We've bought a family bus, which we'd planned to go everywhere in. Look, isn't it gorgeous?
It's amazing - everything we need, 7 seats, big boot for the dog, sliding doors to make getting in and out easier, automatic, awesome stereo (priorities), and it looks cool. Only trouble is, it doesn't work.
Since we got it, everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong! We're reaching the point of spending more in parts and repairs than the bus cost to buy!
Anyhoo, poor Steve was getting pretty fed up with it yesterday. We thought we were getting things under control with it, but yesterday, he went out to give it a run and found a massive oil leak. Aaaargh!
So, he spent most of the morning furiously (literally) researching what to do next.
Meanwhile, Amelie was full of the cold and generally grumpy and miserable. She had a blocked nose and was struggling to take a bottle, but completely uninterested in solids. Poor baby, she spent most of the morning thrashing around and screaming.
Charlie was in one of his adolescent moods, unwilling to leave his incredibly messy darkened room, get off his computer, or do anything he was asked.
Daisy had just come back from a couple of days with her dad, and as always when she comes home, was overly excited to be back, hyper and defiant.
It had all the hallmarks of a potentially draining day, with one added bonus - the sun was shining. Okay, so it was pretty darn windy, but it was bright, so I made an executive decision that we were all going to go out. We drove to a little town just a few minutes from where we live, parked at the top of the cliffs and walked down to the tiny rocky beach.
It's amazing to see the transformation that happens to the kids when we take them out. Whether it's a park, a forest, a beach or a castle, they turn into different kids. Seriously, five minutes beforehand, Daisy had been whining and getting upset about every little thing ("Why are you looking at me like that? Why are you talking to me in that voice?"), Charlie had been slumped in the car with his hood up, mumbling incoherently when asked a question, and Amelie had been screaming the place down.
We got out of the car, and everyone suddenly cheered right up. It's like fresh air and sunshine actually have magical powers!
Daisy immediately set about running around finding unusual rocks and shells, squealing with delight when she found one.
"Look! A stripy one!"
"OMG! A sparkly one"
"WOW! This one's shaped like an easter egg!!!"
Charlie had his phone, so was taking lots of photos to share with his friends on Instagram, and decided that he and Steve should go exploring on some further away rocks. I could hear him excitedly making plans..."So we'll go over the bridge of destiny, past the rocks of justice and over to the cliffs of adventure!!"
Steve impressed Amelie with his stone skimming skills...
As for Amelie, well, she just took it all in. She enjoyed picking up rocks, feeling the different textures, and gazing out to sea...
It was lovely to see everyone forgetting their troubles and enjoying the sunshine. We love all outdoor activities, but going to beaches is my favourite.
I think it's great to get out in nature, especially when you're feeling fed up. There's something about seeing things that have been there for thousands of years that reminds us how small we are, that some things change quickly, but others remain the same. It's comforting to know that we can always escape to the sea and be calmed by the sound of the waves and the salty air.
I love fishing towns, little boats and fisherman's cottages always bring a smile to my face.
If you're ever feeling fed up or stressed out, or the kids are driving you nuts, I would definitely recommend following the mantra "If in doubt, let's go out!"
It works every time.
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