Marrieds choosing not to have kids

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Yeah!

I booked a Mexico vacation last night for DH and I through Apple!

A week of doing nothing but lying on the beach, swimming, snorkling, eating and drinking!

We have been waiting for a good deal- but as the weather gets colder- the prices keep going up! I told DH we better hurry or we will must the bus!

We are staying at the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya 2/2 thru 2/9 before I booked anything I was checking Trip Advisor, I always do when booking anything- geez, those people are harsh- but I am one of those who go right to the negative reviews. An dif there are too many, forget it no matter how nice the place looks.

When I checked TA for this place- the possitive FAR outweighed the negative so that is why I picked it. We stayed at the Grand Oasis and the RIU in Cancun and the RIU Palace in Playa before and loved all of them- but we just wanted to try someplace different.

The only thing that I am not real happy about is- the hotel is ULTRA-ULTRA modern- I am not a modern kinda gal- but if that is my only dislike- I am happy!

That hotel looks great (I think anything with palm trees is a good place to be).

Has anyone been to the Hyatt in Aruba since it was refurbished?

 

[TKDisneylover]

Yeah!

I booked a Mexico vacation last night for DH and I through Apple!

A week of doing nothing but lying on the beach, swimming, snorkling, eating and drinking!

We have been waiting for a good deal- but as the weather gets colder- the prices keep going up! I told DH we better hurry or we will must the bus!

We are staying at the Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya 2/2 thru 2/9 before I booked anything I was checking Trip Advisor, I always do when booking anything- geez, those people are harsh- but I am one of those who go right to the negative reviews. An dif there are too many, forget it no matter how nice the place looks.

When I checked TA for this place- the possitive FAR outweighed the negative so that is why I picked it. We stayed at the Grand Oasis and the RIU in Cancun and the RIU Palace in Playa before and loved all of them- but we just wanted to try someplace different.

The only thing that I am not real happy about is- the hotel is ULTRA-ULTRA modern- I am not a modern kinda gal- but if that is my only dislike- I am happy!

Hey have a great time!!! And how nice you can start packing your bags already. I do the same as you and hit TA to check the place out. Havn't done a resort in a long time. We went to Mexico in June '07 and stayed in a small boutique hotel right off 5th Av in Playa del Carmen. It's a much different atmosphere from the all-inclusive. Had a great time and would go back in a heartbeat but since we just got back from an expensive WDW trip it will have to wait.

I can just see myself sitting on the beach now.......check it out!
http://www.playa.info/webcam-playa-palms.html

 

[MapleGirl]

Mad - I am super jealous. I've been wanting to go to an All-Inclusive with DH for years. Maybe I'll plan that instead of our next WDW trip..... We'll see.

Hey Chris, who is Montreal playing? Have a great trip!!!

 

[Hixski]

I just popped over to the Families board to see if they had a thread about V&A's. The one they have is only 3 pages and believe it or not they are mostly for it. Sounds like the parents on the Family board are more reasonable then the ones responding on the other boards. Or at least the ones responding.

 

[ChisJo]

Mad - I am super jealous. I've been wanting to go to an All-Inclusive with DH for years. Maybe I'll plan that instead of our next WDW trip..... We'll see.

Hey Chris, who is Montreal playing? Have a great trip!!!

Game #1 is against Buffallo, and game #2 is against Toronto (this is the game he really wants to see!). BF is very excited...I am too in a way. I really like Montreal!

 

[maddhatir]

Hey have a great time!!! And how nice you can start packing your bags already. I do the same as you and hit TA to check the place out. Havn't done a resort in a long time. We went to Mexico in June '07 and stayed in a small boutique hotel right off 5th Av in Playa del Carmen. It's a much different atmosphere from the all-inclusive. Had a great time and would go back in a heartbeat but since we just got back from an expensive WDW trip it will have to wait.

I can just see myself sitting on the beach now.......check it out!
http://www.playa.info/webcam-playa-palms.html

Tammy- I saw a few of the boutique hotels when I was searching for a place to stay- some of them are ADORABLE! They remind me of B&Bs- DH and I like B&Bs when traveling to places like, Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Savannah, Charleston-

However- he likes the all-inclusives in Merico- we are piggies and like the endless food and drink

I am crossing my fingers that since this is a 5*- they have free flowing champagne! I love champagne!

We stayed at the RIU Cancun one year and they did not offer it- however, we were upgraded to the RIU Palace in Playa del Carmen and they had champagne for me all the time!

 

[maddhatir]

Have fun Madd! We just booked a trip to Montreal (we live on the opposite side of Canada) so my DBF can go see his favorite hockey team play their final 2 games of the regular season - won't even tell you what we paid for the tickets! But, he is really excited! And that makes me happy! I love that city too....It is gorgeous!

Sounds fun! So when is the trip?

I would love to go and see the Flyers when we go to Florida- but it never pans out.

When I watch the Flyer's games and they are out of town- I just cannot believe the amount of fans that travel all over to see them! I mean- ALL over! Sometimes I have to stop and think if we are playing home b/c of the loud cheers going on when we score- no- we are away!

 

[TKDisneylover]

Tammy- I saw a few of the boutique hotels when I was searching for a place to stay- some of them are ADORABLE! They remind me of B&Bs- DH and I like B&Bs when traveling to places like, Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Savannah, Charleston-

However- he likes the all-inclusives in Merico- we are piggies and like the endless food and drink

I am crossing my fingers that since this is a 5*- they have free flowing champagne! I love champagne!

This is the one we stayed at:Playa-Maya

They included breakfast every morning but that was it, but we only paid $99 a night and one night free for a 7-night stay (we stayed 8). I know what you mean about the all-inclusive though, we stayed at a Sandal's in Jamaica and really enjoyed all the unlimited food and beverage.

Good luck with the champagne! I'm a champagne lovin' woman too, especially as a Mimosa. I LOVE drinking Mimosa's in the morning for breakfast, and of course those are the day I don't make it out of my pj's.

 

[maddhatir]

This is the one we stayed at:Playa-Maya

They included breakfast every morning but that was it, but we only paid $99 a night and one night free for a 7-night stay (we stayed 8). I know what you mean about the all-inclusive though, we stayed at a Sandal's in Jamaica and really enjoyed all the unlimited food and beverage.

Good luck with the champagne! I'm a champagne lovin' woman too, especially as a Mimosa. I LOVE drinking Mimosa's in the morning for breakfast, and of course those are the day I don't make it out of my pj's.

Tammy, the hotel looks beautiful!

Actually I think DH would not mind staying in a hotel like that- b/c he likes to get the "feel" of a place! And what is good with that- you can go and try the local cuisine- not just your "buffet" and so called "mexican" cuisine that they serve at the big hotels.

I am going to tell him about it tonight- not that we will be changing our plans- but I think he would like something like that next time! It also seems so romantic!

About the champagne- we have a restaurant the next town over called Swanky Bubbles! I am DYING to go there and try the champagne bar! I know they have another location in the city- Philadelphia, and now we have one 10 minutes form our house- I have to go!

 

[TKDisneylover]

Tammy, the hotel looks beautiful!

Actually I think DH would not mind staying in a hotel like that- b/c he likes to get the "feel" of a place! And what is good with that- you can go and try the local cuisine- not just your "buffet" and so called "mexican" cuisine that they serve at the big hotels.

I am going to tell him about it tonight- not that we will be changing our plans- but I think he would like something like that next time! It also seems so romantic!

About the champagne- we have a restaurant the next town over called Swanky Bubbles! I am DYING to go there and try the champagne bar! I know they have another location in the city- Philadelphia, and now we have one 10 minutes form our house- I have to go!

It is a romantic place to go and you do get to eat the real Mexican food not the tex-mex stuff the all-inclusives "think" we want. We're hoping to go back next year sometime. Another thing too is that the hotel gave us each large bottles of bottled water to fill whenever they emptied, but I did use the tap water to brush my teeth with absolutely no problems. Same with the food in town too, never once did I have any problems!

A CHAMPAGNE BAR!!! I'm jealous! We have a few martini bars in the area but not champagne. I believe there is one in Milwaukee (30 min. from our home), but DH hates driving in there to party. And Swanky Bubbles, sounds like a hooker's name.

 

[ChisJo]

Sounds fun! So when is the trip?

We leave April 1 and are coming back April 6. We are also going to Puerto Rico for a "conference" in May for 5 days, but we extended our stay to 7 days. The conference for BF is really just a bunch of working guys getting together to declare they are the kings of the world and then challenging each other to see how much scotch they can drink before they pass out. I truly don't like the conferences, but I already told him I'm not sticking around to watch them drink....I have plans to do some tours around the island with some of the other wives. If anyone has been here, any advice on what to see?

 

[Liisa]

Tammy- I saw a few of the boutique hotels when I was searching for a place to stay- some of them are ADORABLE! They remind me of B&Bs- DH and I like B&Bs when traveling to places like, Rhode Island, Cape Cod, Savannah, Charleston-

Hey Madd!

Yay for you!!! But I do know how you feel. We are booked at the Iberostaro Grand Hotel Paraiso in May and I'm a bit disappointed that it isn't a quaint tropical type of place. I preferred the look of the El Dorado Royale, but the Grand got such good reviews, I got overruled. I'm sure we'll have a fabulous time, but it's so big and "Roman"!!!

On a side note, we just got back from WDW and there were tons of foreigners there. We were surprised to note that there is a huge difference in the discipline by non-Americans vs. Americans. The foreigners were much stricter and held their kids to higher standards than we have noticed with American families. Those kids definitely had more respect for adults. It was the whole - I'm only telling you once and then there are consequences method to child raising. As opposed to the family we sat behind on the tram to the Studios one afternoon.... mom to a little girl sprawled out on the tram seat "sit up. I said sit up. Betsy, I want you to sit up." After 4 or 5 tries, the mom gave up and the kid stayed lying down. It really was hard not to notice the difference, at least that was our observation.

Liisa

 

[maddhatir]

We leave April 1 and are coming back April 6. We are also going to Puerto Rico for a "conference" in May for 5 days, but we extended our stay to 7 days. The conference for BF is really just a bunch of working guys getting together to declare they are the kings of the world and then challenging each other to see how much scotch they can drink before they pass out. I truly don't like the conferences, but I already told him I'm not sticking around to watch them drink....I have plans to do some tours around the island with some of the other wives. If anyone has been here, any advice on what to see?

hey! At least he does not mind you going along- and you get a vacation out of it.

The only experience I have had with PR- is flying into their airport before I got on a little plane over to St. Thomas- sorry!

ugh- a scotch filled convention! DH likes to drink, but it is weird- we have been to several all inclusives, and he never gets drunk- I guess he "paces" himself

I am one to just catch and keep a buzz and ride it all night long- I got drunk, believe it or not, ONCE in my life!

I was 16- my parents went out for the night. I called a friend over and we raided the liquor cabinet! I am talking- a large cup filled with a sample of every liquor in the cabinet! All I can remember is the taste of Crown Royal! I do not even remember how many times we filledup the cup- it got to be a blur!

I puked before they got home and my friend helped me clean it up the best we could. Being trashed I am sure it did not look (or smell- ewww) as good as we THOUGHT it did! She told my mom that I ate a bad cheese steak and it made me sick!

And yes- I am still great friends with the girl who cleaned up my puke and lied to my parents for me- we e-mail each other about 3-4 times a day

 

[maddhatir]

Hey Madd!

Yay for you!!! But I do know how you feel. We are booked at the Iberostaro Grand Hotel Paraiso in May and I'm a bit disappointed that it isn't a quaint tropical type of place. I preferred the look of the El Dorado Royale, but the Grand got such good reviews, I got overruled. I'm sure we'll have a fabulous time, but it's so big and "Roman"!!!

On a side note, we just got back from WDW and there were tons of foreigners there. We were surprised to note that there is a huge difference in the discipline by non-Americans vs. Americans. The foreigners were much stricter and held their kids to higher standards than we have noticed with American families. Those kids definitely had more respect for adults. It was the whole - I'm only telling you once and then there are consequences method to child raising. As opposed to the family we sat behind on the tram to the Studios one afternoon.... mom to a little girl sprawled out on the tram seat "sit up. I said sit up. Betsy, I want you to sit up." After 4 or 5 tries, the mom gave up and the kid stayed lying down. It really was hard not to notice the difference, at least that was our observation.

Liisa

Hey Lisa- I am sure you can't go wrong with any Iberostar resort!

And yes, you have to listen to those reviews- some of the people you can tell are just nit-picky. Some things you read, you think, are they for real!? But if you read too much of the same negative comments about a place- you know to steer clear.

I can't wait to show DH the boutique hotels- I have a feeling he will love them!

Speaking of high family standards, I was watching Wife Swap last night- This husband was calling the other "wife" some really nasty names- being very rude and childish! I said to DH THERE is an example of why children anymore are just so rude and have no respect for anyone-

Just look at this LOSER of a father-figure acting like a 5 year old- I am certain his kids will just pick up what he does and think it is OK to act like that! His family just let the kids do whatever it they wanted!

And I want to SMACK their wives for sitting their "giggling" about it! Idiots!

I believe a bit of fear instilled (consequences) into a child is perfectly fine! And if anyone says it is not- look at the kids these days, that is all I have to say!

 

[kmmccart75]

On a side note, we just got back from WDW and there were tons of foreigners there. We were surprised to note that there is a huge difference in the discipline by non-Americans vs. Americans. The foreigners were much stricter and held their kids to higher standards than we have noticed with American families. Those kids definitely had more respect for adults. It was the whole - I'm only telling you once and then there are consequences method to child raising. As opposed to the family we sat behind on the tram to the Studios one afternoon.... mom to a little girl sprawled out on the tram seat "sit up. I said sit up. Betsy, I want you to sit up." After 4 or 5 tries, the mom gave up and the kid stayed lying down. It really was hard not to notice the difference, at least that was our observation.

Liisa

DH and I noticed the same thing on a trip to Europe last Spring - it was almost as if there were no kids there. I mean, you had to look around to see them because there were none wailing or running around. Obviously, the parents not only had control, but had a clue about when it was appropriate to have young children around. DH and I joked that if we lived in Europe, we might actually want kids.

An example is when we had a layover at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. They still have a lot of construction from when the new wing collapsed several years ago, so they have to bus you to and from the gates and airplanes. The buses are standing room only and the rides are looong - we were on one to get to our plane to London for about 45 minutes and it seemed like we were driving in circles. There were these two little British boys, maybe 5 or 6 years old, and after about 30 minutes standing on this careening bus, one turns to the other and in the cutest little voice says matter-of-factly, "Well, that settles it. We're lost." I had to whisper to DH that back home we would have been plugging our ears for all the "WHERE ARE WE GOING? HOW MUCH LONGER? MOMMY I'M HUNGRY! I HAVE TO PEE! YOU SAID WE WERE GETTING ON A PLANE! I WANNA SIT DOWN! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

 

[jumoo044]

"WHERE ARE WE GOING? HOW MUCH LONGER? MOMMY I'M HUNGRY! I HAVE TO PEE! YOU SAID WE WERE GETTING ON A PLANE! I WANNA SIT DOWN! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"[/QUOTE]

 

[DevilDuckie]

I'm a mom, but I resent questions about things that are Not Your Business, even from family. I suggest you say the same thing I do when people ask me nosy questions about MY uterus: "That's not any of your business." If you are less confrontational than I am, assume that your ears are deceiving you and they couldn't *possibly* have asked something so personal and save them from embarassment by simply "failing to hear" the question.

Friendly curiosity can be treated more gently, but anyone who presses beyond the first question is being nosy and deserves no slack. Your choice to not have kids is as valid as mine to have one (maybe two!) or my cousin's to have six. Valid and personal and deserving of however much privacy you want.

 

[danv3]

As of yesterday, DW and I have a niece. We're going to visit DW's brother, sister in law and baby tomorrow.

Keep your fingers crossed that seeing the new baby and all the attention being lavished on her (first grandchild on either side) doesn't give DW any crazy ideas!

 

[ChisJo]

As of yesterday, DW and I have a niece. We're going to visit DW's brother, sister in law and baby tomorrow.

Keep your fingers crossed that seeing the new baby and all the attention being lavished on her (first grandchild on either side) doesn't give DW any crazy ideas!

I work in Pediatrics and I have 9 neices and nephews, and trust me, I never get that desire to have any! They are more deterrants than anything, and truly, the BEST form of birth control on the market!

 

[maddhatir]

I work in Pediatrics and I have 9 neices and nephews, and trust me, I never get that desire to have any! They are more deterrants than anything, and truly, the BEST form of birth control on the market!

ITA!

I have 2 nephews and 2 nieces- NOT once have I had the "urge" when seeing them

The only thing that runs throught my mind is, thank god! I do not have kids!