We haven’t got out enough so far this year. There have been plenty of reasons why: the weather’s been pretty pants, sniffly colds have never been very far away, and on top of that there is of course the small matter of a novel that needs editing…
So when this week we had friends to visit and the sun came out to greet them we breathed a sigh of relief and headed out into the fresh air.
There’s nothing quite like hanging out with old friends to rejuvenate the soul. Emily and I were partners in crime when we were sixteen, and I feel so lucky to still have her in my life twenty years later.
She is about to embark on an uber exciting house-building project with her family, so they began their stay at my folks’ place to get some inspiration from the major renovation they’ve just completed. Whilst we were there we made the most of the beautiful countryside: feeding the chickens, seeking out snowdrops, and exploring the deep dark woods.
Arthur spent a while at one particular tree, scratching away with a stick. I asked what he was doing and he said ‘writing’ (silly). When I asked what he was writing he said ‘the story of mummy and daddy’. Nothing like the great outdoors for a bit of inspiration.
After twenty four hours in the beautiful South Hams we headed back to Brixham. There had been much talk of penguins, so there was nothing for it really but to head for Living Coasts. We finally got to try out the new year-round ferry, and spent a day in beautiful sunshine in Torquay.
We had a bit of a stroll (and the obligatory fish and chips) and then headed to our awesome coastal zoo. The toddlers were in their element here, and it was so lovely to watch them explore and bond.
On their last day we stayed closer to home. It was properly freezing, but we made it to Breakwater beach for some bracing pebble throwing.
Though our friends were only here for three days, I feel like we’ve crammed at least a month’s worth of adventures into that time. And on top of that I’ve been reminded how lucky we are to live where we do: we will most definitely be getting out more in February, whatever else the world throws at us.
My word of the week this week is friendship.
Sophie is... 
You really did cram a lot in! Looks like you all had a fabulous time, and so lovely to have long-lasting friendships like this, too. I’m still friends with my best mate from senior school, so we’ve been friends since we were 13 – we’ve seen a fair few changes in our lives in that time! Looks like Arthur really enjoyed himself, and so nice to get out into the fresh air, too. Thanks for sharing with #WotW x
Old friends are the best. One of the things I love about living down here is that it’s that much easier to tempt them to come and stay! x
Absolutely gorgeous pics, the weather looks cold but gorgeous! It’s lovely to get out and about exploring things with good friends. So glad you had a lovely few days x
Thank you š It was definitely chilly but very beautiful x
I wish my friends can visit me too! This made me daydream about whats going to happen if my friends can visit me. We all love to go out so trips like this will be in our agenda too =) #countrykids
Ah I hope they can come and visit soon! It does make for very special times having old friends around x
It looks like a lovely three days, it’s always brilliant to see old friends especially when you just pick up where you left off the last time you saw them. It’s lovely to see the two toddlers exploring together, and I love that Arthur wrote about you two on a tree, adorable! Thanks for linking up with Country Kids.
The tree thing just melted my heart! And it was really lovely watching the toddlers become friends too x
Glad to hear that you managed to fit in so many adventures and that indeed the sun came out.
We were definitely lucky with the weather š
Sounds like a very successful visit hon. You really cannot beat the company of real friends to brighten the soul xxx
You are so right. It always takes a bit of effort to organise but it’s completely worth it! xxx
Pingback: Country Kids from Coombe Mill | Coombe Mill