The hills are alive...

When the state was being drowned under floods of rainwater this summer, we were lucky enough to be 'trapped' catching up with family who live in the South Burnett region.

The kids love chillaxing in the country. What's not to like? They spend their days playing with their cousins, roaming my sister and brother-in-law's farm, swimming in their pool, and helping Grandma and Pa-Pa with the gardening. (I'm not sure how much they actually HELP, but they do have a ball getting dirty, digging potatoes, pulling up weeds, and collecting snails. We often come home with seedlings they've helped to plant into pots, and loads of Pa-Pa's home-grown produce.)

I also love shopping at Kingaroy, the largest town in the area. There always seems to be way more bargains at the shops there than in the city, and we do our best to support the local economy by stocking up on clothes and other goodies at a fraction of the price we'd usually pay. (That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!)

The only thing I really miss (and please don't stone me here), is a really good coffee. Until our last visit, I'd given up hope of having a decent coffee in the country. (I know, I'm a coffee snob, but we all have our weaknesses!)

This year, it was even more enjoyable, as my brother and his family were visiting from WA. The kids immediately picked up where they left off last time we saw each other (erm, that would be the previous summer!), and had loads of fun catching up with each other.

My brother had missed Dad's 80th birthday late last year because of work and distance, and wanted to do something memorable for Dad now we were all together again.

Now, when we were growing up, there weren't many fancy places to eat in the South Burnett.

These days, we're spoiled for choice.

 The Booie Bello Vista came highly recommended by family who live in the South Burnett. It was where my nephew and godson proposed to his lovely bride, and where people go for a memorable meal with stunning views.

A bunch of us descended on them one morning (and my lovely big brother 'shouted' the lot of us. For The Win!)

And I am happy to report my skinny mocha was divine. (Yay, I can now get my fix when I'm next in town).

As there were a group of us, and we were too late for breakfast and too early for lunch, the lovely waitress suggested a grazing menu, including breads and dips, seafood spring rolls, and other goodies.

I can honestly say this was the nicest food I've ever enjoyed in the South Burnett. Even better, the wait staff were attentive, informed, and accommodating, particularly for the kids, who kept changing their minds about what they wanted to eat and drink. (Okay, that was just Mr 10, but you get the idea. And they took his food allergy really seriously by checking with the chef that no stray nuts would pass his lips.)

I can highly recommend Booie Bella Vista as a dining venue that successfully combines city food with the charm of the country.

We'll be back!

The Booie Bella Vista. Shades of Tuscany, don't you think?

Miss then-7 loved the archways

And the scenery ...

My Mum and Dad - Grandma and Pa-Pa

Slushies for the kids

Dips and breads

Pancakes for the young ones

And chocolate cake and vanilla bean ice-cream!

A happy diner!

Mr 10 highly recommends the desserts!

Missy Moo having a Sound of Music moment!

A little eye-candy in the ladies' bathroom.