Dad Diaries - Sunday 18th April

So, this weekend has been great. We've had what seems to be the first taste of summer this year. Clear blue skies, bright sunshine and warm temperatures, along with lockdown restrictions being eased, allowed us to have our first family day out of the year this weekend. A visit to the seaside was just what the doctor ordered as we took a drive to the coast for some fun on the beach.

Knowing that the weather was going to be good, Kylie and I planned a day out for yesterday (Saturday). We haven't had a family day out in what seems like forever, so we decided to drive to Frinton-on-Sea, our little happy place down the road from Clacton. We left around half past nine, packed up a picnic blanket, a football and a few bits to eat. The kids were very excited. Although I think that was just getting out of the house, let alone going to the beach.

Everybody loves the beach, but for our little Daisy, it really helps calm her down. When we left, she was very flappy, so much so we could've flown there! But once we had settled on the beach, she set up with her doll, bucket, spade and packet of Ritz crackers, and was in her own little paradise. It was briefly interrupted by excitement when a local girl was walking her horse along the golden sands directly in front of us. Draped in shiny pink saddle and headgear, all of Daisy's birthdays and Christmas's had come at once. The excitement left with the horse and she went back to sandcastles and playing with her doll, with a little paddle in sea in between.

Whilst the girls chilled and sunbathed, me and Olly were between kicking a ball about and walking up and down the shoreline, looking for shells to add to Daisy's collection. We found loads of clams, razor clams and even a washed up smooth hound. You see, boys are like that. I'm fine with chilling out, but when the options are that or go exploring, there's no competition. And luckily, my boy has the same itch that I do when it comes to going to different places.

So, we stayed on the beach for a couple of hours, then moved up onto the green to dry our feet and brush off the sand. Whilst we were there we saw a couple of low flying airplanes, so we gave them a wave and laid about for a bit. Once dry, we decided to walk through the town and get a coffee and an ice cream, then make our way back home for some fish and chips.

After yesterdays adventure, today was a very different one. With everybody tired, Daisy was struggling controlling her emotions and ticking quite badly. We knew that it was not a day to be trying to make her do anything, so she snuggled up on the sofa and watched tinkerbell under a blanket, whilst I went into town for a phone upgrade. After that, I came home and took some rubbish to the tip. With the sun still shining, it was nice driving around with the music on and the window down. And although it wasn't an adventure, it was still good to have that summer feeling back.

It's amazing what a bit sunshine can do to your mood. Last weekend, the weather was a bit grizzly, and even though it was a fun one, my mood was not as good as it has been this week. We even spent less money this weekend, proving that money doesn't always buy you happiness. There's something about sunshine and being by the water that makes me feel like all my stress just floats away. Whether it be by the sea, on a boat or on a fishing lake, it just makes me feel good. Maybe I should move to the coast!

Still, Monday tomorrow. Not sure what will come of this week but I do know one thing. I'll get through and out the other end of it like always.

Then on to next weekends adventures...…