Our 1st Family Holiday Abroad - The Algarve ♥

At the beginning of August my boys and I embarked on our first ever family holiday abroad to the Algarve, a place which Jacek and I visited way back in 2012 when I was just six weeks pregnant and absolutely miserable with sickness! We actually stayed in the same apartments again and nothing had changed, the apartments were still spotlessly clean and perfect for our little family. I was hoping for a better holiday this time and I wasn't disappointed, the time away with my boys was lovely, it was great to soak up the sun, take Tyler Lee swimming and to escape from my anxiety and daily life for just one blissful week. I was so anxious about travelling with a toddler but it was fine, he was great on the plane and slept on the way over, we even had a free seat by us which we hadn't booked or planned but were so thankful for it. We then had the longest bus journey in the world to our apartment in Portimao but we survived, travel sickness and all - something I didn't even know I had! 

Portimao is right by the beach area of Praia da Rocha and the beach itself is absolutely stunning. There are so many caves, rocks and inlets to explore, it's so beautiful and extraordinary to look at. My boy loved the beach as he's a fan of playing with sand and having initially being afraid of the waves he took to the water by the end of the holiday wading in waste deep by the rocks all by himself, keen to explore some more. Relaxing by the pool was fantastic, it was so hot and I loved dipping in the pool for a cool down, I forgot how much I love swimming and I read so much, I really wish I had brought a magazine with me, Company, Glamour and Cosmo got a bashing! I loved going for dinner in the evenings as a family, it's something we never get to do at home as Jacek is always working, Tyler Lee has his dinner before I do and I hate that we don't have that time as a family so it was special for me to be able to do that whilst we were away, it really is the simple things which make me happy. There are lots of restaurants, pubs and shops on the strip and the atmosphere really gets going down there after eight when everyone's leaving the beach and heading out for the night. As this was a family holiday and we had the little one with us we were always back at our apartment for nine and that suited me fine, we were always worn out from the antics of the day!

Tyler Lee also turned one and half whilst we were in the Algarve and the beach was the perfect backdrop for his monthly pictures on the 16th, you can see them here. It was fabulous to relax with my boys, breathe and just enjoy our surroundings. It's a holiday I'll never forget with it being our first proper one alone as a family and I'm so glad I captured these images for Tyler Lee to look back on one day.