The boys at Runswick Bay

Explored a bit of the coast line today in glorious sunshine. Blue skies, bright sunlight - we couldn't have asked for a nicer day in February. The pups always go crazy on the beach - something about the wide open space and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. Eva and Toby had a great time too making sandcastles. Found a lovely pub for a Sunday roast and then drove up to Sandsend. By this time the fresh air had got to the children and they were fast asleep in the back of the car so I stayed with them whilst Mike took the dogs for another run on the beach.

When he woke up, Toby insisted we drive back to Runswick to look at the sandcastles he had built. He was a bit miffed to discover the tide had come in and there was only a little tiny corner of beach left to play on. So we made 10 more sandcastles (because there has to be 10 of everything in Toby's world!)

Runswick village is amazing. Lots of tiny cottages built into the hillside with winding paths and alleyways to explore and steep steps - no roads at all. When we got back to our cottage we headed out again to the packed out Cod and Lobster pub on the harbour front for a quick pint before the kids bathtime and snuggling down for the night with a good book in front of the fire. Perfect.