Mooloolaba.

So I did it, I put on my running outfit, tied my laces and ran my little legs out.

16 weeks ago I decided enough was enough and I was going to ignite my passion for running once more, to make sure I stuck to my goal I signed up for a 5k run as part of the Mooloolaba triathlon series and we decided to make a weekend of it.  Well this last weekend I packed up the car, waited for Han to arrive from WA and drove us all up the sunshine coast for a weekend of sun, beach and running.  I was pumped.

The weather was amazing, it has rained every time we have been to the beach for the last few years and the last few weeks of monsoon rain in Brisbane had me yearning for some sun on my shoulders.

We spent so much lovely time sitting by the water, running through the water and enjoying being away from the normal day to day life.

I enjoyed my run.  Surprising myself I shed a few tears as I crossed the finishing line, this isn't a monumental achievement, so many people can run 5Km, I used to be able to do that and more when I was younger but the act of setting a goal and seeing it through was empowering.  I was able to see myself again, not just a wife, mother, daughter and nurse which is all that exists in my day to day life.

It is an amazing life transformation  becoming a wife and mother, and many people have written wonderful essays on the topic, I know I am not alone, but I believe every woman has to learn to continue to transform within that life, so that we don't resent the change but also continue to blossom within our new roles.  Of course that is harder said than done, it has taken me a long time to learn this and ensure that I find a passion in my life that will fuel me through the harder days and weeks that are inevitable.

After the run we enjoyed more family time, by the beach, or the river.  Han and I could often be found with coffee in hand thanks to babies who don't like to sleep on holidays, trying to keep all the beach paraphernalia under control, while still enjoying making family memories with our two boys that will keep us warm as the colder months start to set in.

I left Mooloolaba with my first 5K done and a passion for doing more, already dreaming of running a better time next year and full of love for this lovely family of mine.  I think we will all be ok, life is pretty fantastic.

11/52

Otto:  This boat came everywhere with us on our holiday, it is broken and doesn't float so well but secured hours of play and imagination.  Here Otto and Han are finding ways to float it through the rock pools.

Hugo:  Our last morning and this boy didn't want to sleep, at first I was disappointed to be missing out on precious sleep, but then the sun started to rise and we secured a spot to watch it all to ourselves.  It became one of those breathtaking and special moments that I know I will remember for years to come.

We are home, the few nights away were lovely but reality has hit us hard.  The whole household has succumbed to our first winter cold and Otto is the worst affected.  I am hoping to look through all the photos from our weekend away soon, but first to bed, as I am sure to be up a lot overnight.

10/52

Otto:  Peeking around the corner to see if I had put the camera down yet.

Hugo:  Let's go driving!

This has been a huge week for us, the house is finally settled and we have the keys in our hot little hands.  Han's grandfather passed away on the other side of the country, and life with little people is always busy!  We have a few days away at the beach next week and I am hanging out for it!

Have a great Sunday, at least the sun is shining today.

Linking up with Jodi

9/52

Otto:  Excited about pulling out the bread from the bread machine.

Hugo:  Looking tired but a bit happier than last week at least.

We have been challenged by the weather this week, the rain has been coming down in huge downpours that keep going all day long.  Everything is soaked and while I have been trying to look on the bright side, it is wearing on my sense of humour.  We have enjoyed doing some baking with the cooler weather, but I am really looking forward to seeing some sunshine again.

Linking up with Jodi!