41/52

{Harper} We spent some of the week at my Mum's house. Which just happens to be a lazy couple of streets down from the beach. The kids were both excited about the thought of visiting the beach but the reality was a little different. Finn in particular struggled with the sand and the waves. As he stood on the sand he would scream "The waves are too big!" (they were actually just gently lapping his toes) My sister who was minding our towels overheard the local family next to her giggling at my two running away from the waves and reassured them "They're from Canberra". Yep, we are pretty clueless when it comes to beach living.

{Finn} Bubbles* lift his mood. Every time.

*Reminded me of this bubbles experience way back in March. Finn is pulling a similar expression too.

The B-sides (because two photos seems a little minimalist for me)

{daylight savings started this week which means we can take after dinner walks while the sun is still shining}

{so.very.tired}

{we visited my Nana and Pop's house for lunch during our time on the Coast. When we arrived the kids discovered that their Great Nana had set up a cute little lunch table just for them. It was the cutest sight when she proudly bought out their plates of fish with an adorable bowl of side salad. The kids were suitably impressed. Finn and Harper are always made to feel special by their Nana and Great-grandparents when they visit.}

{whenever the kids spot me writing on a birthday card they request to add their names or drawings to the message. love that.}

{can't forget the mandatory moody b&w of Harper now can I?}

27/52 {the holiday edition, part 1}

This week we set off for a two week holiday to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. A break from the normal home/school/work routine and a shift from the dreary Canberra weather to much warmer days  (a good ten degrees difference). We visit the same holiday spot every two years, joining with Lachie's family. Each time we visit there are new additions to the family, meaning more cousins for Finn and Harper to play with. This year with Finn and Harper being a bit older and more social, they relished the opportunity to be with their cousins. Little cousins looking up to the older cousins and the older kids showing leadership and care with the young ones. It was a beautiful thing to watch.

For this trip we ditched the plane ride and kicked it old school, driving 16 hours in the car. I was dubious that we could do with our sanity in check but I am now on the other side of our big journey and I can say that it was okay. There was whinging, there were tears, there was mess and lots of "are we there yet?" call outs. There was also great tunes, gorgeous scenery, hilarious 'I spy' games and memorable family chats. Plus, there is no better way to truly appreciate your destination than driving for two days with two kids to get there!

~
{Harper} Our first day at the beach and an absence of swimming gear didn't stop her from entering the water.
{Finn} happy to be by himself, away from the big waves.

The B-sides (because two photos seems a little minimalist for me…)

{a much needed drinks break}

{"there's sand in my eyes!"}

{a trip to Under Water World}

{cousins}

{Boat ride to Bribie Island}

{must not let sunnies fall in the water}

{a spot of impromptu dancing amongst the trees}

{journaling his daily holiday adventures}

16/52

 

{Harper} We spent the majority of the week at my mum's house, which is conveniently right near the beach. Being a true country kid harper was not fazed about being in the water on a cooler Autumn day. She kept calling out to me "It is massive! It is so big!". The waves were tiny and were barely brushing her ankles but in her eyes the sea was enormous.


{Finn} Not a big water fan Finn assured me as I packed our bag ready to visit an outdoor water park that he didn't want to go in the water so I wouldn't need to pack his swimmers. So I didn't. Once we arrived Harper immediately jumped into the little wading pools and I began take a few photos of her while Finn rode his scooter. Several minutes passed and I looked out to towards the bike paths to check on Finn and I couldn't locate him. I turned around and directly behind me was Finn, completely naked.
Me:"Buddy, what are you doing?"
Finn:"I want to have a swim."
Me:"But you said you didn't want to go in the water so I didn't pack your swimmers."
Finn:"I can just go in like this."
Me:"Ummm, well if we were at home in our backyard yes you could, but I think you need some pants on at this busy pool"
Finn:"Oh"
Cue me quickly putting his undies back on.

The B-sides (because two photos seems a little minimalist for me…)

{trying on soccer shorts in preparation for his first season of soccer}

{picking out soccer boots. Just quietly (and don't tell his Dad) but I think he is more excited that his boots have "spikes" over the anticipation of actually playing a game of soccer}

{harper the hugging monster}

{finn stood on the dry sand just watching. harper turned around, walked up to him, held his hand and lead him to the water. "It's ok Finny, the water isn't scary"}

{plenty of sand on the beach, but these two were just as happy digging in the dirt}