I can't believe it.....help!

[tinkerpea]

Ok so I can not believe I'm even having to write this but here goes

Hubby came home this wk end from being away and told me that he can not fly out with us on June 17th as his work has majorly screwed up the course dates and have not counted bank holidays when sorting the course length!

He can now only fly out from the 20th,or with hopefully special permission the 19th.
As this is major forces training of 4 months he can not be released as he sits exams that wk.

I'm beyond upset right now as we already moved our holiday once from may to June due to.this course! " we got posted and so we had no choice" we lost our 1st cruise and our twins lost out on.being there for their 9th bday....

My mum who is 81 and uses an Ecv is also coming however we just got news this wk that she has to see a specialist as a ulcer has appeared on her leg but they now think it's aggressive skin cancer. She is having a biopsy Monday,and depending on the results is whether she can come too.

So I need help,
I could fly out on my own with the 3kids aged 9,9,11 we stay at Universal Rpr for the 1st wk already have brought tickets for universal wet.wild and legoland,

Then dh will fly out on the 19th " if we can get a flight"

I'm worried about how I will manage 3 tired kids the other end plus 4 cases!
Then 3 days alone in the Us

Or we cancel, which the kids would be gutted and due to deployments and courses we can't go again till next yr

The forces will pay a.percentage of losses but it's a he'll of a fight!

I'm just sick of this happening again! We had to move a trip to disney 2years ago due to forces screw ups! And lost money, we're already £1200 down moving it from may till June,

What would you do? Anybody travelled with more then one child alone?

 

[2Tiggies]

I can't help with advice on more than one child alone. However if your concern is the bags, the US is so much easier than the UK. You will get sky carts there and you can also tip someone to help with the bags. From age 7 I've had DD help with the bags. She is more than capable of pushing a cart and it just meant moving a bit slower. You would benefit from the second bag drop at MCO once you clear immigration and customs and you'd just take your hand luggage on the monorail to the other terminal and then wait for your bags there or you could give the luggage tags to the DME staff when you check in if you are taking Magical Express and they will send the bags to your resort. Between you and three children, you should have no trouble with the luggage. If you had little ones in strollers that would be another story entirely, but with older kids, you can get them to help.

Traveling alone with more bags than people to carry them all comes down to packing cleverly. A backpack works well because it leaves hands free and packing a suitcase inside a suitcase on the outbound is fairly easy too and we always do this. I pull the two large cases (with a third medium sized in between) and DD pulls the two cabin bags.

I'd just go and let DH follow when he can come rather than scrap the trip and go through the headache of claims and disappointment to the kids.

ETA: Where are you flying from?

 

[Holstar]

Though for the last couple of years I've have my SO to help with my nieces, I've been taking them on a long summer holiday at least once a year, minus their parents, for quite a few years!

I have three girls, quite a bit older than yours (they're 15, 12 and 10), but I've been taking the girls away since the youngest was 3 - completely by myself. Going on solo holidays with a 3 year old, a 5 year old and 8 year old was certainly a learning curve for me... but we survived and it couldn't have been that bad as I've been doing it every year since!

For the last few years, since Chlo was 8 at the very least, the girls have been responsible for their own bags. Suitcases, even a large suitcase, aren't as heavy as you think, especially if you have cases with four wheels that you can sorta just push alongside you. I just need to help them if we're on an escalator or going up a step. Once you get to the airport, you'll be able to load most, if not all, bags onto a trolley - the one you may have left over, an 11 year old can pull/push for the few minutes to the gate.

I know it's daunting, especially considering it's such a long flight, but you know and can handle your kids better than anyone, and it's not for a prolonged period of time. I really do believe you'd be fine

 

[pickers1982]

Quite often the thought of things is much worse than the reality.

 

[irenep]

Try not to worry too much - I am sure you will manage fine on your own for a few days especially as you will be on site at UO to start. You can always get a skycap to help with the luggage at the airport but your kids are old enough to take care of their own bags.

I have been taking my 3 on my own after their dad died 10 years ago - and the youngest was 5 the first time we went alone. We always managed just fine and always had a great time. Florida is about the easiest holiday you can do as a lone parent (IMO) and the only 'problem' I ever had was missing out on thrill rides waiting with my 5 yo - but he soon grew out of that. With your kids being older, that shouldn't affect you.

So don't worry - just go without him - you'll be fine

ps - hope your mum gets the all-clear

 

[Elise79]

Are you going to actually want to go if your mum is under going cancer treatment?

As for travelling on your own - get the kids to be responsible for their own bags. Use a trolley for the cases this end and porter at the other end at the airport. One you arrive at the hotel bell services will help.

You must take them out here on your own so why would you have a problem there?

Personally, I would move the holiday until you could all go.

 

[ellataylor]

I feel so bad for you, what an awful thing to happen and you must be so worried about your mum too.

From my experience as mother of 4, it would depend on how responsible your kids can be. Some 11 year olds will still run off,get themselves lost,have tantrums etc, some 11 year olds can be incredibly sensible and enjoy the responsibility of having to be mums grown up helper when you are out as a lone parent. Of course all children can turn into the child from hell when tired but personally i think you should make your judement based on how manageable they are when you take them out over here on your own.

good luck with it all.

 

[flortlebap]

I have four kids and when I have to, I manage alone. You CAN do it, and it's only three days!

Your kids are old enough to be able to help at the airport. Your ten year old should be able to manage one case, and you can take the other two. Otherwise, just put them all on a trolley! Honestly, that part is fine. If they were younger it would be difficult, but they're old enough to be sensible (my kids are 10, 8 and 7 y/o twins).

I would go and meet up with your DH after a couple of days. You save money that way and he should get a flight just fine!

Plus... You've been before. You know the place inside out so it's not daunting once you get there. And people are really helpful there. I know it's a scary thought, but I honestly think you will cope just fine.

 

[tinkerpea]

I can't help with advice on more than one child alone. However if your concern is the bags, the US is so much easier than the UK. You will get sky carts there and you can also tip someone to help with the bags. From age 7 I've had DD help with the bags. She is more than capable of pushing a cart and it just meant moving a bit slower. You would benefit from the second bag drop at MCO once you clear immigration and customs and you'd just take your hand luggage on the monorail to the other terminal and then wait for your bags there or you could give the luggage tags to the DME staff when you check in if you are taking Magical Express and they will send the bags to your resort. Between you and three children, you should have no trouble with the luggage. If you had little ones in strollers that would be another story entirely, but with older kids, you can get them to help.

Traveling alone with more bags than people to carry them all comes down to packing cleverly. A backpack works well because it leaves hands free and packing a suitcase inside a suitcase on the outbound is fairly easy too and we always do this. I pull the two large cases (with a third medium sized in between) and DD pulls the two cabin bags.

I'd just go and let DH follow when he can come rather than scrap the trip and go through the headache of claims and disappointment to the kids.

ETA: Where are you flying from?

Hi we are flying from Gatwick it's around 2 hour drive,
I think I would take my case there case and then a empty case with one inside as all the boys stuff would fit in one bag,
I normally am terrible for packing way too much! Hubby could barely pick mine up last trip,so at least I'd have to take less if I'm on my own!

I'm in the mind of going but if I have to deal with my mum on an.Ecv too that's going to be hard work!

 

[tinkerpea]

Are you going to actually want to go if your mum is under going cancer treatment?

As for travelling on your own - get the kids to be responsible for their own bags. Use a trolley for the cases this end and porter at the other end at the airport. One you arrive at the hotel bell services will help.

You must take them out here on your own so why would you have a problem there?

Personally, I would move the holiday until you could all go.

Of course I take the kids out on my own here, that's not my concern since I'm the only one with my children all the time right now for 4 months,
However my oldest has aspergers and when tired is incredibly difficult to handle.. So being at an airport with 3 tired kids is a bit daunting I would have thought to anyone who has not done it before.

As for my mum I live nowhere nr her she is in Cornwall I'm in Cambridge! So even if I was home I would not there with her,however my brother and his wife live next door.

 

[2Tiggies]

Hi we are flying from Gatwick it's around 2 hour drive,

I asked as you mentioned in your first post that your DH needs to get a different flight and you hinted at concern about one being available. It may be in your favor that none of the UK schools are closed then yet. There is still a lot of availability in economy on the BA flights on 19 and 20 June. Of course that could change but it's not likely to be as difficult as it will be a week or two later when the Scottish schools are off and summer season officially begins. I think he will be okay. Gatwick is also a pleasant airport to navigate so it could be worse.

 

[Elise79]

Of course I take the kids out on my own here, that's not my concern since I'm the only one with my children all the time right now for 4 months,
However my oldest has aspergers and when tired is incredibly difficult to handle.. So being at an airport with 3 tired kids is a bit daunting I would have thought to anyone who has not done it before.

As for my mum I live nowhere nr her she is in Cornwall I'm in Cambridge! So even if I was home I would not there with her,however my brother and his wife live next door.

If you used to having the kids on your own I don't see the issue?

Our December trip was nearly me & my DD who is 5 on our own as DHs nan had terminal cancer but she didn't want us to cancel. I had no second thoughts about it as it is some where so familiar.

 

[wilma-bride]

Where is he away to at the moment? When is his course due to start? Can somebody else not cover it for the last couple of days, surely he is not the only instructor there

Personally, I wouldn't do it. I just went to WDW with my DD last month but I was incredibly nervous, even though I've been going for years and my DD is 21. It still felt weird not having my DH there. I don't think I would have relished the idea with 3 young children. But only you know how your kids and you will cope. We can all give you advice but, in the end, you have to do what feels best for you and your family regardless of what anyone else says.

 

[fairytale]

Firstly I'm sorry to hear about your situation, we so look forward to our holidays away and cant begin to imagine how disappointed you are with all that's happening right now.

I am a Mum of 4 children, DS12, DS11, DS9 and DD8, yep had them all within 4 years of each other some how. In my opinion, and experience, if you managed when they were under 5 on your own, you will be fine now they are older. I understand that your eldest needs extra care but seriously you couldn't be going to a better place to help give you that little more assistance if needed.

I would happily now go away with all of mine without a second thought if needed

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do

Annette

 

[foxxxy83]

I can't offer advice on travelling with more than one child but I agree, for what it's worth, with previous posters who've advised you to let your children look after their own bags. Only you know if you would be happy on hol for any amount of time without you DH. OK, so it's not the hol you were dreaming of... so change the dream?? Rather than see it as "oh no, can I cope with the kids alone in a foreign country??" Why not see it as "Great! A new adventure for me and the kids to spend some quality time together before DH comes out to join us!" It's easy for us all to say all these things though and it can't be an easy decision... I just wouldn't like you to miss out if there was any chance if you making it happen for you is all. REALLY hope everything works out for you no matter what you decide though!! x

 

[tinkerpea]

Where is he away to at the moment? When is his course due to start? Can somebody else not cover it for the last couple of days, surely he is not the only instructor there

Personally, I wouldn't do it. I just went to WDW with my DD last month but I was incredibly nervous, even though I've been going for years and my DD is 21. It still felt weird not having my DH there. I don't think I would have relished the idea with 3 young children. But only you know how your kids and you will cope. We can all give you advice but, in the end, you have to do what feels best for you and your family regardless of what anyone else says.

Hi,
Unfortunately my hubby has changed jobs with his posting, he is by trade an intelligence analyst but has been an instructor for the last 4 years,however you don't stay an instructor and now that we are at Wyton he has gone into operations again which means he is on deployment training and has no say in whether he can leave the training early.

It does worry me a little being in a foreign country alone, and that's coming from.somebody who's dad is American and lives in the Us, however my main concern was struggling at the airport with cases with 3 children 2 who may be 9 but only that month and are quite little.

I'm grateful for the advice

 

[tinkerpea]

If you used to having the kids on your own I don't see the issue?

Our December trip was nearly me & my DD who is 5 on our own as DHs nan had terminal cancer but she didn't want us to cancel. I had no second thoughts about it as it is some where so familiar.

I'd happily take one child and have done a few times before I had my twins,
The issue was I was concerned about the airport!! Little different to taking them to a park or zoo for a few hours!

Plus I wanted thoughts on what others would do in this situation!! And if anyone else had advice or tips on what to do to make it easier..

 

[tinkerpea]

Firstly I'm sorry to hear about your situation, we so look forward to our holidays away and cant begin to imagine how disappointed you are with all that's happening right now.

I am a Mum of 4 children, DS12, DS11, DS9 and DD8, yep had them all within 4 years of each other some how. In my opinion, and experience, if you managed when they were under 5 on your own, you will be fine now they are older. I understand that your eldest needs extra care but seriously you couldn't be going to a better place to help give you that little more assistance if needed.

I would happily now go away with all of mine without a second thought if needed

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do

Annette

Thank you

 

[2Tiggies]

What does your husband feel about it? Has he passed it over to you to decide or is he leaning one way or the other?

It's a tough one

 

[crabbie1]

Cindy You have to think of yourself as well. You have not been well and all this added stress will not do you any good. As people have said it is possible and I am sure your boys will do their best to help you. Your moms leg even if cancer (worst scenario) once diagnosed should not prevent her from going. A carcinoma can be treated and usually very successfully . Its a shane to have to cancel ur trip especially as ur hubby will be there 3 days later. With one child yes it is easier but factoring in the Aspergers its hard.
It depends how u are with flying etc. i personally could not fly on my own with DD as a nervous wreck when flying but lots do. It would be a shame to cancel the whole holiday but you have to do whats best for you. U will get through immigration quicker because of ur mom but also phone the virgin special assistance line and express ur concerns. Good luck sorting it out. X