there was a time when holidays were best described as a change in venue, rather than a vacation.

vacations bring to mind that fantastic 90's (and you thought i was going to say 80's…how predictable do you think i am?) commercial – I need a vacation, I need to get away –

and really, Charles and I werent getting away, when we went on vacation from 2004-2009 we were bringing our baggage (and all their baggage) with us. Except the annual trips to Canada, I don't even think we attempted "vacations" while the triumverate were in nappies.

Phuket and Kota Kinabalu were great, but we were the entertainment. We and our large bags of hats, drinks, change of clothes incase someone vomits, toys, sunblock, mossie spray, bla bla bla. and once we had clunked our way to whichever kiddie pool we were spending the day at, there were the endless trips to the bathrooms, and then the requests to come into the pool, go to the playground, come exploring.

meals were an opportunity to get to know the take out menu. for years, i have judged resorts by their club sandwich. the kids needed to be asleep by 7.30 if they were going to be tolerable the next morning and the one time we did rent a sitter we found them asleep in the same bed as the kids, so we didn't go that route again!

so, here we are in 2011. with a nine year old and some seven year olds. and my goodness the difference it makes.

we had a vacation. in bali.

i read at least five books. found a new author i really like.

sebastian made a friend and would disappear for two or three hours at a time, jasper trailing after them. the girls were very happy in their world and played away in the water.  every day i could take a run into nusa dua, make us dinner reservations and explore the area a little more. it was great to slap on the sneaks without feeling guilty. at night, after dinner, charles would get a massage, not feeling that he was leaving me with the impossible task of getting four children into bed. because it wasn't difficult.

it was a great holiday. volcanoes, frugality, perspective x 2…lots of posts coming.