So here we are, back to the old normal routine.
I’ve got the usual mixed emotions. Happy to be back in that routine, that regular rhythm of the working week. But also sad to see the end of the holidays when we’ve had a really lovely time all together.
Steve had the second week of the break off work and it has been so nice to just be together.
We’ve been to the beach a few times in the past week, and each time I’m reminded quite how lucky we are to live where we do.
I was saying to Steve yesterday that I think if we lived further away from the coast I might be a bit disappointed if we went to the beach for the day and it was grey and a bit wet. But living as close as we do, the weather kind of becomes irrelevant.
It was really grey and drizzly when the photo above was taken, but it didn’t matter. We still strolled casually along the beach to the shop to pick up some bits for dinner. We stopped to look at shells and stones that had been washed up on the sand.
Last week’s living arrows photo was taken on a particularly warm evening when the children were able to paddle and splash about in the water.
They enjoyed it so much that they insisted on wearing their swimming costumes the next time we went. Even though we warned them that the weather had changed and it would be really cold in the water.
Fair play to them, they were committed and for about ten minutes they went for it.
Ten minutes was about their limit though, before running out and wrapping up warm in a towel.
I’d like to think that the experience has taught them that maybe Steve and I know what we’re talking about, and next time we say it’s a bit too cold for swimming they might listen to us. I’m not sure that’s the case though.
They still had so much fun; that’s what they’ll remember. The laughter. The gleeful shrieks as another wave splashed around their legs.
As it should be really.
I think we could all do with remembering the highlights more couldn’t we!
I don’t think I could live far from the sea now – it’s such a part of what makes me happy, and a walk by it always brings things back into perspective on the rare occasions I am unhappy too. I remember standing shivering and teeth chattering under a towel being scrubbed vigourously by Mum to get the blood flowing again. (Those were not the days of tumble driers so I remember the towel as more like a Ryvita.) I’d have a Dairylea and tomato bridge roll – slightly sandy- in one hand. It’s quite hard to find your mouth at the same time you are being scrubbed. Mudeford was not the most glam beach on the South Coast but Steve and I loved it. You are lucky to be bringing your two up right by the sea – they’ll remember these times all their adult lives and I bet they choose to live near the sea later in life. Love Jane XXX
Omg, you’re so lucky! I wish I lived near the beach. The closest to me is 1h and 30 minutes drive.
We are so lucky! I grew up a fair way from the coast so am so aware of how lucky we are to live here now! x
You live in such a beautiful place, I would love to live somewhere closer to the coast eventually. The kids did so well lasting 10 minutes I bet it was freezing, I think they see a sliver of sunshine and thinks it’s summer, mine do anyway. Hope you are having a lovely week x
Kids don’t really feel the cold do they? I do love a beach trip on cooler days as I don’t get hot, flustered and grumpy with everyone! Love the photo of them paddling, perfect childhood memory #livingarrows
Oh my goodness. I understand from my husband that the sea is freezing presently. I think children tend to question us parents a lot and as they grow they question even more until they become parents themselves. The cycle then begins again. #LivingArrows
I used to always go to Brighton beach for my birthday in October. It was my favourite place and yet, in October it was grey and wet and not very nice at all. It’s definitely not quite the same but lives like yours have taught me that the beach isn’t just for when it’s sunny and they can be enjoyed all year round x
I bet that was freezing! I’m sure they won’t be asking again in a hurry on a cold day. x
I would love to live this close to the coast. Looks like they had a great time and I hope they listen to you next time. Hope the first week back into the routine for you went okay.