To leave DCs overnight?

[CallMeExhausted]

I am just checking to make sure I am not being unreasonable (more of an "if you were in my shoes" sort of question).

DD (9) is at residential camp for 10 days - dropped her off Sunday, pick her up next Wednesday.

DS (17 this weekend) and DNiece (19) are the only others here aside from DH and I. Our 10th wedding anniversary is at the end of the month, but because DD is away, he and I thought we might take the opportunity and go away overnight, leaving DS and DN home to fend for themselves.

MiL just about lost the plot when we told her. "You can't leave them unattended! What if something happens! You'll be going so far away!"

We are leaving Saturday morning, returning Sunday. We are not leaving the country, or even the province. DNiece is going into her second year of University, and lived on her own in student residence for her first year, DS is quiet, responsible, and very "by the books". It's not as if they will be lining the party guests up the moment we leave.

As well, DD is disabled and requires extensive care. She is at a specialised camp, and this is the first chance DH and I have ever had to go away on our own. We didn't take a honeymoon when we married. In all honesty, our relationship could really use this.

So, is she nuts? Would you take this opportunity for a short get away?

Call Me - Hi, I'm near Ann Arbor.

We went to Stratford a couple of summers ago. You may be able to get tickets for a matinee at the festival if it's still going on. It's a pretty town to wander around if you want a place to stop off, although may not be on your direct route.

Apart from the Falls, we weren't impressed by Niagra - costs a lot of money, but very cheap and tacky type things to do. However, the falls and the boat trip under them are good. If you can get a hotel overlooking the falls it would be great. Niagra on the Lake is a much nicer little town, and great for a wander around then lunch type of thing, before heading home on Sun.

So - I'd look into Stratford, then head to Niagra, stay overnight, then do Niagra on the Lake, have lunch, then head back.

Toronto added quite a bit of travel time, but we were in Canada for a week. Toronto to Niagra is about 3 hours, I think. For just one night away I'd do one, not both. Toronto is a nice city, but felt BIG and car-bound, and busy, and expensive, but then I'm used to Ann Arbor being the 'big city' for me.

I will admit, that we found Canadian dollars expensive after being used to American ones, so our definition of expensive may be different.

Your MIL is insane. Go. Have fun!

Wrong side of the country, I'm afraid, but if you ever fancy Banff and taking dd skiing, give me a shout. I may have access to a vast array of sit skis and specialist adaptive instructors

Have a lovely time!

(And actually, I would have been training up both dn and ds to care for dd over a weekend by now, less intimate care for ds)

CallMe, I was just trying to think of reasons MIL would have over-reacted so much. I don't know them, so have no idea if it's a genuine concern, but it wouldn't be the first time.

I wouldn't be trying to pack too much in, sounds like you both need to relax - I'd maybe take a picnic with me and stop along the way by some water (I find any kind of water very calming) the sea if possible but a lake or river etc would be good too. I'd plan a chill out at the hotel, leisurely get ready session for a nice dinner and drink in the bar. Maybe fit in a nice walk together too.

What things do you enjoy? A movie maybe? What did you do when you were courting? might be nice to recreate some of that :)

How about a trip to the wine region. Prince Edward County? Pele island or Niagara. There are loads of wineries that have accommodation and they are usually very nice! Have fun. I am very interested in this thread as I have an almost 16 year old dd and in Ontario too.

Go and have fun, you know your DS and DN better than anyone else and if you think they will be ok then they will be. Try TripAdvisor for some ideas of places to stop at or see in the area you are going to, there are usually some excellent suggestions on it.

Your MIL is being daft! (But then you already knew that!). Tell her she can check up on them daily if she's so bothered. I was living on my own at that age and managed just fine as well.
Enjoy your trip away, sounds like you both deserve it

Thank your MIL for offering to call in and check they are ok, and for being at the end of the phone. Then go.

My God, go! Have a lovely time , they will be fine. They could be married and living on their own at that age (not to each other, of course)!

Jolly phonics I don't think that helps :o but she has a point op, aren't you worried about what they might get up to?

I had the most over protective parents ever and by 17 they would happily leave me overnight and not stress about being back for a particular time!

I certainly be going for more than one night! Enjoy and ignore MIL!

Walk up a hill, or along a river.
Pause and enjoy the wind in your face.
Have a leisurely morning coffee / afternoon tea.
Go to the cinema and see what ever you fancy rather than what your kids fancy. Buy toffee pop corn AND tortilla chips AND a beer.