in delightful company

Knowing that rain was coming, we decided to literally squeeze as much out and about time we could with our dear friends, whilst the sun was shining. So on day one, we swam and delighted in one of our favourite beaches, Sawtell, the water was amazingly warm, we drifted in the current and Saul, Lily and Poe enjoyed standing up on the surfboard as the little waves nursed them back to shore. It was an ideal beach day, even after three hours we were reluctant to leave but lunch and Never Never was calling. 

After everyone was full and smiling again, we found ourselves at Never Never Creek, and then we hesitantly tiptoed into the chilly and refreshing water with giggles, shrieks and splashes. It was pretty great to experience two totally different water scenarios in one day, yes, we were ensuring that we were all totally sodden, in preparation for the rain that was heading down the coast.

We had rope swing fun (I faced my fears and had my first go, it was pretty great, but feel like I still have a way to go before I can pull of Scott's somersault stunt) paddled about on boards and gazed as the horses came in for a swim. It is such a magical place. 

After quickly getting home, peeling off our swimmers and dealing with that sneaky sand that manages to get everywhere, we then went up to 5 Church St to see the lovely and very sweet Sarah Humphreys perform. It was quite amazing to look around and see our poor tired children, full with eyes glazed staring at Sarah knowing that they were in their own little worlds, absolutely shattered from such a big day, Scott and Rod looked at them and hastily took them. Jen, Jack (Scott's beautiful nephew) and I stayed out a bit longer, enjoying the rest of Sarah's set. I loved seeing Jack just lap it up, he is fourteen and lives in Brisbane, he is an absolutely gorgeous and wonderful human, who plays a mean guitar and has a very sweet voice, I could just see his brain taking it all in. Jack was also very sun tired so we walked him back after Sarah had finished and then without even stepping inside we quickly turned around and rode back up to have a cheeky mojito and a more intimate catch up. It was very special to have Jen with me, in this space that we frequent so often, I was so happy and content that I almost had to pinch myself. 

The rest of the stay included the deliciousness (and noisiness due to ten children being constrained to inside) of a larger than usual curry night, massages by the amazing Stephen Cooke (more about him later), lots of playing and lapping up having these special ones so close. 

*For some reason the one of Scott swinging Ilo didn't upload properly the first time, but today it has, woohoo, better late than never.