For us this was certainly not the case! In fact couldn't be further from the truth!!
Relationships with my in laws have been strained over the years (for which I will not go into) but I am pleased to say that all that is behind us. Jason's parents were very kindly taking us all to Lanzarote for a week. None of us had ever been before and all any of us wanted was some quality time together and a serious relax.
The Grandparents hadn't seen the kids for a year and they hadn't seen their son either, which I imagine must be tough. So this holiday was important for us all.
We had briefly seen them on the Monday and so met them at the airport on the Thursday, donned with our summer hat, summer clothes and ready-for-the-pool smiles! The airport was nice and relaxed, Sheila was amazingly organised on behalf of all of us - sandwiches, crisps etc, cutting down the on the ridiculously over-priced airport amenities where all we had to do was get some drinks. Onto the plane and up we go!
I could not wait!!! One whole week of doing nothing, just sitting in the sun relaxing, kids playing, lovely!
The heat we felt when getting off the plane was not what we had experienced on foreign holidays before, as in we didn't experience any - not for us anyway, we were used to the heat by now. That wall of hot air you would usually feel when stepping out of the airport was replaced with comfortable and familiar warmth for us. Lovely!
We arrived at the hotel, which was only 10 minutes away, unpacked all of our stuff and had some dinner. I don't know who was more excited - the kids or Nanny and Granddad!!!! It was a wonderful picture to watch everyone enjoying it so much. After dinner we all sat on our balcony with drinks and chatted the night away. I have to say this was one of the most wonderful evenings we have all spent together, very simple, I know, but we were all so relaxed and happy and relaxed in each other's company. Inside I felt so happy and content and was glad we were at this point.
The week was mostly spent by the pool, chatting and drinking, eating far too much food (well I certainly was!) and the evenings on the balcony. We introduced our reluctant kids the children's disco, which finally they began to get involved in and enjoy!!! We went to the beach one morning where 3 generations of the Lloyd family, all equally, revelled in sandcastles and we also got Daddy in the sea!!!! We also managed to get Nanny and Granddad in the pool on more than one occasion too!
Not only did we get time together as a family, the kids got quality time with their grandparents and me and Jason also got some time alone. At one point, overnight!!! A rare treat for us, where we indulged in a late night walk along the beach and a very late night to bed!
We went into the town on one of the days too, for a little walk and a nice lunch out.
Now it was time for us to leave. Such a shame, it was a great holiday. We made the most of our last day, up and at the pool early, with dry clothes ready for the journey. Again, all very relaxed and organised.
It was almost midnight by the time we landed back in Birmingham. After spending all this time with Mick and Sheila it felt a little strange to be saying goodbye. I know we would see them again in just a few days, but it became a stark reminder on how our lives are full of goodbyes, especially at the moment.
This holiday was without a doubt, marvellous. We are certainly planning to do this every year if we can. But not just a holiday, it is a reminder to us all to spend time with our families, for us it is difficult with the distance, but make time, enjoy that time, enjoy your family and create as many happy memories as you can, because in the end it will only be the happy memories in your mind, it will only be the happy memories that carry you. It will be those memories that make you smile on a darker day.
Love and enjoy your family. They are what make you the person you are today.
The warmth of strong bonds and happy families! You are giving yourselves and especially the kids such wonderful memories to cherish.
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