Mother's Day

On Mother's Day, my gorgeous little family

surprised me with a picnic adventure to the coast.

Oh how they knew this would make me so happy!

The weather was spectacular.

No wind, when normally the wind comes straight up from Antarctica.

Not even a breeze, much to our little guys dismay,

who had packed his kite.

{The Ocean is Calling, 8x12, available here}

The sun was shining, 

the sky was a brilliant blue.

No clouds.

The ocean perfect shades of pale and turquoise blue.

We climbed to the lighthouse.

We saw penguins, 

and seals.  

The kids ate ice cream in the hot sun,

and we commented on how this has been the longest, hottest Summer,

stretching out through Autumn and so close to Winter.

{Chase Adventure 8x12, available here}

We played in the sand,

and watched the waves.

We saw the snow capped mountains of the South Island.

I took photos, and savoured every minute of it.

 {Be True To Yourself 8x12, available here.}

There is something so simply magnificent about the beach,

and this part of New Zealand.

We are so blessed to live in this beautiful world.

lately

Lately I have been taking fewer photos of Annabel and Otis....I find that instead of wanting to be behind the camera, I want to be joining in...being in the moment instead of capturing it.  It has, I must admit, been quite lovely.  Not so lovely when trying to send photos to family in Australia, realising we don't actually have that many!  It is such a cliche, but they grow and change so quickly, and I find I just love watching them, and savouring this time. 

I love that they play together and make each other laugh without talking.....I love that even without using words Annabel will tell me what it is that Otis wants....I love that he can ask her why? why? why? over and over and she doesn't grow impatient, but answers each 'why' with an explanation....I love hearing them giggle and play when they are supposed to be going to sleep....I am really loving life and everything we are blessed with.