Understanding the value of a bargain, Michelle and I organize our annual beach holiday just as the high season ends. This year we hired a three bedroom unit for the week at The Dunes. We had spectacular views overlooking the Maroochydore river at Cotton Tree.

Unfortunately while caught up in the excitement of a week away at the always sunny Sunshine Coast we forgot to plan for one very important thing – RAIN.

…Oceans…
…full…
…of it….

The whole week was pretty much washed out but that didn’t stop us from having heaps of fun as a family. We still managed to get out and about taking full advantage of the fleeting moments of sunshine whenever we could.

There was plenty of bucket and spade fun down at the beach, a trip to the local aquatic centre and lots of running around at the park across the road. We even hired a boat and spent an hour exploring the Maroochydore river. Ted didn’t really know what to make of his first boat ride and got a little restless at having his play area restricted. Along with Michelle’s parents, we took Ted to the Ginger Factory where Ted enjoyed another first – a ride on a steam train. He was fascinated at first but got bored quickly. Not to worry though, he was completely fascinated with some mechanical ‘All Blacks’ doing the Haka at the Overboard attraction. He couldn’t stop mimicking them, bowing up and down doing the ‘Haka’ all day long.

Michelle – being the awesome mum that she is – planned plenty of wet weather activities to keep Ted – and of course us – happy. We enjoyed coffees at the ‘Plaza’, McDonalds and the Mooloolaba Esplanade. And at home in between playing in the makeshift cubby house / fort, we read books to Ted – over and over and over – teaching him all the sounds that his favourite animals make. And one day we ventured down to KidZone – an indoor playground – where Ted nearly wet himself with excitement.

Michelle’s parents stayed with us a few days at the tail end of the week and graciously looked after Ted letting Michelle and me and enjoy a few outings together. We went and saw Hugo one night and the next we enjoyed a romantic dinner at the Spirit House. Enjoying ourselves thoroughly both times.

While it would have been easy to have moped and moaned about all the rain on our week away, as a team we managed to make the most of our situation and ended up having the greatest, relaxing week away.

I can’t wait for our next family holiday.