Creating Memories...

Our day started like any other - I was in my 5 year old son's bed - having been suffocated in the wee hours by both his and my husbands sprawling gangly bodies in 34 degree heat. My daughter (aged 2) wandered the house in her fairy wings and tiara, singing along to Hi-5.

The TV blared, the kettle boiled and the stirrings of our morning began.

Unlike every other morning neither my husband nor I had to work. We were in no hurry.

We lazed about the house, allowing our children to eat bowlfuls of Coco Puffs and plates of raisin toast. We hugged one another and snuck sly kisses. We didn't worry to do the laundry (it will be there tomorrow!) we weren't concerned with the many other chores that could wait a day.

Instead, we loaded the car with towels, swimmers, goggles, potato chips, bottles of water and a book (for me!). We drove to the Rockpool, passing cars as they scurried to the stores to hurry the last of their frantic Christmas shopping, to spend their government bonuses and practice consumerism in the heady fluorescents and airconditioning.

We found a parking space easily and close to the Rockpool. It was virtually deserted. We put on our sunscreen and raced one another to the water. My son showed off his newly-learnt talent of freestyle. My daughter further convinced me of her belief she is bulletproof. My husband smiled and floated beside me in the sun, holding my hand.

We swam for what felt like hours. I managed to sneak out to read a chapter of my book on the grass. When we were all done with paddling and splashing, the family feasted on a shared bag of potato chips.

Once home for lunch, the kids enjoyed mum's own Fairy Bread and homemade milkshakes. The whole family decided to play in the yard with the dogs, as well as a game of mini cricket - Charlie the Beagle being the wicket keeper!

The kids were ready for icecream cones I promptly scooped up for them. Their father and I enjoyed ice-cream topped ice coffees and the Sunday Mail on the lawn.

I ran a cold bath for the kids and the lightening started! We all sat in the main bedroom, cuddling one another and watching the lightening crash and the thunder pound.

When the storm passed, the kids were tucked into bed, kissed and sent to dream of their day with us both.

I smiled, knowing today, I have imprinted a memory for them both. And it cost us nothing.