It's been pretty full-on in the Gardiner household over the last couple of days. We've managed to pack car-shopping, basketball carnivals, entertaining friends for tea on Saturday, and Church, car-cleaning and visiting friends for an extended afternoon tea today on Sunday. Perfect Adelaide Spring weather certainly didn't hurt. It's nice to be sitting down Sunday evening to catch our breath before the work/school week begins again tomorrow!

Saturday morning, I left a bit earlier than normal to pick up my parents and head out to Nuriootpa (in the Barossa Valley) to check out a potential car to replace our trusty but outgrown Camry. The car in question is a 2010 Kia Sorrento Si (petrol). After test driving the current model the previous weekend I was impressed, though the price tag for the 2011 SLi diesel was a bit high for my budget (I felt a bit sad for the salesmen as their faces dropped when I informed them of that).

Searching around for used cars that didn't have too many kms on the clock had turned up this particular specimen. The challenge would be driving up to check it out and still get back home in time to take the kids to basketball.

2010 Kia Sorrento SiWe made good time (thanks to the new Northern Expressway) and after a test-drive I agreed to purchase the vehicle (subject to a satisfactory mechanical inspection).

Just enough time to visit the Nuriootpa Bakery before racing back down to Adelaide.

The basketball carnival was good fun, but sadly the team I coach had to be content with just participating rather than winning. There were a few close games, but it wasn't to be.

No rest yet – then racing back home to get ready for some friends coming over for tea. With Narelle cooking up a storm, it was a very enjoyable evening. Her Crème caramels were a particular hit, with some people going to extraordinary lengths to pry out the last bit of toffee left in the bottom of the dishes.

Sunday morning, and off to Church. Then some time at home to do a bit of gardening and clean up another friend's car that we've been borrowing while she's been away on holidays.

Yummy afternoon teaThen just enough time to head around to some more friends who were celebrating a successful morning's participation in the City to Bay fun run. I think the kids (not to mention myself) thought we'd landed on our feet when we saw all the yummy things for afternoon tea. A wonderful, relaxed afternoon.

ps. If you're looking for a well used but reliable car, I plan to sell the Camry in a few weeks time.