Back to reality: Home from holiday and wondering where the rest went...

We’re home!! The bags are half unpacked, the washing machine is groaning under the weight of sandy swimwear, and the fridge has that sad emptiness that only comes after a week of glorious all-inclusive indulgence. Our Bulgarian adventure has come to an end.

Sunny Beach lived up to its name (well, most days!), and while I genuinely loved the break from work and the usual routine, I won’t pretend it was relaxing. Trying to keep two energised kids constantly entertained in 30-degree heat is no small feat. I feel like I’ve aged at least three years and sweated off at least one of them. Mrs Welshstacker and I have agreed—we need another holiday now just to recover from this one.

That said, the kids had an absolute blast. From pool games to the nightly mini disco, late-night shows, too many slushies, and more pool time again, they lived their best lives every single day. Now we’re home, they’re already asking when we can go back—if they had it their way, we’d be packing again tomorrow. If my bank account and my dwindling reserves of patience could speak, they’d be screaming “next year... maybe.”

Don’t get me wrong—it was a brilliant trip. Seeing the excitement on the boys’ faces, dancing under the stars, swimming until their hands were pruned, and watching them eat more ice cream than any human reasonably should—those are the memories I’ll hold onto. It’s just that, as any parent knows, a family holiday is rarely a break for the grown-ups. It’s a full-time job, just in a sunnier location.

So now it's back to grey skies, email notifications, and laundry. But we brought back a suitcase full of memories (and possibly a few shells), some very happy children, and a deeper appreciation for our own beds.

Until next time, Bulgaria. But maybe next time... we bring the grandparents too.