Blush Lace top and denim shorts. Goodbye Woolacombe

Today was the final day proper of our holiday in Woolacombe. Tomorrow we face the long drive home so will leave early doors.

It’s been the most wonderful experience. The first holiday alone with my children. We’ve had a busy and, on occasions, difficult few months so I felt particularly in need of some time with them to relax, to talk and to enjoy the company of the two beautiful, intelligent young people who fill my life in equal measures with utter love, pride, joy, mess and stress.

This week has achieved all of the above and more. It’s been perfect and I feel quite tearful at the thought of going home.

Their favourite haunt for brunch was the Beachcomber Cafe, so it seemed fitting to eat there this morning, on the balcony, overlooking Woolacombe Beach. The chocolate milkshake is to die for.

We sat on the beach all day and chatted about anything and everything. It was lovely to converse for several hours without the almost ubiquitous distractions of social media, i-devices and games consoles.

We played hunt the buried flip-flop and dodge the seagull(s). We ate chips and ice-cream and paddled among hundreds of tiny jellyfish.

I cannot remember spending a happier day with my children and today is one I will remember for a long time.

The evening was also beautiful so once again, we headed to Barricane Beach for Sri-Lankan curry and to enjoy the warm, laid-back atmosphere that this most popular of beach cafes has to offer. My son skimmed stones until the sun began to fade on what has been the most precious of weeks with my children.