Desired a Disney Cruise - Instead DH Tennessee Family Reunion -PTR
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Alaskan Mom · 03-16-2012, 05:33 PM

After I got back from WDW May of 2011, DH, DD, and I were discussing a family vacation (DH didn't go to WDW). DD and I both wanted a Disney Cruise and DH said ok, but DD wanted her grandma (MIL) to come with us. MIL lives about 45 minutes outside of Chicago in Indiana and we do not get to see her regularly. So I called MIL and told her what we were discussing and did she want to go with us? "No, I get seasick" was her answer. I explained that on the big ships it was like a floating hotel and shouldn't be rocking (I've never been on one but it's what I've heard) still she wouldn't agree to that. We've been to her house twice (she's been to Alaska six times) and we didn't want to just fly there again, but MIL didn't like any other choices, doesn't like big amusement parks. We were stumped. We couldn't afford to do a cruise and go visit her but she wasn't being very helpful as to what she would like to do

.

I knew DH's dad's family has a reunion every June alternating between MO and TN, DH was supposed to go last year while we were in WDW but decided not to go. So MIL called and asked about all of us going to the family reunion since some of DH's family getting older and health issues. MIL really wanted DH to go and thought if DD and I went with him, DH would go. So I agreed. Have you ever been to a family event where you've only met 5 people from that family? Well that's me. I've met MIL 8 times in person, one aunt visited us for 2 weeks up here, DH's brother twice and one aunt and uncle twice. I'm a fairly nice person but I told DH that sitting around for a week talking to a bunch of people I didn't know didn't sound like lots of fun for a family vacation especially since that's what he would want to do

. (I'm happy for him to visit with his family but wanted to know if he was ok if I didn't join him for four days straight of visiting and he agreed).

Up next: the compromise

**lauriep** · 03-16-2012, 06:17 PM

Looking forward to hearing the compromise! It's not easy to please everyone and I hope you can find a solution that satisfies your MIL and also gives you somewhat of a real vacation!

Alaskan Mom · 03-17-2012, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lauriep

Looking forward to hearing the compromise! It's not easy to please everyone and I hope you can find a solution that satisfies your MIL and also gives you somewhat of a real vacation!

Thanks Laurie, my DH is very supportive and I do want him to get to see all his family.

**chezp** · 03-17-2012, 02:29 AM

Great start.

I'm intrigued to know what the compromise was....

Pris · 03-17-2012, 10:51 AM

Tennessee has some beautiful areas! Where is the reunion? Can't wait to hear the compromise you came up with.

Alaskan Mom · 03-17-2012, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chezp

Great start.

I'm intrigued to know what the compromise was....

Thanks. post compromise as soon as I finish this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pris

Tennessee has some beautiful areas! Where is the reunion? Can't wait to hear the compromise you came up with.

Am looking forward to see TN since I've never been there. Reunion is in Pigeon Forge at Clabough campgrounds.

Alaskan Mom · 03-17-2012, 01:51 PM

DH and I talked, well I talk and he listens with the occasionally comment or question

. The end result was that I get to do one thing a day I want to, so that I get to see places and have something to look forward to and if DD or DH wants to go with me, then I'd have company. DD is not real excited about going either - the bonuses for her are she gets to see her other grandma and swimming. She LOVES the water and apparently the campground we are staying at has 3 pools

and a lazy river.

I got online and started researching, complied my list of places I was interested in, then talked to DH and DD to see if they wanted to go to any of them. So far this is my list, America's Hit Parade (concert), Titanic (recreated musuem), GSMNP, Dollywood, and driving down (from IN) stopping in Kentucky Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace NHS, and then over to Mammoth Cave for a tour there (trying to decide between 2 - Nigara or Passage) and spend the night prior to heading into Pigeon Forge. If anyone's been to any of these places I'd really appreciate feedback, or if there's a place you think is great I'd love recommendations.

The reunion is Sunday - Saturday, I guess some people stay the entire time while others stay only part of the time, the big day is Thursday when there is a big family dinner and silent auction (raises money for the dinner the following year.)

DH asked for 2 weeks off - this would allow 1 week for reunion and 1 to visit DD (29) and grandsons in WA on way home. (DD (13) and I were staying in WA longer.) DH only got a week and 1/2 off. He said he'd just fly home and not stop in WA. which made him and grandsons

so I said a few days were better than none. We started looking for flights that would work and still get him home Wednesday since he has to work on Thursday.

Up next: a call to MIL, will she agree to my plans? Will she let me borrow her jeep to drive places?

**chezp** · 03-17-2012, 02:03 PM

Sounds like a good set of plans - sorry your DH couldn't have the full two weeks off.

**lauriep** · 03-17-2012, 03:01 PM

Sounds like it'll be a good trip! I haven't been there, but have heard wonderful things about the area around Pigeon Forge.

B.M. · 03-17-2012, 04:50 PM

Sounds like great plans! I will also be going to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky this June

Alaskan Mom · 03-17-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chezp

Sounds like a good set of plans - sorry your DH couldn't have the full two weeks off.

I know, another employee requested those 3 days off and they can't both be off at same time so DH has to be back at work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lauriep

Sounds like it'll be a good trip! I haven't been there, but have heard wonderful things about the area around Pigeon Forge.

I'm looking forward to seeing some new country.

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.M.

Sounds like great plans! I will also be going to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky this June

That's cool, have you ever been before?

Pris · 03-17-2012, 09:08 PM

I went to Mammoth Cave about 40 years ago. It was beautiful. You will definitely enjoy it. Pigeon Forge is a beautiful area. Try to get over to the Gatlinburg area and into the mountains if you can.

LizCatMom · 03-18-2012, 12:39 AM

You cannot go all the way to Pigeon Forge and not go to Gatlinburg!!!

I grew up about 5 hours from there and it, as well as Pigeon Forge, was a yearly destination for us for many years. Dollywood also has a water park that I'm sure your DD would love. There is Ripley's Aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg that is really cool. You could spend an entire day (or two) just walking around the parkway in Gatlinburg, checking out the shops. I mean, it's a total tourist trap, but so much fun. So, no, it's not Disney, but that area is a huge tourist draw for many people in the South. I really think you might be pleasantly surprised!

**Colexis Mom** · 03-18-2012, 01:19 PM

Great start!

B.M. · 03-18-2012, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskan Mom

That's cool, have you ever been before?

No, this will be my first visit there....