We went over to Formby Point last Saturday. It was a bright, sunny autumn day, we had no plans and I just felt like we all needed to get outdoors and make the most of it. Formby, on the coast just north of Liverpool, was always a favourite place of Roger’s, mainly because of the beautiful woods – which are a red squirrel reserve – and the dune-filled beaches at the other side. We went a few times before we had children, but the last time was probably when Sam was about three and Flo was but a mere twinkle in her daddy’s eye.
We arrived mid-morning and made the most of walking through the woods, throwing nuts for the squirrels and climbing up and down the hills and through the trees. Despite Sam’s questions on the way of ‘does it have a gift shop?’ he really loved it, and kept saying what a great place it was and how he liked the woods. Florence was just as keen, she loves keeping up with her brother and they both were really pleased to spot so many squirrels. I had promised them earlier that we would see red squirrels – to which Flo replied she’d quite like to see a pink one!
It was a good a time as any for a Me and Mine family portrait – I had to ask someone to take it for me so there wasn’t an ideal shot but they are natural, as ever, and with the gorgeous backdrop I really wanted to use them. I also thought taking the photos while they were reasonably still with ice lollies was a good tactic, although it probably distracted them from actually looking at the camera.
I’ve just looked back at our portrait for August, and I can’t really believe a month has passed since then. September has brought a bit of relief in that we’re back in the school routine, I have had a bit of time to myself and I feel I have managed that bit of breathing space I was craving at the end of last month.
I’ve also had a brilliant night away with friends in London at the Mad Blog Awards, been on my first spa day, and brought my bike out of retirement for a few rides with Florence on the back. Sam has also become more confident on his bike, and so we’ve managed our first ever outing as a family all on bikes, which feels like a big and pretty liberating achievement.
There have been highs but there have also been real lows, and I’m starting to realise that that’s probably how it will be for quite some time. People who have experienced grief have told me that these low moments will become fewer and easier to cope with, but there’s no doubt they will keep coming – and usually at the most inconvenient of times.
As we go into October and the nights draw in we will be looking forward to Halloween (my son’s favourite day of the entire year) and the meet-ups we have pencilled in with close friends and family. I’ve just gone back to work, so that’s another step back to a ‘normal’ routine, and a hurdle which I was dreading but in fact wasn’t at all that bad.
I feel like the change of seasons means moving a step away from what’s happened, and a step further away from the time I had when my husband was alive. It’s like forced change and I’m not sure I like it, but seeing as there’s not much I can do about it I may as well just keep trying to get through each day like I have been doing these past few months.
This post is linked up with the Me and Mine project – hosted by Dear Beautiful, Bump to Baby, Capture By Lucy, Let’s Talk Mommy, Mummy Daddy Me and Tigerlilly Quinn – where you take a photograph a month of your family all together.
x Julia
38 Comments
Adrian Roberts (Lucy's dad)
September 30, 2015 at 8:10 amHi Julia,
Looks and sounds like a great day out with loads of fun. I’ve been to Formby and found it a nice place.
You will unfortunately have down moments but try to continue to have loads of fun days and moments, with the kids or not, and they will help you to cope.
You are a brave and wonderful mum.
Lots of love.
Adrian (Lucy’s dad)
Jess @ Catch A Single Thought
September 30, 2015 at 9:36 amOh we are near to Formby too; it’s such a great space isn’t it? These photos are lovely, I especially admire you going barefoot on the beach in September! #meandmine
Jess @ Catch A Single Thought recently posted…Me & Mine {September}
LauraCYMFT
September 30, 2015 at 12:47 pmThese are really beautiful photos.
Natalie @ Little Jam Pot Life Blog
September 30, 2015 at 1:19 pmAbsolutely love these Julia, and my girls are looking forward to Halloween too, and our eldest turns five a few days before! eeek! I loved reading this, wishing you a smooth October and enjoying the snuggly evenings with your littles. xx
Natalie @ Little Jam Pot Life Blog recently posted…Me and Mine – A family portrait project 2015 – September
Jenna
September 30, 2015 at 1:23 pmI love these photos, Julia – I must remember the ice lolly tactic for future reference!
I’m glad going back to work wasn’t as bad as you were expecting and that you’ve had a bit more time to breath this month.
I do agree that the change in seasons kind picks you up and carries you off, whether you want it or not.
Always think of you lot, Julia.
PS. Can I just stay how stylish you look in these photos, too? Rocking that outfit, mama. xxx
Mackenzie Glanville
September 30, 2015 at 1:24 pmI’ve never heard of red squirrels, but I agree with your little sweetie pink ones would be fab!
Fritha Strickland
September 30, 2015 at 2:29 pmI agree I was thinking how stylish you looked in these pics, a real beauty. I can’t even begin to imagine how bittersweet these monthly pictures must be but I know your kiddos will look back on them with pride about how strong their mama is. You have a beautiful family x
Fritha Strickland recently posted…Me and Mine – September
Katie @mummydaddyme
September 30, 2015 at 9:02 pmJulia these are beautiful photos of the three of you. I missed your August photo last month but I can imagine how bittersweet these photos of you are, however I completely agree with Fritha that it your children will look back and be so proud of what a strong and amazing woman their Mother is. You bring tears to my eyes just thinking of you all. It was fantastic to finally meet you at the Mads and give you that hug. x
Katie @mummydaddyme
September 30, 2015 at 9:02 pmJulia these are beautiful photos of the three of you. I can imagine how bittersweet these photos of you are, however I completely agree with Fritha that it your children will look back and be so proud of what a strong and amazing woman their Mother is. You bring tears to my eyes just thinking of you all. It was fantastic to finally meet you at the Mads and give you that hug. x
Lisa@intotheglade
September 30, 2015 at 9:17 pmOh wow you saw lots of squirrels, I waited years before we finally spotted one ha! A lovely picture of you and yours Julia, with a gorgeous backdrop. I’m glad you had a good day. Halloween is big on The Glade too, I love how cool it’s become. I hope October is kind to you lovely xx
Lisa@intotheglade recently posted…Ringing the changes!
Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely
September 30, 2015 at 10:17 pmGorgeous photos, Julia. I adore the one of you and Sam. I’ve never been to Formby. I don’t think so anyway. I’m always drawn to Another Place so we have to go there whenever we head that way 🙂
Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely recently posted…Things I’m Loving Lately (September)
Heledd - Running in Lavender
September 30, 2015 at 10:25 pmLove these natural shots of your day out. Your kids are so gorgeous and look like they’re having a lovely day in the woods and in the dunes. It was so so so lovely to finally meet you at the MADS, although I feel like I’ve known you for such a long time. You really are the strongest, bravest and most elegant lady I’ve ever met xxx
Heledd – Running in Lavender recently posted…Me and Mine – September
Mini Travellers
October 1, 2015 at 12:34 pmIt’s been ages since we have been over to Formby, really must do that again soon. Mine love those sand dunes. You look amazing on these photos. Super stylish. xxx
Mini Travellers recently posted…My Captured Moment – Pretty in Pink
Hayley (@hayleyfromhome)
October 1, 2015 at 4:22 pmThese photographs are so beautiful Julia, I especially love the one of you and Sam. I can’t even tell you how much I admire you, those moments of sadness will never leave you I’m sure and yet look and you, getting out with the Flo and Sam and making some fantastic days out for them. You’re a special lady, don’t forget that xxx
Hayley (@hayleyfromhome) recently posted…Our First Family Holiday – Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park
mummyofboygirltwins
October 1, 2015 at 9:28 pmGorgeous photographs. Lovely pictures of you all together. Good for you getting out and about and making new memories, I admire you so much. You look so stylish in these pictures, and the children look so happy. Jess xxx
mummyofboygirltwins recently posted…A lunch date with Hubby in Worcester
Katy from Modern Mummy
October 2, 2015 at 11:24 amAbsolutely beautiful photos; I’m so glad you all had a lovely day xo
Katy from Modern Mummy recently posted…Tote a Tote!
Carie
October 2, 2015 at 9:05 pmOh such beautiful pictures, and a very lovely spot to explore too – it sounds like you had a great time 🙂
Carie recently posted…And a hat to match {handmade for Kitty}
Mummy Tries
October 3, 2015 at 8:23 amGorgeous pics hon, sending love & hugs to you xxx
Mummy Tries recently posted…The Blogging Interview
Sarah Howe
October 4, 2015 at 6:43 amThese are beautiful photos and it sounds like it was a great day. It made me laugh aboutSam and the gift shop! I’m just like that now! Glad things are getting a little easier. You sound busy and I’m sure this can help. You never cease to amaze me in how strong you seem xx #sundaystars
Sarah Howe recently posted…Exercise Al fresco
Mrs C
October 4, 2015 at 7:28 amHi, this is the first post I’ve read of yours and I feel so full of emotion! I want to hug you and salute you at the same time. Is that patronising? I don’t want to it come across that way. Your strength is inspiring. Thanks for writing so captivatingly honestly. I LOVE the concept of the Me and Mine project as well! Brillaint post xx
Mrs C recently posted…Bye to blogging?
Becky (@educatingr)
October 4, 2015 at 8:07 amBeautiful pictures! You are incredibly brave. I lost my dad at 17 (I’m now 31). It’s not the same as losing your husband but in terms of grief, your friends are right. The low moments become fewer and then bite you on the bum when you least expect it. You are brave and I admire you for a whole number of reasons!
#sundaystars
Becky (@educatingr) recently posted…The Furry Member of the Roversi’s!
New Mummy Blog
October 4, 2015 at 8:54 amLovely photos and it sounds like a lovely place for you to visit. It looks like you all had fun, searching for the pink squirrel…! X #sundaystars
New Mummy Blog recently posted…The playroom at the end of the day
Silly Mummy
October 4, 2015 at 10:30 amLovely pictures, and glad your children enjoyed the woods – woods are lovely as autumn comes. #sundaystars
Silly Mummy recently posted…Toddler Towers: Are All Toddlers Basil Fawlty?
becca farrelly
October 4, 2015 at 11:27 amWhat beautiful photographs and what lovely children! Your amazing to be getting on and back into a routine, I hadn’t read your blog until I came across your post on this weeks linky, you are inspiring 🙂
#sundaystars
becca farrelly
October 4, 2015 at 11:28 amLovely photographs and lovely children! I hadn’t read your blog until I found this post on this weeks linky, inspiring! 🙂
#sundaystars
Random Musings
October 4, 2015 at 1:10 pmLovely photos, love the me and mine idea. I agree a pink squirrel would be nice 🙂 Thanks for hosting #SundayStars
Debbie
Random Musings recently posted…Blogging Bucket List
Chloe
October 4, 2015 at 1:18 pmThese photographs are so beautiful!!! What a great place to get to visit! If we had woods attached to beaches I’d be there everyday with my daughter!!! Sometimes all you need is some fresh air and a stroll in the woods to put things into perspective.
It looks like you had a lovely family day. Every time I read one of your posts i’m a little bit lost for words because I just want to give you a hug! (I hope that doesn’t sound condesending, it’s not meant to!). You write with such raw emotion and I can’t get over how strong you are. You have such a beautiful family and I’m glad you’re finding a sense of normality and getting back into routines. What a blessing that work has been easy to adjust back into and you’ve got lots of family and friend time coming up.
This whole next year is going to be full of firsts. The first Halloween, the first Christmas, the first New Year. It’s going to be full of ups and downs and that’s normal and OK! I can’t imagine what you’re going through but you’ve got lots of friends, family and blogger support here for you!! xxx
Chloe recently posted…#MYSUNDAYPHOTO
Sugar&Rhubarb
October 4, 2015 at 4:19 pmSuch lovely photographs. You are an incredibly strong woman. I sometimes wish I knew the precise words that would be perfect to say…. but it feels like they don’t exist. Anything else just sounds like a cliche. All I can say is that I am sending you, whilst looking through your words and the images of your wonderful family, massive hugs that only giant bears can give. All enveloping, fluffy, warm and strong.
#SundayStars.
Sugar&Rhubarb recently posted…The Mini Boden Hare Dress
Megan - truly madly kids
October 4, 2015 at 8:05 pmSuch fab photos, I love the one of you with Sam in the background. Keep going lovely, and just like the others say, in these dark times Sam and Flo know 100% that you are going to be there for them xxx
Megan – truly madly kids recently posted…Thoughts on: Being extraordinary and the refugee crisis in Greece
Kat | Beau Twins
October 4, 2015 at 9:14 pmHello beautiful! I am so pleased you made it to a place Roger loved and you and the kids got to enjoy something that Roger would have loved. He would have been with you that’s for sure. Seasons changing really does make life feel so dimensional at times. Suddenly it’s no longer seamless, it’s another world. You are journeying through this with such grace, strength and love. I am in awe of you beautiful lady. Xxxx
Kat | Beau Twins recently posted…Bluestone National Park Resort
Lady Nym
October 5, 2015 at 6:14 amI’m glad you all had fun even without a gift shop or any pink squirrels and you got some lovely photos. I’m very sorry to read of your loss. There aren’t really any words to help but I hope you and yours have as easy a time as is realistic over the coming months.
#SundayStars
Lady Nym recently posted…So Much for a Diagnosis
teacuptoria
October 5, 2015 at 6:40 amYou are amazing, you really are. It must feel very strange moving forward and needing to move forward but feeling as though you’re leaving Roger behind. I think you’re doing such a fantastic job for Sam and Florence. This place looks lovely, Seb would also have been asking about a gift shop (it must be that age!). I’m glad you’ve had some time for yourself lately too and hope you enjoyed the Mads. Take care lovely xxx
teacuptoria recently posted…The Proposal !!!!
Emma Chanagasubbay
October 5, 2015 at 10:17 amWhat beautiful pictures in such stunning surroundings. These are my favorite kind of days that you can really get some quality family time X #SundayStars
Emma Chanagasubbay recently posted…A Sunny Trip To Brighton Breeze
Katie
October 8, 2015 at 9:46 pmBeautiful photos love. I’m glad you’ve had some time to have a little fun, by yourself and with the kids. Sending cwtches as always xxx
Katie recently posted…Carrier Bag Charges. Advice from a Veteran
Mrs H
October 9, 2015 at 10:00 amStunning photos beautiful Julia. I love the relaxed photos when out and about and it looks like you had a lovely day. You must be a well of so many emotions at the moment but I think it is so important that you just surrender to how you feel. Don’t fight it…just be. Thanks for hosting #SundaysStars. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
Mrs H recently posted…Lemon and honey fairy cakes recipe – a guest post
Katie / Pouting In Heels
October 9, 2015 at 2:22 pmSuch beautiful photos Julia. Looks like a very lovely day. 🙂 You’re doing amazingly well, as everyone keeps saying. You’re a superstar xxx
P.S Thanks for your support in regards to my friend. Sent her that book yesterday. It’s nothing but it made me feel like I’ve been able to do something. x
Katie / Pouting In Heels recently posted…FIVE REASONS WE NEED BLOGS (& BLOGGERS)
Lizzie Roles
October 22, 2015 at 12:21 pmI am so glad I read this post. I love the photo’s, great light in the day and you have captured the day perfectly. Life is full of ups and downs, I cant imagine the roller coaster of emotions it must be. It must have felt very strange to be there without Roger, and what a special place to go to and think about him. Woods AND the beach, wow, it looks amazing Julia. I can see why he loved it there. Lizzie xo
Lizzie Roles recently posted…Little Barwick House
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