Better for it

Keith and I got away for a week over the half-term holidays - we went to Italy without the children. The boys stayed in London with Tina, enjoyed children's activities, went to a football camp, ate at MacDonalds (we never go) and had a blast.
People's responses to the news that we were going to be away for more than a few nights were really revealing. Some were completely aghast at the idea, others said, "Next time, go for 2 weeks".
On our return, the kids punished us for abandoning them - their behaviour was filled with anger and frustration, but we're in a normal routine again, and they both seem happy and secure.
I'm a better parent for a bit of space and change of scenery. It had enormous benefits, and I'll consider it again for next year - tho' next year we'll probably take the kids with us AND a grandparent if we can cajole one of them to the UK (sigh).

Future Holidays

Note to self for future holidays :

Do...
-take a nanny/ au pair with you, so that you can have a lie-in every morning you're away
-go somewhere that the children can play outside (eg. seaside, resort with pool, etc)
-go for self catering where possible - it means you can do mealtimes which approximate normality
-go somewhere you're guaranteed of sunshine
-plan ahead and book as far in advance as seems rational

Do NOT...
-go away for one week here and then another week there. Do two weeks in one place - it's more relaxing, it's less travel, it's less hassle, it's less worry, it's less schlepp - I think I've made my point
-choose to sleep in the rubbish bed even if it's the double. The comfortable single bed wins every time - kids can be moved