We have just arrived back from almost three weeks of uninterrupted family time. In the warmth of Queensland. Bliss.
Driving to the Gold Coast with two smalls was surprisingly fun. Zero leg room for me ensured that there was enough room for one huge bag of activities and one huge bag of snacks. Both were decimated.
We spectated a small running race* of which my husband participated. We cheered & yelled. We rushed from place to place, eager to find the best observation point. We took photos. We drank coffee & we waited. Congratulation kisses, a dream not quite realised but so proud all the same.
A wonderful apartment with a million dollar view. Precious time with the in-laws & coffee aplenty.
Then on the road again, for an insanely relaxing week with the in-laws. What a treat! Cakes & pies were baked, special meals made, babysitting offered frequently & tv watched with our feet up on the recliner chairs!
Stolen naps under mohair rugs.
chapters devoured of novels in the sun on the deck (yep, you heard me people, novels...I actually finished two whilst on holidays. Hello free time!)
Traipsing around new op shops.
That infectious giggle of a child playing 'chase' with his parents. Having both of their undivided attentions.
The annual 'Blokus'* tournament was battled out again. I believe I received the crown of 'Ultimate Champion' but that may be in dispute by some.
New adventures to be had every day & fears conquered. Harper has a new found love of the slippery dip & swimming after pushing through with things that sometimes scare him.
Harper & Rory thoroughly enjoyed their time with Grandma & Grandpa & fond memories were created. The broken sleep that goes hand in hand with the port-a-cot did not dampen the blissful mood of holidays nor the frequent falls out of bed.
We meandered home, a little reluctantly. Stopping to take in the organic goodness & hippie vibe that only Byron can deliver.
An overnight stop, in a little town near Taree, will forever be remembered for the best french toast I've ever consumed. That's totally a legit memory right!?!
And then we were home. Greeted by my parents bearing bags of groceries, veges from their garden, freshly made scones & jam drops AND dinner...so blessed.
A wonderful break that ticked every box. Now to plan the next one.
*Umm, yeah, that would be a marathon actually.
*Board game of ultimate skill & strategy.
Here a few of my favourite photos. All credit to my wonderful Mother in Law for these- she has captured the memories beautifully.
