[mcoops]

Just sitting on my ass by the pool contemplating the two holidays we've had at either end of the summer.

Our first was to the Paradisus in Playa Del Carmen in Mexico. Second one is at the TUI Sensatori in Crete. Objectively, the first was in different league. TUI might describe Sensatori as five star, but it really isn't.

Yet...with 9 and 7 year old boys, it's striking how much the holiday depends on whether they are having a good time. They absolutely love the kids club here, whereas we could hardly get them to go in Mexico. And the evening entertainment has been excellent in Crete, which meant the kids were happy and not falling asleep or whining to leave. Result - me and Mrs mCoops are arguably more relaxed and have had more time as a couple. You end up remembering why you liked your other half enough to marry them in the first place :-)

[ajfoggy]

Sounds good!! Holiday is hard work for us at the moment two boys 2 and 6, both pissing each other off and really need to be doing different things. Which means we end up spending the holidays as two pairs.

Dont want to wish it away but I can't waiting to go on a nice holiday when they are a few years older.

[Kal101]

Gets better when the kids are older and you can spend time away from them. Although they do still share our main summer holiday with us ,at our expense of course.

Mrs Kal027 and I had our first holidays alone this year. Stayed in the country mind - just in case. Did feel strange

[Kal101]

Originally Posted by Lobb

Indeed. Me and Mrs Kal027 have had a few nights away together too

I know -I was there as well if you recall

[JLR1969]

After reading this and spending the day with my 6 year old nephew it makes me glad I don't have kids and I enjoy spending my time with my wife.

I know kids are great when you have them (apparently) but for me I love spending all my time doing what I want.

[TouringPleb]

Originally Posted by JLR1969

After reading this and spending the day with my 6 year old nephew it makes me glad I don't have kids and I enjoy spending my time with my wife.

I know kids are great when you have them (apparently) but for me I love spending all my time doing what I want.

Exactly. Gone on holiday when and where I want (as long as I can get the annual leave application approved which is normally the biggest challenge!)

Nieces and nephews are nice because you can always hand them back.

[JustChris]

I'm coming out the other side 10 and 12 now our nippers but yes teenage daughter.

It's not great fun.

[mcoops]

I'm pretty happy to have the kids with us as long as we get some time without them every day. They'll be grown up soon enough and I suspect we'll miss them. I'm quite happy being a loon with them for an hour or two at the pool every day.

As much as anything, my original point was that the most expensive / luxurious option isn't automatically the most relaxing if it doesn't work for the kids. Definitely made us think harder about where our main holiday will be next year.

[Kal101]

Originally Posted by Lobb

Wow! That's an excellent pair of false breasts you have

Why Thank you kind sir !!