We are now coming to the end of our summer vacation. In just over two weeks the boys go back to school. Their sister then starts preschool the week after. The holidays have gone so fast!
The sibling harmony that presided over the first weeks of the holiday has remained largely intact. But, I would be lying if I said it had been perfect!
About a month into vacation, the bickering started. I think we did well to get that far.
The wee girl and the 6yo have discovered lots of new ways to push each others buttons, and it has been rather painful to listen to at times.
The 9yo has kept his head down!
I suspect that it is a function of spending all day, every day, together. Not something that they are used to. Perhaps the novelty simply wore off.
Thankfully, the bickering has only been a small part of our days, and we have enjoyed lots of summer adventures. Our bucket list has proved to be the best thing we could have done, and we still have a couple of weeks left to tick a few more things off.
This months photos were actually taken a couple of weeks ago, on National Watermelon Day (we were working with a brand to celebrate the day!). I hadn’t planned on using them for Siblings, but I only needed a couple for the brand, and they were just too good not to use!
Despite the bickering and pushing of buttons, there have been plenty of moments like this one. Moments where the silliness and laughter shine through. Moments where the three are very much a unit.
And, of course, who can resist messing around with watermelon?
It has been an interesting vacation in a lot of ways. It’s been the first summer where all three have been able to join in with everything. It has been easier and more streamlined. The ability to leave the stroller behind, coupled with no longer needing a changing bag, has been liberating. For all of us!
We have been able to just jump in the car and head out. No major planning required.
And while the dynamic between the three continues to change, sometimes on a daily basis, and not always in a positive way (!), it has been a lot of fun.
I will be sorry to see the holidays end, but I’m looking forward to seeing where the next few months take us. The wee girl starting school will change the dynamic again, potentially significantly.
And that’s quite exciting!
These photos are sooooo cute, they all look like they were loving that watermelon. It’s funny, but I remember bickering with my brother lots growing up, and while my mum and dad used to tell us off for it, I never really remember feeling like we were annoying each other particularly. I definitely think bickering is more irritating to listen to than to be taking part in, I just remember thinking that me and my brother were just talking and what were mum and dad making such a fuss about. I’m glad your summer has been good and that they’ve been enjoying their time together on the most part. Thanks for linking up with Siblings. x
I suspect you’re right, the fights are over within seconds and you wouldn’t know that there has been an issue at all! We have had a wonderful summer :) Thank you for hosting x
What lovely photos! Sounds like a lovely summer break, good luck with getting them back to school and for your youngest starting pre-school! Big changes.
#siblings
Big changes indeed, I think I may still be slightly in denial…
Such beautiful photos, it looks like they are loving the watermelon. Yum! And haven’t they got absolutely gorgeous coloured eyes? x
They were loving it :) And, thank you, they all have really blue eyes, which I love. But, I am of course biased :)
They are gorgeous and fun photos, you did have to use them! It will be interesting to see how things change with wee girl off to preschool, hope it goes well x
Thank you Jocelyn! It will be a big change, it’s starting to get very real all of a sudden…
Lovely photos. Hmm, watermelon. Such a summery snack. Hope you get some peace and quiet soon as school resumes.
I am looking forward to the peace. All three in school for the first time…!
You can forgive the bickering for moments like this
Absolutely x
Your 3 remind me of me and my new brothers and wow how we pushed each other’s buttons constantly. I love all the watermelon faces though :)
Yes, they do know how to wind each other up :) Thankfully they also have lots of fun too!
What lovely photos. I think there would be something wrong if they didn’t bicker! My two rub each other up the wrong way quite a lot but absolutely adore spending time together too. Sounds like exciting times for you all over the next few months!
I think you’re right, I am learning to tune it out!
Gorgeous photos and I love all the wonderful expressions on their faces in them. Glad that the bickering has only been a small part of your summer days – it sounds like you have been having a wonderful summer and that the three of them have (mostly) enjoyed being together :-)
It has been a wonderful holiday, and the bickering is a natural part of being siblings really!
Love the photos. Must be so nice that they largely get on together. It’s nice to hear a mum saying it’s exciting to think there’ll be change coming when one of the children starts school etc. So many are worried and aren’t embracing the change, so it’s refreshing to read.
Thank you Emma, I really think we have to embrace change, as it happens so fast and so much with our children. It seems a shame not to enjoy it x
Such happy shots! Lots of smiles – both real and watermelon ones :)
They are starting to look very similar in height now, same here with Kitty and Ozzy – ah they are growing up so fast!
They have all shot up over the summer! The 9yo is nearly as tall as me :)
Gorgeous photos, nothing says arguments like the school holidays. Mine have been lovely to each other one minute and then a nightmare the next, my daughter starts school in September so everything will be changing here. Have a fab rest of your holidays :) #magicmoments
Thank you :) The bickering can be wearing, but on the whole they’ve had a wonderful time x
What gorgeous photos!! I love the watermelon props, really makes for natural pictures!!! Sounds like you’re having a fab summer! x #ShareWithMe
Thank you :) We have had a wonderful summer x
This just brought so many memories back from growing up with my siblings and eating watermelon on a hot summer day. I love it. They sound like they are growing a close bond as they get older and older. What a great month you have all had. Thank you for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme