The beach house (in a wonderful secluded village of the eastern cape coast of South Africa) has always been near and dear to my heart.
I seriously have some of the most amazing memories here. (you can see some old posts here, here, and here)
Many years ago when my grandpa retired from farming, he bought this house for the family to enjoy - my parents took full advantage and it quickly became our favorite holiday destination.
My grandfather passed away a couple of years ago, and it was decided that the house should be put on the market - well it sold just before we arrived - so this was officially our last visit. It has been super emotional for me, because not only do I have my own memories there, but my little family have created some of our most cherished memories on that beach.
It was the kids initiation into beach life - the first legit beach they have ever seen (others came after,) Ian turned one there, Nate's love for the beach and the adventure it brings was ignited here, and for me so much healing just happens on the beach.
There is something about sunshine, the sounds of waves crashing down, the salty sea breeze, and joy that overflows from within when stepping out on the soft sea sand.
WARNING! This will be a photo overload!
We only had a few days at the beach house - the first day was kind of windy, and it kind of created a little pang of angst within me, knowing this will be the last beach house vacation and hoping for the best weather.
We actually just drove to a couple of beach over on this day, so that we could still enjoy the beach but we could hide in a little cove and be sheltered from the wind. Kenton-on-Sea is where my mom grew up, my grandpa build the butcher shop (it is still there today,) and there is just so much family history in that area.
It was a good intro back into beach life, and everything it entails.
We tried to catch things in the shallow pools, but the wind made it pretty near to impossible to see anything.
We retreated back into the little cove, and playing in the sand, and relaxing is all that mattered.
Nate and I took a little walk to another little treasure that I love. It is just so gorgeous. Shelly beach...
We were so exited when the next morning was a little more pleasant - even if it was only for a little while. The wind generally picks up around noon, so you have to make the most of your mornings.
We had a fabulous morning on the beach - and the kids were in their own little heaven...
We had so much fun scratching around in the rock pools, catching and feeding little fish.....
catching hermit crabs....
and regular crabs...
a star fish...
exploring some more, and finding any and every treasure...
She loves her sandcastles...
My brother and his family joined us for the weekend. It was so nice to have a little extended family time.
Unfortunately the night they night they arrived, as we went to bed, Ian woke up throwing up and he was just not feeling well. When he opts not to go to the beach, you know he is really not feeling well. My dad and I got around and drove back to Kenton-On-Sea to go to a pharmacy to get some medicine for Ian, before everything closes for the weekend.
Nate and I decided to divide and conquer for the morning, so Hayleigh and I went to the beach for a little while with my brother and them.
This was baby Lara's first time on the beach, and I was so happy that I could be apart of it - being a far away auntie sucks!
Hayleigh loved having a little cousin around to play with.
My dad and Hayleigh played around in the rock pools - it is no brainer to do that at this beach.
and then we walked on a little strip of beach to see what washed out on the beach the night before. It was nice to have a little one on one time with Hayleigh.
We headed back home to the boys, Ian was still not feeling super well. This was the only day baby Lara went to the beach, as she was starting to feel under the weather as well.
So we took the rest of the day to rest, take naps, spend time with family - and savoring every little thing possible about the beach house.
Happy Saturday!
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