You may remember that last year at this time we had a very successful first trip to Portugal after living on the doorstep for 6 years.  We visited various locations to get an overview but this year we decided to head for the Algarve and stay put and have a relaxing beach holiday.  We managed to locate a wonderful sounding B&B near Tavira which is just over the border from Spain into Portugal. We booked 5 nights getting home late on Tuesday.  It was just the most lovely relaxing holiday we could have hoped for.

The B&B was a townhouse called Casa Rosada in Castro Marim, a tiny, fascinating, mediaeval town sitting at the foot of a castle and a fortress.  We actually left a day before the annual famous Mediaeval Festival.  Willow loved it.  She is going through a princess stage where she believes that she is a real princess so living at the foot of 'her' castle was just perfect.  Casa Rosada is run by Rupert and Andrew who left high profile careers in London to come and run this perfect place.  Here are some views...

Breakfast in the garden every morning, with crisp white antique linen and silverware, fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli, honey, toast, home made jams and marmelade, and the famous Portuguese baked cream tarts when Rupert could get them at the market... we love them!

Willow loved to play ballet school in the secret room at the back of the garden...

View of the castle from the garden.  It was lit at night.

The castle of Castro Marim

The rebuilt Fortress of Castro Marim

Over the bridge into Spain

We visited Cacela Velha, a gorgeous little village on a hill, then took a boat ride to the beach.

We fell in love with Tavira, the Venice of the Algarve!

On our last morning, Tanc went fishing, as he always has to on our trips...

He caught lots of mackerel and brought it back for us to have for lunch.  Rupert whipped up this bountiful, delicious feast, only hours out of the sea...

Thanks Rupert and Andrew (and Poppy of course) for a wonderful holiday in your inspiring home!

Summer Fun!

Our neighbours' puppy  Juicy spent a lot of time in Willow's arms while they were here.  She even tried to keep her by locking the doors so Juicy couldn't get out, and putting her in her bed uncer the bedclothes!

Delivering eggs!

Willow rode her favourite pony Chocolate on Saturday

A fiesta fiesta tea party!

Carlota's Party

The pinata!

Willow's Caribbean Hideaway!

Willow and her friends...

Elise's 3rd Birthday Party - Princess theme

It's now the start of the 3 year old party season.  It was a beautiful day on Saturday and a lovely relaxed party (it helps when you have a large villa with big lawns and a swimming pool!)

Princess Tiara

Princess Willow and Princess Coco

Willow wore 4 tutus under her skirt to give it some oomph and her fairy wing Tshirt from Auntie Claerwen (it's a real favourite!)

The princesses all stripped down to their knickers for a cool down dip...

Games and facepainting were hosted by Tina (Animadora Creativa)

Up Close and Personal...

Last of the chicken pox... poor baby!

Willow's portrait of her mummy...

Self portrait with birds

Mummy and Daddy with flowers and trees

Don't know if you guys in Oz get the Pineapple Dance Studios show yet, but it is hilarious....  Here is Louie, creative director, and new national treasure.....  Claerwen, I thought you might appreciate his creative genius, as I do!

We went skiing in Sierra Nevada for 3 days, got back late Tuesday night.  Was hubby's birthday present to himself.  He has been dying to get up there but not had a chance until now, and fortunately there was enough snow to extend the season by a few weeks.  It was incredible weather....  clear blue sky, sunshine, hot, hot, hot....  a beach day down on the coast.  But we were skiing 3ooom above sea level.  Weird really.  Willow loved being in the snow, particularly eating it.  She had a turn on skis, on the chair lift and skiing down the mountain inbetween my legs.  She just wanted to go straight down.  As i started to meander down the slope she said mummy big one, which translates as go faster!

Cool cats... Bianca, Fulvia and me at Bianca's birthday party