Sunrise... over the beaches

The boys were quite the early risers during our holiday. Every. single. morning. of our holiday. The non-existence of daylight savings in Queensland completely threw them. So it was 5am starts for us and more than a few tantrums brought on by tiredness. But on our last morning on the road, we finally took full advantage of the early start, heading down to Sapphire Beach on the Coffs Coast. The resort we stayed at had private access to this stunning little beach. And we watched the sun rise. The boys, pyjama clad, cooled their toes, as they played chasings with the waves. One of my absolute favourite moments of our trip. One I'll remember always. 

Coolum

There are always moments, during a road trip with kids, when you stop and look at each other with a look of helplessness that says "why did we decide to do this?" Scott and I experienced many of these moments on our road trip in twenty twelve... and in twenty thirteen, we did it all again. Because last year, we fell in love with Coolum, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. But this year, we wanted to stick around a while, instead of breezing through on the way to somewhere else. So we braved the arguments, the whinging, the crying and tantrums and drove the two thousand or so kilometre round trip. And it was SO worth it. Just a little piece of paradise for my boys and I to escape to. Glorious. 

Beach Santa

Another busy weekend down. We caught up with lovely friends yesterday, to do the present thing for the kidlets. Oh my, Christmas is ALL about the little ones these days. Their expressions, their reactions, their pure, unadulterated joy. Love it.

Today, the weather was picture perfect and the festive spirit alive and well down on Bondi Beach. And much to the boy's delight, Santa made an appearance, delivering handfuls of lollies in his path. Seeing hordes of children chasing down and trailing behind the sand mobile carrying a rather fit looking (lifeguard) Santa, was just priceless. It's Summer, it's Christmas, good times.  

Pause

Today was a scorcher. The kind of searing heat where even the sun is too scared to show it's face. So under cloudy skies, we went down to the water. I didn't overly want to beach it either. It meant shaving my legs and applying thick layers of sun screen to squirmy boys... not to mention having to do my own back, why don't humans have slightly longer arms for things like evenly applying sunscreen to their backs!? Clearly I have too much time to think about such things at the moment. If only I did have a little extra time right now. For someone who really loves shopping, I am really over shopping, in a big way. It's reached a nauseating stage for me, with the crowds, the queues, the money being spent. Ahh, I'm looking forward to not having to worry about any of it once Christmas comes and goes.

But I did enjoy watching my crazy duo, bounding around like a couple of puppies on the sand. Jumping in rock pool puddles and karate kicking at waves. They have an endless energy that would make me a very rich woman, if only I could bottle it.

Far Off Summer

Those long, balmy days of Summer seemed a lifetime away this weekend. Yesterday, the rain steadily tumbled down. The perfect weather for being tucked up indoors. Though we've already had more than our fair share of cosy indoor days this past week. So today was a glorious breath of fresh air, with sunny skies and a crisp breeze, to dry up the dampness and allow us to enjoy some park action too. I do miss the warmth. But there is something nice about the Winter months on our local beaches. When the sands are deserted and the waters frozen. A serenity not found from October through April. And I couldn't resist capturing it in all it's glory, following an early morning workout.

The Water's Edge

We've had some wild and woolly weather here this week. Strong winds, torrential rain and snap storms that seem to materialise out of the clear blue sky. The temperature has also started to fall and the first signs of chilly Winter days and nights are upon us. These days make for fantastic photo opportunities. And yesterday, the boys and I drove down to one of my favourite stretches of water. I have been visiting this spot for years. At times, as a midway point during a long run along the coast. At times walking Angus in the pram when he was a wee fellow. And at other times, just to breathe in the fresh, salty air and admire the beautiful rock formations. Made even more spectacular after the rain. 

Joining in with Faith Hope & a whole lotta Love for 'Snap It' and this week's topic of: Water

Fly with me

My brother and his little family made a flying visit to Sydney this week. They live on a beautiful property in the alpine shire of country Victoria. So we don't get to see them near as often as we'd like to. Though when we do, it is always such a treat. Laughter, fun and enjoyment sums it up nicely. My only wish is that their stopovers weren't quite so fleeting. But they are busy people, with a lovely property to maintain and important jobs to get back to. So we make the most of every single minute we spend together.

This afternoon, as the sun began it's descent in the sky, we met up for a few hours, before they left to catch the XPT back home. My niece brought her kite especially, with every intention to fly it near the ocean. A great big reserve, local to us, served as an ideal vantage point for satisfying her wish. Angus received a Lightning McQueen kite for his birthday and hadn't flown it before. It was so worth the wait. It's a fabulous experience, flying a kite. With a good strong breeze behind them, it was a perfect afternoon for it too. One of those moments I'd like to bottle for all eternity. Just hanging out with my bro and sis-in-law and watching three cheeky cousins at play. It doesn't get much better.