Cottage Time

It has been four years in a row now that we have rented a cottage in Prince Edward County.  Always a different cottage, and always in a new part of the county.

This year, we rented in the town of Milford - the cottage was Park Hall Farm.  It had an expansive back yard, spotted with apple trees and right on South Bay.  We were drawn to this property, for one, the waterfront, and two, the huge lot for the kids to run free!  There was a small guest house right beside the main house that we also rented out. So for the week, it was myself, my husband and our two girls, my sister-in-law with her son, and another couple - no kids - and I am sure after their week with us, they were thankful for that fact!.  (I mention this because the three previous years, we rented with my parents).  OK, so my parents came to the cottage for one night - clearly, we really needed them to stay longer!

As any other parent of young kids know, there really is no relaxing while on a family vacation (especially if the grandparents aren't there and willing to help out). Sure you can pack that book you've been meaning to read, but the chances of you actually getting to read a sentence is as likely as me getting paid to blog!

As I was packing the gazillions things we needed for our trip, I was thinking about all the fun we were going to have. The beaches we would go to. The games we would play. The food we would eat. And of course the wine we would drink!  But what I didn't think about, was that this week was going to be a HUGE change in "routine" for the girls. Well, for Ryan especially.  Segue -  Without going into too much detail, Ryan has been a challenge since birth. Nothing has been "easy". Nothing has come without a fight or a battle or a struggle.  She is under the category of the Highly Sensitive Child. For those of you who know what I am talking about, I dedicate this glass of wine, that is close at hand, to you.  All that being said, any change in routine for Ryan, no matter if we have talked about it, is anxiety inducing.  We do the best we can to surround her with things that are familiar to her, but it's never perfect. I am not going to sit here and complain that my life is tough, because believe me, I know we have it easy. However, there are times that when Ryan is screaming her head off because of a shadow, or if we can't find her stuffed animal before bed time, or if she doesn't like the smell of the room,the store, the food, or if a particular noise is bothering her - I want to cry myself.  If you have read any of my other posts, you will see that this hasn't stopped us from travelling. From changing up our daily lives. To getting out there and exploring new places and spaces.  We feel it's important for us as a family, and for Ryan to face her fears.

OK, back to the cottage.  What more could we have asked for? A beautiful place, great weather, privacy, and shared with family and friends.  We ate cedar plank salmon, steak, hamburgers, shrimp,  chicken, sausage, lobster, lamb, escargot, grilled vegetables, charcuterie, salads, corn, potatoes, risotto, bacon, cheese, bread...I don't recall eating any fruit or desserts. We did have a pie that I think was half eaten for breakfast on the morning we were leaving. Hey, there's only so much room in our bellies.  We went to a few local beaches including Point Petre, which is a local favourite, and of course we went to Sandbanks.  All in all, it was a perfect.

As our last night was upon us, so quickly and yet so slowly, we discussed our plans for next year. We looked at various different cottages. A good sign that we all had a wonderful time and were already looking forward to more time and memories, together.  As for Ryan, the only night that she slept well and slept in was of course on our final night!

walking back to the main house from the water.

My dad, big Andy and my daughter, little Andy, enjoying the sunset together.

Aunt Denise and cousin Liam

Favourite summer eats

Long Point Beach

We basically had the whole beach to ourselves.

More amazing food.

Trip to Sandbanks

Another pebble beach only 5 minutes away from the cottage.

Again, we had the beach to ourselves!

Our attempt at a family picture!

The final sunset from our amazing week at Park Hall Farm.