Marbella Holiday- A big picture post!

Well we’ve just returned from our first proper family vacation. While Liam is a seasoned flyer having travelled over to the states twice already, trips home are never a vacation. There are always tons of people to see and things to do and we usually organise it in conjunction with a big event- last year was Rachael’s wedding and the year before was Cherie’s. So this year, we really wanted a nice sunny holiday where we had no schedule to keep or people to see or things to do.

There was a bit of drama with the Icelandic Volcanic Ash disrupting air travel for most of Europe over the past month. Luckily we were able to slot right into the clear window 7-14 May. Literally if we had gone one day either way we would have either gotten delayed here or stuck in Spain.

Gotta have the coveted window seat...

Entertaining Liam on the flight was tiring... especially since we were up since 4 am! The colouring book did the trick...

My mom was able to get us a huge 3 bedroom flat at the Marriott Marbella Beach Resort in Southern Spain. We’ve stayed at Marriott timeshare properties before (Palm Dessert and Aruba) and we are never let down! The Marbella beach resort was absolutely beautiful- 5 stars all the way! The grounds were immaculate, the pools beautiful (although the outdoor ones were pretty cold), plenty of kids stuff and the apartments better equipped than our house! Each room had a 37” plasma tv, an ensuite in each of the bedrooms and even a nespresso machine! We had a few extra perks because we were considered “Marriott owners”. We got a beautiful bottle of Crianza as a welcome gift (would have cost around $50 to buy), enjoyed an owners drink reception (where we meet a few people from New Jersey!) and had a daily cleaning service. We really couldn’t have asked for a more well appointed, comfortable and beautiful place.
The view from our balcony...

The master bedroom...And ensuite...

Living and dinning area...

Large main pool overlooking the sea...

The resort was really kid friendly with 2 play areas, family pools and an under-6 water slide area...

Chess anyone?
Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate the whole time. We had 2 ½ days of rain. It was annoying at the time, but we still were able to use the indoor pools and relax. We did head into Marbella Old Town and Marbella boardwalk one day, but the rain made the streets very deserted and it lost a bit of charm. I did most of the cooking in the apartment as it was more economical, but we did go out for food a few times.
Liam really enjoyed the swimming. So much so, that we’ve promised him that we’ll go a couple of times each month to the local pool… there’s also an indoor waterpark in Lisburn that we’ll have to try out. He loved spending every minute with his mommy and daddy and so did we. Here are a bunch of other photos from the trip...
Liam in his king-sized bed...
Enjoying waterplay with daddy... I really like this photo... Super flying Liam... Chillaxing with an ice lolly... Waterslides... Are so fun!One of the many outfits from Aunt Lin... Tricks with daddy... An attempt at a nice posey photo... And again... More candid...

Looking cute...

Mmmm, pasta...

Toes in the Mediterranean Sea at sunset...

Liam passed out after a fun filled day...

I was in the water too, but Ollie isn't as camera savvy (obsessed) as I am. So the water shots are all of the boys.

We did have an accident. Liam thought it would be a good idea to jump off the couch and scrapped his leg on the edge of the coffee table.

Posing with Mommy...

Liam loves to draw...

He doesn't quite get the concept of pouting...

We all really had a blast and would go back tomorrow... seriously, can we go back tomorrow?

Aunt Linda’s Trip, Zoo and Park, April 2010

I’m a bit behind with these photographs, but work and life have been busy (as I say every post now). Here’s a bunch of pictures from my Aunt’s visit in April. We kept ourselves pretty busy with the zoo and park and beach. It is easier to keep the little man busy so that he sleeps well at night. We made sure to tire him out each day.
Our trip to the zoo:
I love these little meerkats they totally crack me up. Have you seen the youtube video of them talking to each other? No? It's funny.

Enjoying a cornetto...

Liamraffe...

My silly boys...

Lady Dixon park is a lovely, big park only 10 minutes drive away. They have a big playground area zoned for different age groups. They also have tons of paths and prize winning rose gardens.

Liam runs everywhere. Remember when everything was so exciting that you had to run to it?

Cheeky smiles...

Adorable photo of Aunt Linda and Liam.

One of the last days of his long curly locks.

It was great to have Aunt Lin here. Liam loved the company and the excitement of doing something new each day. Thanks to my mom (Nana Jewsey), Aunt Lin and grandma for sending over so many clothes and toys for Liam! He was spoiled rotten and we basically have his entire summer wardrobe sorted!