So after the chaos of the past month and Stu and I living a 'pass the salt'/'goodnight'/'haven't we met somewhere before?' existence with insanely busy times at work, my studies and my being unwell, we decided that a long weekend away was very much needed. So we went to Brighton, so I could be close to the ocean (which always soothes my soul and calms my mind), so we could take Sophia to the fabulous Sea Life Centre, and so Stu could have some down time and we could all be together in a more relaxed state.

It was fabulous. The weather was cool enough to keep the seething hoardes of summer from filling the seafront walkways, the hotel was just the spot of luxury we needed, Sophia loved the Sea Life Centre and was wide eyed throughout as she saw sharks, turtles, stingrays, frogs (sea life??) and the many various fish, and we even had one (early) evening meal out at one of the oldest seafood restaurants in Brighton! We ambled around town and through the Lanes, did a bit of shopping, strolled along the seafront enjoying the view, and generally had a quiet, relaxed, happy time together. We found a wonderful children's playground where they had shipped in tonnes of clean sand and Sophia had a marvellous time playing with bucket and spade, tasting the sand, savouring the sensation of sifting it through her fingers.

Pics here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=229690&id=679470392&l=51b15