We all need a break sometimes. A place to retreat, where you can let your guard down and take time to rest and relax. Matt, Henry and I recently returned from our first family holiday where we created some special memories. The past two years have been incredibly difficult for us, so it came as a much needed break. A high risk twin pregnancy with the knowledge that one of our babies had no chance of life, the uncertainty that we may lose both, the endless emergency visits to the labour ward – a cancer scare, the death of our sons and the debilitating grief that followed, an incredibly anxious rainbow pregnancy, a long fight to get our newborn the help he needed to relieve his pain from reflux, and PND. We have made it through the trauma, the heartache, the devastation. But it was exhausting.
It was healing to spend time alone together as a family, in a fresh setting, far removed from sad memories and negativity. We chose to spend a fortnight at Villa Evin in Kalkan. With winding cobbled streets, rooftop restaurants, clear blue seas and spectacular sunsets, Kalkan is full of charm and serenity, the perfect place for respite.
Each morning, we’d take a boat across to the main town. Henry soon made friends with the captain, a charismatic gentleman who pulled faces to make Henry smile and allowed him to toot the horn. We’d step onto the boat, taking time to marvel at the glorious mountain views and the sparkle of the sunshine on the water, the breeze making our hair dance around our faces.
Henry attracted attention wherever we ventured. Locals stopped us to coo over his big blue eyes, kiss his little feet and tickle his chubby thighs. Men and women – young and old – rushed over with joy on their faces, delighted to interact with Henry. Smiles and compliments met us wherever we went. Mashallah. It made such a welcome change from England, where eyes don’t meet and words are rarely spoken.
Our villa was the ideal place to retreat. Located on the peaceful mountainside, it provided tranquility and privacy. With magnificent views of the serene sea, it was the ultimate way to unwind after a busy day. After Henry was tucked up in bed, Matt and I would sit together outside and take in the splendour of the scenery. There is peace to be found in the silent simplicity of the sunset. We watched the golden hues soften as the sun gently slipped away, and I felt William and Noah with us. All around us. In our hearts. This would have been their first holiday, too.
We returned home rejuvenated, but with a new desire to satiate our wanderlust. Plans are being made, hopes and dreams created, as we contemplate a new beginning, a new start, somewhere else from here.
Oh your first family holiday looks beautiful Amy, I'm so pleased that you all had a chance to relax and more importantly enjoy yourselves as a family. I wish you many more happy holidays to come.
Amy x
Your photos are all so beautiful! It sounds like you had such a lovely time – A perfect summer holiday was definitely well deserved by you and your lovely little family. xo
Oh my word Amy!! Looks like you had a perfect first family holiday. Its so lovely to hear you had such a nice break, lord knows you deserve it. Henry is just adorable and your pictures are beautiful. Makes me want to book a holiday so bad xx
You have some wonderful photos there and Henry is so beautiful.
A change is as good as the rest 🙂 Kate x
aworldfullofprettiness.blogspot.com
Your photos are all beautiful. You look stunning and Henry looks so cute. It looks like the perfect holiday and you really deserved it. I am already counting down the days to out first family holiday in October, but we might try to squeeze in a trip to France before then.
Ooh wow, stunning photos! Kalkan looks like an ideal place to relax, and you have one gorgeous son Amy! Your plans to make a new start sound exciting, and exactly what you need x
What Rachael Wrote
Such beautiful photos. What a lovely place to go on holiday. Looks like you all had a wonderful time.x
Kerry x
http://www.ohsoamelia.com
These photos are stunning! looks like an incredible and well deserved holiday 🙂 and of course Henry got so much attention, he really is a beautiful baby 🙂
xo
The Fashionista Bubble
Aww what beautiful photos! It looks like you had such a lovely first holiday all together!
Gem x | flutter and sparkle – UK beauty and lifestyle blog
Oh Amy he's so beautiful! x
Sounds like you really needed that break! Your photos are beautiful x
Beautiful!!! Next vacations visit Greece and more specific Corfu Island, you will love it 🙂
It looks and sounds like you all had a wonderful holiday, you deserve it after such a horribly difficult time. It's exciting to hear you are planning some changes, can't wait to hear more!
rachael xx | made up of little things
This place looks absolutely beautiful! I can't believe how crystal clear the sea is! It looks like you had a lovely time 🙂
Little Babe
love the post and pictures amy x
These photos are beautiful, you deserve every bit of happiness that is now coming your way 🙂
Sophie
http://what-sophie-said.blogspot.co.uk/
xxx
Your photos are fantastic, what camera do you use please? I'm still blogging using my iPhone but I think I've got to up my game a bit…
http://www.theduncanadventures.blogspot.com
http://www.littlespencerduncan.blogspot.com
Such beautiful photos lovely – it looks like you had a great time! What camera do you use if you don't mind me asking?
Jenny xx
ramblingsofajaffacat.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you! I use the Canon 600D xx