A mixed bag, but on the whole good, there have been some experiences I could have happily foregone, but then that would apply to whatever the sex of one's offspring in certain instances. Quite a small upside, my sons never criticised my appearance on the contrary were always flattering, I have known mothers of girls who say that daughters have been quite harsh in that respect but I wouldn't want to generalise. I think I had my sons (late 20s and early 30s) at a time when here in the west the tide had turned against boys being the favoured sex and it seriously pissed me off at times when some people had the temerity to suggest that somehow having only sons must be a disappointment. Also, and my sons agree with me on this, education here in the UK is not always geared up for boys, possibly the way it precluded girls once and still does in some cultures. Both my sons bemoaned the serious lack of male teachers during their school years and both have said there was a bias towards the girls by some of the female teachers, who frankly made it plain that they didn't enjoy teaching boys. Of course, I would stress they had some excellent female teachers during their school years. However, I think boys benefit from male teachers during adolescence and teens, but unfortunately, as we know,there is a shortage of male teachers.
I don't worry too much about the mother in law aspect, I get on with both my sons current and hopefully long term partners, especially in the case of one of them as they've bought a hosue together. Cardinal rule should be don't interfere and keep opinions to yourself. Biscuitlover continue to enjoy your boys 2 and 4 are lovely ages and I'm sure they will turn out to be very loving sons.