Wasn’t meant to be

We were gearing up for the family get together at Smoky Cape Lighthouse Mum had organised awhile ago with Stu/Tori, Matt/Tamara + kids and the Aunts. We weren’t excited about the 10 hour drive! Especially Damien!! But were excited to go for a few walks and relax by the ocean, even with the predicted rain. We got on the road about 6am toward Newcastle for our planned pit stop that night at Dad's, when mum called saying Covid had struck the staff at the lighthouse and our booking was canceled! Far out! So being only 2 hours from Newy we just decided to spend a day at Dad's seeing as though we missed them for Christmas, realising we hadn’t been there for over a year! Mum and the others ended up getting cabins and had a great time. 

It rained the whole time but we hung around, tried to go for a walk but got caught in the rain, had a nice Japanese feast and caught up with Brad and Jess and their beloved dog for some home made pizzas. If only we didn’t live so far apart! 

I had time off already so came back and got stuck into some more painting and planted a herb garden. We recently had a landscape architect come and help design our yard to push us into some motivation to get it happening. There were a few areas I couldn’t get my head around, and we love the design. I’m so determined to get started, though as usual just waiting for Damien to get a kick up the bum!

Meanwhile a few weeks before this trip Ruby started year 7 ie high school. All through year 6 she’s been anticipating being a real teenager in high school with a locker etc. You could see her nervous excitement the night before fussing over her uniform, books and packed bag. She got up in the night to tell us she couldn’t sleep as she kept thinking “OMG, I’m going to high school tomorrow!”. They have to wear masks all day and do 2 Covid tests per week to attend. She copped a sunburnt face the 2nd day with 2 hours of PE, but otherwise seems to be loving it and feeling very grown up. Though the attitude and teenage act has tripled over the school holidays, we’ve seen a huge change in just a few weeks. She got a phone for Christmas, starting to fuss over nails, hair and makeup. Let’s see if we survive the next 6 years…