cape naturaliste lighthouse

now that the estate is finally sorted and we can breathe a sigh of relief and relax for a bit, we ran away for the long weekend to busselton. it's been two and a half years since we've been able to actually get away, as we haven't felt safe going anywhere further than an hour or so away while doug's parents were so unwell. doug and i booked to take the kids with us, but booked a house big enough to bring my parents along - which they happily did. it was sooooo nice to finally have some time to ourselves - away from the norm and not have to worry about a thing. 

we drove down yesterday and took our sweet time doing so, arriving late in the afternoon, but with enough time to duck into the local opshop and get some bargains. it is freezing and threatening to rain down here, so they had all their summer clothes for 50c. you bet your ass i got an amazing dress (or 3... haha) to take home.

we started today with a tour of the cape naturaliste lighthouse, which was incredible. 

i am so glad we booked the tour and didn't just wander around as we got to learn all about the history of the place, the families who lived here, more about lighthouses andddd

even climb the up the narrow old staircase and go out on the lighthouse platform for a better look. worth every cent i'd say! we had the most lovely guide, called lisa who knew the answers to all our questions and was wonderful with the kids. she was just delightful.

fun fact. the lighthouse lamp turns all day even when it isn't lit, to ensure that the sun cannot start a fire through the glass if it's constantly in one point. 

the view from up top was amazing, you could see forever - and this was my favourite bit of the view, these three gorgeous human, my lovely parents, looking after our toddler so that we didn't have to worry about him falling on the stairs or taking a dive off the top. yikes.

oh hey. just me on the top of a lighthouse. no big deal. haha.

i love seeing joseph with a smile on his face. although he wouldn't say so, i know his grandparents dying has affected him so much. he was so sullen and hard to reach after stephen died and i dread it happening again. i feel like this breath of fresh air has been so good for him.

the kids are loving everything and are having the best time. i am so glad we took some time out and came down.

these two were living their best lives out on the lighthouse balcony

and little alex found himself an alcove to chill in while he waited for us to come back down.

so happy to be here with the ones i love! ❤