Bye bye buddy

Wow! All of a sudden work has become very skimpy again for James. He's had steady work for months, until last week. Of course, being an electrician, if he doesn't have work, he doesn't get paid, so he takes the work when it comes. Anyway, we're enjoying the extra family time...this afternoon we ventured to the beach.

I'm still incredulous at the fact that it can be blazing hot here at our home, but you can drive to the beach and be freezing cold. I had everyone in warm weather wear and felt almost foolish for packing layers; cardigans, fleeces, hats - but we've been caught out before, so I did it anyway. We had to stop before we got to the beach as both kids (who'd gone before we left) needed to go potty! As they were walking back to the van, I hear Arran say "Brrrr, it's freezing cold" and I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. It really is ridiculous.

So we got to the beach and bundled up in our winter wear (!) and the kids had a blast. Of course they desperately wanted to go in the water, but it was way too cold. It was too bad really. They didn't want to leave, but poor Asia wasn't quite sure what to do with herself and it was almost dinner time, and to be honest James and I had quite enough, way before they were showing any signs of being done. What terrible parents, dragging them away from a cold windy beach, just to feed them.

Oh and on a completely different topic, before I forget, yesterday as we were getting ready for church I asked Arran to help or do something, I can't remember exactly what.

"Arran, could you........please Buddy?" I always call him buddy, because he's my little buddy and it's my equivalent for sweetie or sweetheart, which I often call the girls.

As serious as can be he says "Mommy, you always call me Buddy"

to which I replied "I know Bud', is that ok?"

"But that's not my name. My name's Arran. I don't want you to call me Buddy anymore!"

"Oh Buddy, I mean Arran. I'm so sorry. I'll try really hard not to, but you might have to remind me for a while."

And it is hard. We passed on the instructions to James this afternoon and there have already been several times today when I've had to backtrack, but he's really serious about it, so I'm trying. He's growing up far too quickly. Bless him.