MALAYSIA IN DECEMBER

Best bits: KL STREET FOOD: We were only in KL for 3 nights but loved eating at the Jalan Alor street market with its colourful plastic chairs and amazing choice of Thai, Chinese and Malay street restaurants. We had foot massages on the way home, which Cal loved (and could sit still for, surprisingly!)

PENANG HOTEL. We stayed on the beach in Batu Ferringhi at the Park Royal, which was pretty much perfect for kids and adults alike. There were two beautiful pools, a gorgeous garden with hammocks and bean bags, a restaurant at the edge of the beach, and perfectly comfortable rooms. The resort is neither too big, or small, and is steps away from the night market. We had such a great time here, we're already planning our return trip.

LANGKAWI CATS & CHILL. Our last few days in Langkawi were spent at the Bon Ton resort which is a cluster of beautiful old Malay bungalows in a Palm grove. The tiny resort is full of cats, which the kids loved, and was a quiet place to do nothing (and recover from a few tummy bugs) before we flew home.

TURNING 40, AND 1! Stella and I celebrated our birthdays exactly how I dreamed we might: quietly, on a hot evening beneath palm trees with chocolate cake and a cold beer.

Worst bits:

Jet lagged baby. 

Window-less horror-ferry from Penang to Langkawi. Do NOT FERRY. FLY, PEOPLE.

... and that's it! Otherwise Malaysia was a pretty magical holiday and a great chance for the kids to enjoy Mum, Simon and Alex, which they did in spades.