School's Out, and so are we

School’s out and the past few weeks have been a hodgepodge of exhaustion, fun, rest and boredom (hands up if you know hodgepodge, I’m trying to gauge how colloquial it is, I could google it but that feels like cheating).

We’ve spent some time with the family in Wales and went to see a play about Northern Soul which was enjoyable and eye opening (parents were young once too, even if they’re now grandparents!)

I spent a couple of days helping my Mum look after my youngest nephew (21 months). This was great bonding time, and being with a little one again reminded me how present you get to be with the titchy people (titchy? Anyone?) This is even more fun as an Aunty because I’m not worrying too much about whether he naps at the right time or whether he should eat that second biscuit (sorry Sister-in-law, Aunty’s prerogative). But it was pure delight to wake up to this face in the morning:

Especially as I now live with two nearly-nocturnal teens who, were it not for the rumbling of hungry bellies I’m sure wouldn’t notice my existence. Stereotypical but true. Luckily, I remember being a stereotypical teen, so I know it won’t last forever…only another four or five years to go.

“Huh?” Photo by Andrew Umansky on Unsplash

One of my favourite holiday days so far hasn’t involved escape rooms, cinemas or theatre trips (though they’ve all been fun), it was an impromptu day of swimming with all the family kids. My teens got their asses out of bed, blew extra air into the inflatables and cannon balled into the swimming pool along with all their younger cousins and their Bampi (Welsh term for Grandad). It was total chaos, and I loved every minute of it.

We’ve also been to London and went camper-vanning in Cornwall, meeting up with family and friends. I love holidaying with other people. I used to wonder if we should holiday more just us to spend ‘proper time together,’ but the truth is our quality time isn’t diminished by other people, it’s enriched by it. The kids played on the beach with their cousins, in the surf with their friends, and our hearts were full of happy memories on the long drive home.

In typical British holiday style the weather had some surprises: lots of sun to enjoy but also 40mph winds for a few days, though it couldn’t put a downer on the holiday. Camping teaches you to be adaptable and pragmatic because there’s so much beyond your control (much like life). Despite a week in the van (half a week for the kids who camped out in a friends nearby apartment rather than risk the pop-top in those winds) we came back feeling energised and refreshed.

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my sense put in order.”

-John Burroughs

The other thing camping gives you is an appreciation for the simple things in life. Set up camp and sit outside. Go on long walks. Wrap yourself up in a blanket and watch the sunset. Appreciate the stars (even on that night-time trip to the loo). Wash the camping day away with a shower (showers never felt so good as when you’re camping). On top of that you get to come home and fully appreciate your own bed and an even longer (hotter) shower.

I used to think a holiday was about luxury and perfection.

These days I find my rest in simplicity and connection.

In true holiday style there isn’t a single photo of the five of us together!

Where have you been spending your time this summer?