I need some opinions

[KatieMac]

If you think your kids are old enough for you to leave for that period of time then it's fine! Every parent knows their own child and their limits. I personally don't feel comfortable being away from my kids for that length of time until they are older, 3 or 4, but that's our family dynamic.

I wouldn't really think so much about your sister. I'd consider the kids needs, and figure that out from there.

[zillygal]

Do not feel guilty about getting "me" time.&nbsp;&nbsp; Every article you read - everything that is out there says you are a better person when you do get that time to yourself and to recharge.</P><P>So - go for it! Switch it up with sis and keep her kids and then vice versa.&nbsp; </P><P>Have fun and enjoy yourself <img align="absmiddle" src="http://www.knoxmoms.com/forums/Skins/Classic/Images/EmotIcons/Smile.gif" border="0" title="Smile"> </P><P>leah

[cwats]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As long as you and your kids are comfortable being apart, a little adult-only time with your husband and friends should be a healthy thing for your family.&nbsp; Sometimes a little time apart is good for both kids and parents--makes you appreciate each other more.&nbsp; You have to do what is right for you, not what others think you should do.</P><P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My husband and I took a few trips alone when the kids were younger, and it was great, once I got over the guilt of leaving them.&nbsp; Now with school and activities, it's going to be really hard to do that.</P><P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As for depriving your kids of vacations, I've found that they don't really appreciate big trips until they are older anyway.&nbsp; We took the kids to Disney when they&nbsp;were 4 and 1 only because my husband had a work conference there, and it was fun, but seemed like&nbsp;a waste of money.&nbsp;

[Belinda4]

Go For it!!! </P><P>Your kids will be fine! </P><P>Ya'll will have a wonderful and much deserved honeymoon!!! </P><P>I know family members can have such a huge impact on us with comments and thoughts, but you think about what you want to do! Work it out with YOUR kids and YOUR hubby! </P><P>You guys will have a fabulous time! </P><P><img align="absmiddle" src="http://www.knoxmoms.com/forums/Skins/Classic/Images/EmotIcons/Smile.gif" border="0" title="Smile">

[Julie]

thanks ladies. i was so excited about it when we started talking about doing the trip then my sister made me feel so guilty and i wondered if i really was being insensitive to my kids.&nbsp; u all helped reassure that im not "a mean mommy" for wanting a break<img align="absmiddle" src="http://www.knoxmoms.com/forums/Skins/Classic/Images/EmotIcons/Wink.gif" border="0" title="Wink">

[Julie]

this might be a little lengthy because i am really upset and a little torn.</P><P>my husband and i never got a honeymoon because we just got married 1 1/2 yrs ago and couldnt afford to take one and didnt want to leave the kids for several days because alivia was only about 6 months old so we just went to the courthouse then spent 1 night in a local hotel. now we would like to take one next summer sometime. we are talking to another couple didnt get to take a honeymoon either. we are talking about all going together and getting a cabin in gatlinburg or going to florida or something. we can spend as much or as little time together as we like but the point is to get somewhat of a honeymoon and not have the kids. </P><P>now here is my problem:</P><P>my sister is "famous" for making me feel guilty in almost everything i do. i had kids out of wedlock, we lived together for years before getting married, i didnt marry the guy she would have picked, blah blah blah! I think it makes it worse because we are twins so she thinks she can tell me how to live my life. ANYWAY i was telling her about it because i watch her kids and i thought i would be nice and give her notice WAY ahead of time so she could be thinking about other arrangements for her kids. she told me i should be taking my kids because they have never gotten a vacation other than weekend trips and they would really enjoy going. she also goes on to tell me how i would totally devastate my kids by leaving them for like 5 days.&nbsp; in the next breathe she was telling me her and her husband are going to be leaving their kids&nbsp;in february for almost a week (they will be just over 1 at that time)</P><P>now my point of view:</P><P>i spend all day/every day with alivia and every waking minute with skylar when she is not at school. i rarely ask people to babysit, especially overnight. it would be nice to have a little break from them and i really think they would be SO excited to spend a week at someone elses house. i am not saying they wouldnt miss us but i really think it would do us all a whole lot of good! </P><P>now for my questions:</P><P>am i really that bad for wanting a break and a honeymoon? why is it ok for her to leave her kids and me not to leave mine when i spend so much time with mine and her time with hers is limited because she works (not saying there is anything at all wrong with it) ? should i feel guilty for not wanting to take my kids? HELP!!!

[mommymel]

well said, maydays!

[Jayceesgirl]

oh I do hope you go and have a wonderful, relaxing time. I sooooo know how you feel about the whole sister thing. I have had my share of scenarios like that and it does eat at you but try your hardest to ignore her comments and realize that you know what is best for you and your family.</P><P>One of my best memories with my husband was after my third child was born my mother and father kept our three young kids and we went to Florida for a long weekend. The kids had a great time and so did my mom and dad. I am so glad I gave myself permission to go ahead and go even though a few people were second guessing me on leaving such a young baby. Well she did fine and I have a great memory of that vacation.</P><P>GO...HAVE FUN....MAKE SOME GOOD MEMORIES!!!!