So here is my NEWest Dilema...

[Grendalynn]

Ok Ok, so this post has nothing to do with Disney, but it does with Families....
My In-laws have surprised us with an "impromptu" visit to their new house in Florida. They were/are generous enough to buy my family (DH, DS3, DS7 and myself) airline tickets to see them over April Vacation. While I have a great relationship with my inlaws and DH has been working his tail off and is in need of a little vaca, I am in a dilema!!

Here is the scoop: DIL's are about 2 hours from everywhere! They are located in Lake Placid, Florida, Just outside Sebring. They are roughly 2 hours in any direction from anything!! 2 hrs south of Orlando, 2 hours Southwest of Tampa, 1 hour 45 minutes from Ft Myers and the East Coast. About 2 + hours from Miami/Homestead. They are in a golf community and have not yet got their pool put in. DSs are 3 and 7 and very active - your typical kids. While I am understanding that DH would love to play some golf and relax, what can I do? I have no problem striking off with the boys for a few hours, but can anyone out there tell me of some things that would be fun to do in that area? And that isnt really far away? We will be there for 7 days... I know DILs have a few things planned, but I am looking for some input! Thanks so much!

 

[Thekidsmom]

I live in tampa and grew up in ft. myers so I say with two yong kids go to orlando! There is so much to do there. Midevil Times dinner theater is great there also.

 

[disneymom3]

You could drive to the beach for a full day. Pack a picnic lunch so you can stay all day.

 

[Hannathy]

I agree take a day trip to the beach we drive almost that far when we go to my MIL on the east coast to spend a day at the beach.

Another thing you will be surprised how unbored your kids probably will be with just visiting their grandparents and doing simple thing with them like walks or going for ice cream. playing in the sprinkler. We have always had to travel to see grandparents and I used to stress over trying to plan things and after 14 yrs have found out that one day trip and a few ice cream outings or trips to a play ground were more than enough for the kids. They would start saying can't we just stay home with Granma and not go to....if I planned too much. Remember the goal of this trip is to visit, relax, take a book and just hang out.

 

[XYSRUS]

Grendalynn, You and your husband must stick up for yourselves and the children. Don't be mean, but tell your MIL that this vacation is for you guys and the kids. Don't say anything about future vacations etc. You never want to be caught up in your best intentions. That being said, your husband is the one who needs to set boundaries with his mom. His family now is his first priority. People raise kids to grow up, contribute to society in any way they can, and be faithful to maintaining their immediate family. When the day is done, you, as a family, are together to talk and build memories. Besides, what kind of and example would you be setting for the kids letting her walk all over you. But that's another subject. Don't ever be mean..noone enjoys being hurt, but be firm. Good luck.

 

[Feralpeg]

I will respectfully disagree with the previous poster. Your in-laws are paying for you to visit THEM. While I see absolutely nothing wrong with you and the kids taking off for a day or two to have fun, to say that the vacation is not about the in-laws is wrong, IMHO. They are paying for the vacation so they can spend time with your family. If you don't want to do that, then you should decline their offer and pay for the vacation you want.

I agree that there are many things you can do with just a short drive. Why not see if your in-laws would like to go with you on a day trip? You could drive up to Kennedy Space Center or over to Busch Gardens or Disney. Your in-laws might really enjoy visiting one of these places with your kids.

 

[XYSRUS]

Boy is my face red....sorry. I posted my response to a different question. Yikes!

 

[Grendalynn]

Wow...Xyrus.... I was not quite sure what I said in my original post that would tweak someone so... Nice to see folks can still admit when they make a mistake! Thanks for clearing that up - I wasn't quite sure what to think - I had to go back and reread my OP to make sure I wasnt losing my mind and typed soemthing completety different than what I thought I had posted! Thanks for your honesty - great advice... just not in this contet, but still soenthing to keep in mind. Thank goodness I have a great relationship with my inlaws... your info may pertain to a family situation that has happened in the past and will probably again the the future, but thankfully not this time!! ! Have a great night!