Day Three - Soaking it all up.

This morning we woke to this; a volcano of light over the horizon. It made for a promising day.

Chris set off for an early morning run. He ran to the top of "One Tree Hill"...twice, because that's what he does. He stood on the highest rock and breathed in the goodness of the fresh sea air. Running on new ground, to new places; excites him. High on life is a good way to start the day, don't you agree?

Each day, our morning ritual looks like this:

Poolside fun.

Chris & I constantly notice how alike Ella & Ryder are....yet how different they are too. Both waterbabies.....but in their different ways. One a little hesitant, and not a fan of water on the face - the other, not a fear in the world and approaches the water with gung-ho force...splashing up a storm & giggling at it's consequences :)

Both have such a love for life, and adventurous little spirits, yet they each approach it in completely different ways. I like that.

I've been doing a lot of people watching here. I love sitting back & watching people interact, react, and go about their ways. There's a lot of love here on this island. There's a love-filled energy floating around. We've been breathing it in, feeding off of it. Lots of young families, just like us - getting away from routine & repetition...all the whilst giving our kids some great memories. Older couples reuniting their bond, over poolside lays & hand in hand beach strolls. Honeymooners....lots of honeymooners - relishing in the warmth of being newly wed, bouncing on that high that comes so naturally after the joyous event of a wedding. Pregnant women; soaking up their last days of 'freedom', alone time & peace. Gay couples, new couples, singles - all kinds of people here - enjoying this magical place, and loving it.

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We headed to the Animal Sanctuary today. A great way to spend a quiet hour.

Ryder loves being so close to Chris, strapped to his front - right where he belongs. He is such a Daddy's Boy. They fuel each other with happiness when they're able to give each other this much attention & together time. These two can go hours, strapped to each other; happily.....contently.

Chris works fairly long & inconsistent hours. Being self employed means he doesn't have 'set work hours'. Most nights he has work to complete, and sometimes work can overlap into the weekends. He rarely shuts off. And me; being a busy Mum who likes to cram lots into each day, all whilst running a business from home, is easily distracted and usually run-off-my-feet. But, this week has provided us with exactly what we needed. Some together time. Just the 4 of us. Instead of being passing ships at the end of long work days, we're present & close & rebuilding connections, as a family. This has got to be the highlight of holidays & time away, don't you agree? The picturesque place we're in, is just the big creamy icing on the top :)

I'm in a postcard setting this week ;) And absorbing it all.

Ryder had 3 naps today. Two of them were poolside, in the pram. Life's tough when you're nine months old :) While he napped Chris & Ella set off together. They ventured into 'town', then attempted some shore swimming with snorkels {Ella was not so keen once they walked out there}, so they retreated to one of the many pools. This pool was awesome - with it's swim-up bar :) One day, I'll enjoy those kinds of 'luxuries' again, but for now....we're more about this:

Calming and cuddling cautious kids. Making sure they feel safe and ok, inside their own skin, and in this big ole' scary world we live in.

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This evening we went over to the Marina side for dinner.

It looked like this:

Although, I can't at this stage of my life, indulge in swim-up bars {without a baby or child on hip, which just isn't cool}, I can still sure as hell enjoy a cocktail at dinner time! A berry mojito was mine tonight. Hello my friend:

It was gooooooood.

So was the view, as the sun set.

And our sleepy girl, busied herself with drawings & secret writing in her 'journal'...which is apparently for Fathers Day :) Whilst Ryder spotted birds miles away. The boy has eyesight to boot....especially when it comes to bird-spotting :)

My entree' : Scrumptious Calamari. So fresh. So delicious.

And here's me & my people :) I'm 30 and already have ALL OF THIS! Not a day goes by that I don't feel grateful.

Tired? Yes, all of the time! Stressed? Yes, sometimes! But thankful and happy....and wouldn't change a thing!

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I've just downed a thick chocolate mudcake and a glass of red. We're sitting out on the deck {our nightly routine}, the only light on is the glow of my laptop, while two sun-kissed babies sleep inside. And I'm excited because tomorrow we're doing something SUPER DUPER SPECIAL!!! I can't wait to check in tomorrow night to share the day with you :)

Until then.....

I'll leave you with this.....

Night'

Comments

[Amanda]

Your photos ARE like postcards Claire! I agree, holidays together as family, whilst not exactly 'relaxing' when it comes to baby routines and naps and tending to little ones and their needs are nonetheless SO important and special because of the precious time you get to spend together away from the distractions, stresses and busyness of daily life. Your tea looked scrumptious and be sure to have another cocktail for me!! x

[Marian Wiltshire]

You guys are having an absolute blast aren't you!
So envious. A tropical holiday is on my bucket list (particularly being a Tasmanian, there is an annual migration in the June school holidays!)

Can't wait to find out what tomorrow holds for you!

[Tutus & Trikes (Kate)]

Wow and wow it looks Devine! I was just reading some of your other posts too and I so totally get the exhaustion of traveling with kids! We say it each time we head away, even though they're good sometimes being out of the 'normal' routine can send them haywire with sleep, moods etc! I'm turning 30 next year thinking something like this might just do me! Lovely pics and memories x

[Chris Bourke]

You have some great photos of the Whitsundays!
The Whitsunday Islands, and Hamilton Island in particular, has always been one of my favourite holiday placed to go for many years.
It looks like your children had a great time!