Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016

Last updated on November 19th, 2023 at 12:36 am

Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016

The past two years, we have taken advantage of the Autumn Half Term to go for a little family getaway to Marbella, Spain. We have close friends that live there that we adore and have so much fun with as well catch that last bit of sun before winter hits. We have been there a few times now so we are getting to know the place and each time we find something new we love about it. There is so much for the kids to do as well as adults and the weather never seems to falter. 

So of course I had to start this post off with a photo of my Autumn painted toes in a sunny warm pool. Not many places this time of year can we be swimming and sun bathing all day long. It felt so nice not to have to wear coats and boots, something my son absolutely hates. It’s a constant battle with him wearing layers and staying warm. He even asked, this week, why can’t we live somewhere where he never has to wear a coat. I kind of have to agree with him. Hint, hint Daddy.

I have relished in the past how well behaved my kids seem to be when we can play outside everyday and soak up that warm sunshine. Our friends have three little ones the same age as ours so it’s lovely to watch them each year bond and play together. I think each time we visit, there is a new friendship made between the five of them. Last year, it was our two eldest that were thick as thieves and this year it was their eldest with MM and B with the baby. I love watching our kids grow up together as friends. I hope I get to keep watching their friendships change and grow for years to come. It doesn’t have to be friends that you see every week to feel a close bond with. As an expat, I know all too well how important each person is in my life is whether they live down the street or in another country. I hold dear to my heart those friendships and loved ones in our lives no matter where they live.

I didn’t take a lot of photos this time, mostly because I was taking a break and enjoying the moment and secondly because the kids pretty much lived in the swimming pool the whole weekend we were there. We only stay a few days but I love that each time we get to try different little cafes and restaurants both with the family and go out after the kids are long asleep for some adult time too. (babysitter on hand).  That’s one of the things I love most about Marbella, Spain, there are endless amounts of trendy cafes,  healthy creative places for lunch and amazing fine restaurants too. I am a huge foodie and love my coffee so I am drawn to these places like a duck to water. 

Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016

In life I find there are not many times where we have a close family that all get along. It’s amazing how great my friend’s husband and mine get along and they go do their gym and manly things together. Then they watch the kids so my friend and I can hit the shops and cafes for some much needed retail therapy and girlie chat. Then we all come together and the kids swim and play. It’s such a great dynamic between the two families. I feel so lucky to have them in our lives. Do you have family friends like this? Isn’t it so relaxing knowing everyone gets along?Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016 Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016 Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016 Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016

It’s only right on holiday for us to get to go out too. Right? Each time we visit, we get a babysitter for the kiddos (all five of them bless her heart but they are asleep). We find a new restaurant to try out and feel like proper adults with a drink or two to celebrate. I am not a huge night out kind of girl at home because we are always busy and don’t have many to go out with in the UK but I love having a nice dinner and a few drinks with close friends on holiday. It’s such a special treat. Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016 Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016
Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016 Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016

This time the it was a little late in the year to hit the beach clubs but I am still basking in the memories of our visit to Nikki Beach. It was such a highlight of one of our trips there. Next time, we will be sure to be within season to try another beach club out again. 

They have great parks that seem miles long around Marbella. The kids never know where to run to first and what to play on with each other. If you see our video below, you can see just how huge this place really was and how many things they go to try out. It was perfect for all five kids to take a break from swimming and run about. They definitely got their exercise this half term and slept well that night. Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016

^ This is how most of our holiday family photos end up. Faces squished together for a family selfie with random things behind us because I am no longer strong enough to hold B high enough for the water in the background as planned. The sun goes in MM’s eyes and then we have seconds before the blissful moment of walking along the water front and the sun on our backs warming us from within, fades. If only we could have a camera person follow us around on holiday wouldn’t that be nice? Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016 Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016

So the kids really got to have fun in the sun this Autumn Half Term for a few days and get excited about not wearing boots and coats for a few days. We got to catch up with lovely friends that I am forever grateful for meeting and their amazing hospitality. While our half term ended with a horrible vomit bug we held onto the memories we made in sunny Spain to get through it. I love going there in Autumn when it’s not too hot and never cold with so much to do each time. I can’t wait to visit again soon. 
Family Trip to Marbella, Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016

Have you ever been to Spain with your family? What did you do for the Autumn half term? Did you stay local or go somewhere abroad? I would love to know, comment below and don’t forget to check out our little vlog and see some of the places we went. It really was a nice weekend getaway for us which was much needed. 

2 thoughts on “Spain for Autumn Half Term 2016”

  1. Gorgeous pics Jenny of a fabulous little getaway. So lovely to enjoy some sunshine before winter fully hits the UK isn’t it? Your two are looking so alike now! And I totally agree about distance not getting in the way of friendship. Our best friends live all the way over in Australia and we really only see them every 3 years – everything just slots back into place when they’re back for a visit. I love that. x x

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