Life's a Beach

All so different and unique! They love the beach and just playing for the entire day.  

Mitchell loves to prove to himself how athletic he is and then finishes the days with quiet moments floating in the shallows.

Cooper finds it hard to find his enjoyment.  He tries the skiffle board, the boat, using the net to catch the little fish in the shallows...and after a while he always goes back to simply playing in the sand! That is what brings him enjoyment.  He stops silently comparing himself to his brother and finds his niche'.

Then there's Reese... She just runs, smiles, splashes and loves it all.  Especially the Mr Whippy van, where she asks Granny.  Big eyes, innocent pleading smile which would melt any heart and of course gets her an ice-cream.

They never want to leave... so we don't.  Just like when I grew up in Rye...someone goes to collect the fish n chips and then the battle to digest the salt rather than the sand begins. 

Oh the memories I have that I get to now share with my own children...What a gift to share these experiences with them.

Miracles do happen...

These photos were taken in November 2012...it was the closest Cooper had been to riding a bike really fast.  The smile could not be wiped off his face and it was quite amusing to watch Mitchell push the bike (with Cooper) around the uphill corners.

Then in December shortly after Christmas, Cooper was elated to have the opportunity to ride his friend Jack's bike.  It was made for a child with special needs before Jack owned it which made it easier to pedal.  We could not get Cooper off the bike all afternoon.  (Thanks again to Jack who was extremely understanding)!  This is Cooper riding on his own for the very first time...

After returning home we have seen Cooper try to get on various bikes and tricycles and has successfully been able to pedal.  So after a special trip with Dad...Cooper has his own bike. 

After a trip to the local netball courts...Cooper's now flying along...

(We still had to contend with the frustration he has at not being as good as his brother and finding things challenging...but he was riding... on his own!)

I love my kids!