Have any of you ever went on vacation with just a friend and without you DH and kids? My best friend is wanting me to go to SC next month for a week. I know my DH wouldn't mind this, but I just feel guilty for leaving them behind.

By Mommyathome on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 10:48 am:

Sounds like fun to me! I would probably consider it. But, I haven't ever left my DH and kids all behind. I might get homesick LOL I'm not sure if *I* could handle it. I'm sure my DH and kids would be fine.
But, if DH had to take time off work so that I could go on a special trip without him, I probably wouldn't go. We look forward to his vacation weeks so we can do family stuff. I wouldn't want to use up one of those weeks on myself.
Hmm...guess I haven't been much help. If everything works out for you, and you feel OK about it, I would say go and have a good time. I just don't think I could do it!

By Kolbysmom on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 10:58 am:

Well, he wouldn't have to take off from work. My grandma would be more than willing to watch Kolby during the day, then Bob would pick him up after he gets off work.

By Kate on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 11:49 am:

Two summers ago I went to visit a friend leaving my husband with my two children. One was only 20 months, the other was six years. Yes, he took off work, but that wasn't a problem. I could not have left them if anyone other than him was with them full time. I figured if I was going to 'desert' them, they deserved a full parent to stay with them. However, I did ask my sisters and mother to plan some little day things with my six year old to help pass the time.

It was very hard to make the decision to go. I had never left them before, and I felt bad leaving the baby because I'd never left the six year old, so my reasoning was that since I'd not left the six year old as a baby, how can I leave THIS child as a baby? But with that logic I'd never be able to leave them until the youngest had hit eighteen.

SO. I did it. I left laminated pictures of myself for the baby to look at and I wrote a story for everyday that I would be gone for the six year old. I also left three presents each, and one for my husband. I called every morning and evening and talked with everyone. The baby did great and was okay to hear my voice on the phone. They were also welcome to call me at anytime, nothing was off limits.

All in all, they ALL did great and the baby had NO attachment issues toward me at all, and my six year old was very disappointed that I wasn't going away again soon so she could have more stories and presents, LOL.

I think if you feel your family can handle it, you've made all arrangements for their comfort and security, and you've left a few surprises for them, go for it! Besides, the stories, presents, and phone calls, I DID write each child a letter telling them how much I loved them, in case I never made it home. Morbid, maybe, but they deserved that in the event of my death. I was gone from Friday to Wednesday, btw.

Good luck!

By Texannie on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 12:35 pm:

My husband has taken boys' trips and I have taken girls' trips. They have been great fun.

By Melanie on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 01:02 pm:

Just for a weekend, but it was a lot of fun and I would do it again (and for longer!) if the opportunity arose.

By Debbie on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 01:10 pm:

Yes, two years ago I went on a vacation with my two best friends. It was for a long weekend. In fact, we are planning another trip for this May. It will be for 4 days. We now live all over the country, so it is the only time we get to see each other. On our last trip we went to a resort in Arizona. We swam and laid by the pool during the day and scrapbooked at night. It was so much fun. I am looking forward to our upcoming trip. We are still trying to decide where to go.

My dh takes off to watch the dks since we don't have family here. It gives me a great break and I come back feeling energized. It also gives dh a chance to see what it is like taking care of the boys for an extended period of time. He definitely appreciates me more when I get back.

By My2girlygirls on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 01:28 pm:

DH & I are taking our first "Adult" "No Kids" vacation this summer. We are going to England to a family reunion. We will be gone for 10 days. We are going to split up where the kids stay. The oldest dd should be in a day camp that week, so if her friend also goes, the other mom will just take and pick up and keep her until my mom picks her up. The younger one, I am dividing up between my mom & a friend. I'm a little anxious about being gone that long, it really is a good opportunity. We would not be able to afford to take both kids with us. The kids are 5 and 8, will be 6 and almost 9 by then.

By Sue3 on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 01:45 pm:

Yes,
I went one year ago today ! To Fla. to visit my sister for 5 days.
I flew down by my self (hate flying).
So that was an accomplishment.
It was very strange.
I missed my family terribly and yet it was a very nice and much needed get away.
I think it was good for Dh and Dk`s also.
Dh told me he didn`t realize how
much I did .
So I think you should go
I can`t wait to do it again.

By Kolbysmom on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 03:05 pm:

Thanks everyone for the advice!! I am going to go. I'm so pumped about a vacation with just girls!! We are going to Myrtle Beach. It will only be in the upper 60's, but I don't care! We'll at least be able to lay on the beach without getting too hot! Now, I need to go shopping. lol

By Mommyathome on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 03:10 pm:

Good for you! Hope you have a great time Can't wait to hear about it when you get back!

By Annie2 on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 11:01 pm:

I just left my four kids and DH for a four day weekend. I went up north for my 20th high school reunion. It was my first time I left my family behind in 12 years.
I had a blast and my family had a fun time with Daddy in charge 24/7. My cell phone bill was a tad higher that month though.
Go, have a great time.

By Pamt on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 11:24 pm:

I had a weekend at the beach with just my sister and brother 2 weeks ago...it was a blast! I've gone on several weekend-long women's retreats and then DH and I go away without the kids at least a couple of times a year. I think it is VERY important to recharge your mom and wife batteries by getting away every now and then. A group of my best friends from highschool and I are planning a trip to New York City for our 40th birthday celebration (4 more years to go...saving for it now). It will be an awesome time!!!

As for the guilt...you will learn that you are still a person apart from your kids (and that's a good thing) and they will learn that that can trust other people (dad) to care of their needs. That's good thing too! Glad you decided to go---have fun!!

By Kolbysmom on Wednesday, February 11, 2004 - 08:28 am:

Well, I talked to DH last night and he said "Go, have fun"! I'm making reservations today. I can't wait!! It didn't hurt any that yesterday DH made plans with his sister's family for all of us to go on vacation together this summer!!