Our week has been a little up and down, as far as the kids' emotional states, but the good news is that as I type this, it is raining outside, and not just light rain, a good, consistent downpour! Last night we had an incredibly loud thunderstorm, and then another one this afternoon, and we're supposed to have a few days of rain now, so it looks like all our fire danger is officially over. Which is such a good thing, as beyond all the incredible damage the fires have done, the kids are at breaking point!
Luckily, on Monday Milea gave the kids an emergency horse riding lesson. It sounds silly, but they really needed it to level out. Arley told me last week that he was desperate for another lesson, when usually he tries to act all cool about horse riding. The physical activity is so good for them, the brain body connection, the sunshine...they really needed it. We saw how close the fires came to Milea's house, it's scary. Her property is scorched. It got hit on three separate occasions, and she has quite a story to tell :(
After horse riding we went next door to check out my friend Anna's property (Delphi's house), which was damaged by the fires. The devastation was jaw dropping. Carmie was so sad she wouldn't get out of the car. Arley and Jeffrey and I walked around for a bit, and it certainly was depressing. The strength of the fire is astounding.
The kids also had a much-needed tennis lesson on Tuesday morning, and they both kicked butt! It was surprising because they haven't had a lesson since before Christmas, but the break seemed to do their tennis skills some good!
We are still suffering with smokey days, but yesterday we had a lovely clear day, so the kids and I went to Dolphin Point to go snorkelling and the kids wanted a play on their new surfboards. The snorkelling was not as good as it could have been because the tide was really strong and Arley was scared because he kept getting swept away from me. But we did see tons of tiny fish. The kids had a good play with their new boards, and I actually had to beg them to leave. It was so good to be out in nature again.
We have actually made a promise to ourselves to get out every day now that things are returning to normal. The kids are usually so active, but for the past six weeks, we have turned into hermits, and it has really affected them emotionally. We had some really big episodes this week, and I just know it's from not spending time out doors, moving their bodies, getting sunshine, having a routine, spending quality time together doing things. So, all that is changing.
Today we went to Delphi's birthday party at the water park. Carmie was very overwhelmed at first, because there were so many kids there and it was very loud. We have only ever been there before when all the kids are at school and we practically have the place to ourselves, so it was a little challenging for my two. But halfway through the crowd cleared a little and Carmie got onto the slides and into the mix. They both left with smiles on their faces.
So, here's to clear skies ahead and outdoor adventures!
Abstract painting with fluid acrylics
Dolphin Point yesterday
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