My sister-in-law and her family live in Sydney, so for the past few years we've met half way and spent a week on the Coffs coast in NSW. This year, we rented a rambling old heritage house in the town of Sawtell, and what a gem of a place it is.
at the beach all day, just surfing
our view from the back deck
We stayed in one of the original old beach houses, which was so relaxed and unpretentious - perfect for our motley crew!
as cute as it was, I was itching to grab some white paint!
this is as high-tec as the entertainment got all week
definintely one for the 21st birthday slide-show
Gidget!
the main street with beautiful old fig trees - and great coffee!
What struck me this week was that we had a real old-fashioned family holiday. There was no fancy resort, we ate in most nights and the kids entertained themselves. Surfing, swimming, fishing and playing cards were the order of the day. We manage to find a joke book wherever we go, and the kids spent the week cracking up at whatever joke was read out loud, whether it was funny or not. Apparently it's all in the delivery!
Now don't get me wrong, a swanky resort with all the mod cons can be a fantastic place to spend a holiday, and I love a good day-spa as much as the next diva, but I was reminded how much fun an old school, back to basics beach holiday can be. And how nice it is for the kids to realise that entertainment doesn't need to be electronic to be fantastic fun.
Have a wonderful week
Welcome back my friend...I missed you! It sounds like you had the perfect break away though and created more wonderful family memories..and isn't that what it's all about! Got to agree about the white paint though!! xx
ReplyDeleteHi Kerri! Well that actually sounds like THE best holiday to have. I much prefer the laid back, eat-in style. Much more relaxing and time doesn't seem to whizz past so fast. I am glad you enjoyed it, but getting back to reality is the hardest part!
ReplyDeleteKatrina x
You're so right Kerri, this has to be one of the big pleasures of getting away. The parents forget about their list of things to do and the children forget about entertainment by screen. Love it!
ReplyDeleteSharon
I think that is ideal! Kids should know there's more to life than high tech stuff. They will never learn to stop and smell the flowers otherwise! So glad you had fun and are safely home!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Absolutely agree - it's instantly relaxing and with little ones there is nothing better than a house you don't really have to worry about. Our best holidays are just like this and I'm glad your older kids love it too - means there is plenty more to come...! Ann x
ReplyDeleteI think that sounds like the perfect holiday, just the way family holidays should be. So glad you had a lovely relaxing time!
ReplyDeleteAbby
wow it looks wonderful _ my kind of holiday exactly. if you get a moment would you pls be able to email me where it is as am always on the lookout for somewhere like that. melxxx
ReplyDeleteshabbybeach@hotmail.com
Oh, I love Sawtell. My husband and I took a road trip up to Coff's last year and spent a day there. I loved the little main road with it's mix of trendy boutiques and eclectic stores - and they did have great restaurants too.
ReplyDeleteKristine
xxx
I've been through Sawtell a thousand times doing the Sydney to Byron Bay drive and have never stopped. After seeing your gorgeous photos I think I'll make a detour through Sawtell next time. Leigh
ReplyDeleteSawtell was a real hidden gem. I've been past many times too over the years, but never called in and now I know what I've been missing out on! Just gorgeous and a place I'll definitely be visiting again. xx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a perfect family holiday, welcome back and thanks for sharing the beautiful photos! xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like perfection to me - glad you have a fantastic break!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI just came across you blog and I love it!
So I decided to become your new follower if you don't mind?
Gaelle
Decoration'TillTheEnd
i want to go surfing now.
ReplyDeletebeautiful pictures...sounds like a fun family holiday!
Thanks so much for joining my blog!!! Looks like you had a lovely holiday. Yah I look forward to perusing over your blog over the coming days it looks wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteHey Gidget, looks like it was the best holiday ever. I am sure your family will remember it for a long time to come. Love your pictures! A-m xx
ReplyDeleteI saw a 4WD heading off for Easter loaded up with all the kid's bikes & a big screen plasma TV sitting on all the luggage in the back! Not like the old days when we were happy if Mum & Dad just remembered to pack our buckets & spades!! Glad your break was good medicine Kerry.
ReplyDeleteMillie ^_^
oh look at that beach view. reminds me of my holidays in Margaret River!
ReplyDelete