Arubalisa - bite your tongue!

The first year we went back in 2003, it was the first time in about 7 years that we left the kids for an entire week. They were 11 and 8 at that time. Around mid-week I became very weepy and missed them terribly...but then I got over it! The following year we only booked for 6 nights. That was a mistake, because I was getting into the groove and it was time to go home. The last 2 years we've gone 7 nights, and with the kids now 15 and 12, being fairly self-sufficient I don't feel so bad leaving them, even though my mother thoroughly enjoys the week with them and always looks forward to it. I would be more apt to stay 10 days, but won't until they are older.

The first part of the week seems to just flow nice and slowly...and then by Thursday/Friday, it flies. I would love to stay 2 weeks - much later in the future when the kids are young adults, but for now, 7 nights will have to do.