, who’d arrived whilst she was slumbering.

Miss 8 carried on surfing, splashing and cooling down in the water for the rest of the avo, whilst the rest of us sought out the shade (and a cool beer for Mamma and her visiting friend!).

Here’s hoping the air conditioning gets fixed soon, but at least we have ways to cool down – might have to put the bed sheets in the freezer before I go to sleep tonight though!!

Joining in with….