Post Holiday Reflections

Devon

Each year we take a holiday with Haven simply because Star is happy to do so because it’s something she is used to. We can go to different camps, but they all have similarities which help Star. 

This year we went to South Devon, near Exmouth. We have been to this camp before but it was eight years ago. Star was four, Boo was two and the Little Man was a bump. We were so excited to go back as we had such lovely memories from there.

Relaxed

I would so love to live near the sea, it was visible from our caravan. I loved waking up, opening the curtains and seeing the wide blue ocean. I would watch the huge ships making their way to Plymouth harbour in the distance, and the little sailing boats bobbing along. 

The holiday camp had access to the beach, but unfortunately it was a very steep decline and I just couldn’t make it in my wheelchair. There was a cafe right on the cliff edge where I could grab a coffee and watch my family explore the rocks. I would have given anything to be able to join them, but it was enough to be able to relax and look out at the sea.

The Beach

Of course we did get to go to the beach at Exmouth which was only two miles away. I was able to get out of my wheelchair and sit on the steps with my feet on the sand. The tide was in and the water close. I know with help I could have walked to it and maybe have a paddle. But the water is cold and a sudden cold shock can make me ill. I didn’t want to take the risk, I was happy where I was, and the kids played on right in front of me.

We visited the beach a second time and found a place where I could drive my wheelchair down the ramp directly to the beach. I then got out and sat on a rock. I was really on the beach! And Boo was really buried in the sand!

Fun Activities

Each day we planned one activity and then just did whatever we felt afterwards. This meant we didn’t miss out on anything we wanted to do, but were not stuck to a particular routine. We spent a whole morning painting pottery, which was relaxing and fun. We had to wait two days to get our finished pieces but we were all happy with them.

We also went swimming, bowling and had a night out in the club where we saw an Abba tribute. We ate out a  lot but also cooked in the caravan, which had a full size oven and fridge freezer. 

We spent some time just chilling in the caravan, reading, watching television, playing games and the girls even baked cup cakes. It was fun and relaxing, and I loved that I could see the sea all the time.

We also spent a day at World of Country life which was so much fun and we’d definitely go again.

Holiday Success

Our holiday was just what we needed. The chance to chill out in a beautiful location. There was very little screen time and the kids played outside a lot. We managed to fit in a lot of fun things while still taking time to relax. We had no tantrums or meltdowns, no tears or fighting. There was the odd little moaning, but we are only human. I would definitely call it a holiday success. We didn’t even have any hassle on the journey which was amazing. We had our favourite songs on and sang along, to both old and new tunes. It was funny though, Boo asked Graham how far we had to go and he said, we are half way there now. Then the song ‘Living on a Prayer’ came on immediately afterwards and we were all singing ‘ooooh we’re half way there, oooooh Living on a Prayer.’ I did video it but I’ve promised not to share it, sorry. 

Home

Since getting home we have also been relaxed. There has been a ton of washing to do, but that’s normal anyway. We’ve not been out much and it’s been nice to continue chilling out, although, I do miss the sea views.

My word of the week this week covers last week too and it has to be ‘relaxed.’