Sunday 7th June was our first full inspection.  The boys had already decided our first hive would be called Hive Jessica and we were all excited to meet the bees.

We put on our bee suits, checked we had all our equipment and headed off for the short walk to our apiary.

I now had 3 trusty helpers.  The boys smoked the bees, Stuart lifted the frames and I inspected.  We saw eggs and larvae which was a brilliantly encouraging sign.  No capped brood but it was too early for that and no queen, but she was obviously there if we saw eggs.

We then watched them flying in and out with loaded pollen baskets.  The first of many family inspections I hoped.