Ever take one kid "home" and leave the other at home?

[Paula H]

I'm feeling so guilty, but very excited at the same time!!!

DD will be turning 7 at the end of May and we had a few points that were going to expire if we didn't use/rent, etc. I was able to get ressies on the points for 3 nights in a studio and super cheap SW air. (Kicking myself for not buying APs in December - which we seriously considered). My mom recently passed away after a long illness and DD has had a hard time dealing with the loss of her Gram - I'm thinking a little mommy/daughter time away would do us both a world of good.

Anyway, I'm planning to take only DD and leave DH, and DS (4) home. The kids don't know at all since it's a surprise, and DH says he's o.k. with it, but has had to take time off from work to be home with DS. I've reluctantly said the boys could come along - but I don't want them to - and I've pretty much made that clear. As of right now, they're not!

Anyone else ever gone "home" with one kid and left the others home? DS is going to have an absolute fit when he figures out what's going on. We have no plans to reveal the surprise - I can get DD to the airport without her figuring it out, but after that she'll know. But DH is going to have his hands full after DD and I leave for "home."

 

[Anniegirl]

I have 3 little boys: 1,3 and 6 years old. Back in January DH and I took a long weekend trip with just the youngest, leaving the older 2 home with grandparents. The 6 year old was OK with this because he knows his solo trip is coming. My 3 year old was clueless. Well, Sean's trip starts on Monday. He opted to be surprised and DH and I are relishing this. We will bring the 3 year old next January for his solo trip. The entire family including inlaws are going in August. We love the one on one time with the boys during their solo trips and are grateful to have this opportunity with them. We love our DVC! Just plan a small getaway with your 4 year old alone and he will forgive you

 

[Angiepea]

I am taking my dd (13) for a mum and daughter trip in Feb, we are doing Disneyland paris, my ds although 16 is wondering when our trip will be.....hes just got a apprentership as a joiner so me thinks he will be taking me
angie

 

[Sherri]

I think a mother daughter get away is great. The boys can have fun on their own. Its not like you are leaving your son with a babysitter. Go off and enjoy yourself.

 

[momtosydneyntodd]

When I was seven, my mother took me to Paris. I remember every minute of the trip! This trip is something your DD will never forget. Moms and daughters need to have that time together. Plan something special for the others, in time. Go-you won't regret it.

 

[sssteele]

We're taking our 8 year old GD in June for 4 nights at BWV, and 5 nights at BCV. Her brother, 13, went with cousin a month ago, and we really wanted her not to have to wait another year. The trip will be very different, as we've done many trips as "adults only", but we're really looking forward to it.

 

[SueBill]

We have several grandchildren and alternate them on our trips.I know that is a little different than your situation but it works well for us. Each grandchild gets their own "special" time and I get an excuse to keep going back !!!
I think your daughter will love her special time alone with mom. Have a great trip.

 

[mamatojon]

My first thought was "no way, I couldn't leave anyone at home!" but then I thought about it and realized my reason is because WDW is so FAR FAR FAR away for us that going without someone would mean them skipping a trip. If I were in the position to go more often or if I lived closer and could get there in two or three hours without a time change I'd probably go more and could totally see doing a mom/daughter trip. She will remember it forever, I still remember my trip to the beach with my mom when I was ten. The "boys" will be fine, bring them back something nice, maybe plan a trip for you and your son (or dad and son) sometime in the future so he doesn't feel too left out. Have fun!

 

[jmurphy625]

I have 3 sons as well. I took my middle son when he was four (almost five). I hadn't been in over 6 years and knew we wouldn't be able to go on a big trip for few more years. I always like to do special things with each of them... It was our "middle child" trip. We're both the middle of three and I always thought it stunk to be in the middle.

We surprised him as well. We're going in June with just the two youngest this year, since the oldest is in college. Have Fun

 

[lsutigger2]

I think it sounds like fun! Help Dad plan some fun things to do at home with the four year old - sleep in sleeping bags in the living room, eating ice cream for supper, going to attractions at home that sometimes get over looked, go to a baseball game and eat popcorn, etc etc etc Your DS will probably not miss you at all!

Enjoy your girls only trip!

 

[KKCannon]

I've done it twice with my DD. When she was 13 we went for Super Soap Weekend - explained to DS who was 10 that we'd be doing a lot of soap stuff and he really didn't want to come. My sister and her DD came and it was so much fun. Then a few months ago during a college search, DD and I went to an Accepted Students Day at University of Miami and of course, we had to tack on an extra 3 days to stay at Boardwalk. DH couldn't come and DS was in a paintball tournament that weekend so it worked out well. DD & I have another girls only trip for end of May - probably our last before she heads off to college in the fall - in upstate NY, not Miami. I figure DS will get a lot of extra trips while she's at college the next four years. Go and enjoy your girls only time - she will remember it.

 

[Paula H]

Thanks so much for all of your ideas - I loved LSTigger's ideas for the boys. I'm excited and definitely hope its a trip that she remembers for the rest of her life. I'm so looking forward to just enjoying time with her and not having to deal with the constant arguing of two tired little kids - what ride to go on next, where to eat, etc. It will be good for both of us. DH is actually excited, too, to have the little one to himself. DS is an absolute joy day in and day out, but like me with DD, DH doesn't get very much time that's just him at DS. I'm planning some surprises for when we get there, too: Bippidi Boppidi Boutique ressies for one morning and Chef Mickey's for her b.day another.