Life has a habit these days of rolling along at high speed, threatening to leave us behind, struggling to catch up.
So these moments – snatched with grasping fingers and held close – are ones to treasure forever.
The sense of anticipation on a Friday evening, as a long four day weekend stretches ahead of us. The excitement as we arrive in Devon, on the way to see my parents’ new home, taking in the Jubilee bunting strewn through various villages.
The inevitable tears and glee from an over-excited child, aware that something is different on this night. It is not a usual bedtime.
Waking up to a sunny morning in the Devon countryside, with no sound except the birdsong outside the window.
Eating breakfast in a beautiful kitchen, as sunlight streams through the open doors, taking in the endless possibilities that this day may bring.
Discovering a new birthday present for a child, soon to be two years old. Watching the delight on her face as she “drives” around the spacious garden on her gleaming tractor.
Taking a picnic to the beach, tucking into roast chicken sandwiches and apples, as the waves crash onto the sand. Making castles and burying feet. Witnessing hesitant, toddling, steps towards the water, turning into confident strides and, eventually, a fully fledged run.
Discarded clothes, a nappy, a perfect peachy bottom covered in sand.
A cold glass of Pimms in the garden, as the afternoon turns to evening. Serene in the knowledge tomorrow will be another day packed with moments to pinch between the fingers and stuff into bulging pockets full of memories.
Moments like these make life slow down.
I love them.
Gosh, reading this as North London slowly sinks under water, it looks like paradise! The glory of journals and blogs is that they encourage us to savour and preserve moments that we might otherwise take for granted.
How perfect to have parents in Devon, I bet you will be visiting when ever you can. Looks like a perfect long weekend for you all. thank you for joining me on Country Kids
It was an utterly gorgeous weekend. We’ll be back in July!
bitter and envious – that is all.
You can come next time.
A toy John Deere Tractor! My step-dad would be so jealous, he is obsessed with John Deere and wants to pass his obsession on to the kids. We’ve already got a toy tractor though. Its cool because its cow-print, but John Deere would be better
It’s very swanky. Although I’m not sure it’s as cool as the actual real thing!
Ooh, pass the Pimms here. I can’t believe we didn’t have any this Bank Holiday weekend! Lovely pics.
No Pimms?! Scandalous behaviour!
Couldn’t agree more. Have been thinking about this a lot lately also. Sounds like a perfect weekend x
It really was. Still drinking it all in. x
sounds divine, our weekend was also one to savour. you have to when you’re a working mum. Weekends rule. F is gorgeous BTW. x
Ah thank you – she’s a mini diva but was utterly lovely last weekend! x
Just perfect friend 🙂 xx
Indeed it was. x
Awwwwwww……………..so beautiful.
Whats in that glass? It looks so good.
Pimms. Delicious!
It really, really was.
Sounds perfect!
Beautiful ms molly – and hugs to walking freya x
She’ll be hugging you back in a couple of weeks. Or attempting to thump you. It could go either way with my diva of a child. x