My mom is flipping out... UPDATE - We're baaaaack!

[Dancemom03]

My mom is flipping out b/c I'm camping with the girls alone. Tonight she even threw in the "do you have to pitch a tent?" question...

"well... no mom... not really, I lay down the magical tent bag and wave my wand and viola... all ready!" I thought it was a semi-appropiate response to a moronic city-mom type of question but she was unimpressed.

I swear I thought I heard her mumble "I'll get you, my pretty... and your little dog too!" under her breath... HA!... Little does she know that DB offered to puppy-sit so she'll be far out of reach too...

So, now my stepdad is ticked too b/c, after all, not only am I driving alone with their granddaughters but I have to pitch my own tent and I'm not even bothered by sleeping in it.

They insist --
1) the world isn't a safe place and women don't camp unattended with their children b/c campgrounds are now full of low rent degenerate types who might rob us, harm a woman, or steal a child.
2) If the sickos don't get us, the bugs or gators will
3) I won't be able to set the tent up properly and will either give up or it'll collapse on us and kill us or something
4) Even if I do get said tent set up, I might hit DD8 in the head with the hammer while trying to drive the anchors into the sand causing massive head trauma.

Either way, it sounds like I'm doomed. I didn't dare mention the Golf Cart which probably doesn't come with seat belts or a campfire.
After all, I'm not stupid - despite the fact that DD19 answered "yes" once when I asked "do you think I'm stupid" during a disagreement in public.

We should take a moment to note here that my early camping experience was vast and varied. It wasn't with them though. As the child of a divorced dad with too much visitation who didn't know what to do to keep two active kids entertained, we camped at least three weekends a month until we were in college. Then, as a parent and scout leader, group camping trips became a great time to socialize and take on an independant adult camper's role.

Oaky, I admit it's been a few years, but DD8 is positively thrilled with the opportunity and I'm looking forward to it, even if DH isn't able/willing to camp anymore.

So... consider this a vent... or maybe a pre-trip report. In a weak moment, it could also be a question though... "do you think it's dangerous or inadvisable for a woman and child to camp alone at the fort these days?"

[liv luvs disney]

You are cracking me up! Vent away. I AM an over-protective parent and my parents are over-protective. Actually, I don't think they give a hoot about me now...it's the grandchildren they worry about!

Seriously, as a Mother, you should know that our children will always be "babies". You are still your Mama's baby-no matter what your age or experience is. You will be fine at FW. I have not been there yet, but have read tons of posts about the safety of the place. Obviously there are tragedies from time to time (monorail accident), but I would think that FW would be one of the (if not THE) safest places in the world to camp. First of all, there are security guards and secondly, how many "thugs" are gonna pay an arm and leg to "rob, harm, or steal."

Heck, you could always invite your parents to come along and pitch a tent beside you to keep you safe.

[ntsammy5]

For some reason I am LMAO. This is funny! Maybe you should tell her you're taking along the 12ga. Maybe that will reassure her.

[mouseketeer_mom]

oh please make this your pre-trip report.

I can't wait to read the next installment

[Shan-man]

I agree with Liv, Disney has to be the safest place to camp, but I couldn't disagree more about inviting them along... sounds like a recipe for ruination! I would however suggest that you pitch your tent at least once at home, you sure don't want to start your trip with frustration trying to figure out a new tent, especially if weather isn't ideal when you arrive! Then you could send a pic to the parents to show you know how to pitch a tent

[liv luvs disney]

Originally Posted by Shan-man

I agree with Liv, Disney has to be the safest place to camp, but I couldn't disagree more about inviting them along... sounds like a recipe for ruination!

I was being facetious about bringing the parents along.

[BigDaddyRog]

Funny stuff!!!!

[cjdj4]

We have the same parents! Maybe my parents have a secret second family?

LOL, I feel what you are dealing with and my only suggestion is to learn my mantra: "I am an adult and I don't have to answer to these people anymore. Besides, omission of information isn't lying"

Please make this a pre-trip report because you had me belly laughing.

[Dancemom03]

Originally Posted by cjdj4

We have the same parents! Maybe my parents have a secret second family?

LOL, I feel what you are dealing with and my only suggestion is to learn my mantra: "I am an adult and I don't have to answer to these people anymore. Besides, omission of information isn't lying

Well, if they do, I wish they'd come claim them! Maybe it would provide enough distraction for me to escape...

Originally Posted by Shan-man

I would however suggest that you pitch your tent at least once at home, you sure don't want to start your trip with frustration trying to figure out a new tent, especially if weather isn't ideal when you arrive! Then you could send a pic to the parents to show you know how to pitch a tent

Oh H**L NO! The last thing these people need to see is an actual picture of a tent. That'd probably put them right over the edge. They're not beyond going behind my back to call DH and implore him to talk some reason about whatever it is to make me see it their way. Thankfully, he rarely sees it their way either - and if he sees the caller id first he goes incognito and usually doesn't answer.

Think I'll pick up a new tent and set it up out back tomorrow just in case. It'll help fuel the excitement.
I'd planned to use DS31's tent in the garage but DD8 has been captivated by the camping supply aisle at walmart and informs me that we just have to buy this new tent b/c it looks more "girlie". She assures me that the tent in the garage is chock full of spiders and I wouldn't want to go near it...

The one she likes says it's already waterproofed but I've never NOT done some sort of waterproofing on a tent and I don't want to wake up in a swamp of wet clothes. What do you think? Are they good to go out of the box now - I mean without my magic wand, of course???

[Just Beachy]

Please, please, please make this your pre-trip report! You've got me laughing already!! I can't wait to hear more!

As far as the new tent goes, I would definitely still waterproof it. Better safe than sorry.

[Dancemom03]

Originally Posted by liv luvs disney

You are cracking me up! Vent away. I AM an over-protective parent and my parents are over-protective. Actually, I don't think they give a hoot about me now...it's the grandchildren they worry about!

You got it... The really annoying parents have no problem setting you straight about it too!

[RocklandRVers]

Here is my suggestion. Take as many photos or better yet videos of the whole experience. Get a shot of the front gate with the security guard and a few of the security patrol vehicles for good measure. Make sure to show the ones of the kids having fun. Teenagers have a way of being very excited during the trip but forget about the cool time they had and when asked about the trip will say, "it was ok" with all the enthusiasm of dental patient. LOL

Seriously show them why the Fort is the best campground in the universe and maybe they will lighten up on you in the future

[Dancemom03]

This really should be quite the trip. DDs and I leave Thursday. DH is flying and will meet us Friday night. As of now, we are still waiting on the results of the MRI on his brain last week (don't get me started, I've got a ton of positively hilarious comments, but I'm biting my tongue until we're sure there's nothing seriously wrong, then all bets are off... oh, you betcha!).

So... of course I have no clue where we are staying Thursday, Fri or Sat - but hey, I know we check into BC on Sunday, followed by FW the following Sunday. Until then, well... I perform best under pressure...

I won't be as funny as Rog or Gatordad... unless you're standing there watching us of course... then I'm sure I'll be a riot!... but a trip report it is. Sounds much better than a fifty year old whining about her mother anyway.

I'll update tonight after DH's doctor gets off his duff and finally returns our calls. We've been waiting for that call they promised since noon Friday. If I don't hear from them by 6 I'm telling DH to stop on his way home, pull into the lot and park his truck directly behind dr's vehicle, refusing to leave until they have a nice lil chit-chat. Hey, he's got insurance... we live in a small town... and I guess I can use the wdw money for bail if neccessary...

[dizneymomma]

FWIW, I've camped alone with my two kids (11 and 9), and so far we've lived to tell the tale. Granted, when night comes I do get a bit paranoid and sleep with my car keys close by to hit the car alarm should some baddie come a-knockin', but that hasn't happened (knock wood). And I wouldn't think twice about camping alone with the kids at the Fort. Have a great trip!

Kate

[Loves The Mouse]

Your Mom sounds like my mother. A worry wort and has to put her two cents in everything. I truly love my mom but some times it just gets to be to much!!! How many times I tell her I'm an adult and I can make decisions for my self and she is not doing it or paying for it. I tell her in a nice way it's none of your business !!! And another thing I am sick and tired that every time I want to go to Disney my mom and the rest of my family says " You are going back to Disney again !!! " "Why don't you vacation any where else " _Dee