I took your advice and DH basically said we couldn't go. No excuses, no reasons. He agreed that even if we did present reasons they would see them as obstacles to overcome rather than our final decision.

Time will tell how they react, but I told him it is his family, he needs to step up on this. It is hard for him as a middle child peacemaker, but he realized it had to come from him or they would just turn to him anyway.

Thank you so much for the wise words!

Good for Mr. T!

Good for Mr. T! When faced with a yearly family camping situation, DH and I booked a room at a nearby hotel. We have been happily un-camping ever since!

Yay! Big gold star for Mr. Thistle!!

Good for Mr. T! His family might have their noses out of joint for a bit, but they will soon get used to your "weird" dislike of something that they enjoy. In my opinion, relationships with family members usually go better if both parties can "agree to disagree" instead of feeling unhappy and resentful at being pushed into situations that just don't work for everyone.

Yay for Mr. T! When it comes right down to it, you have to do what is best for YOUR family. I'm so glad you were able to agree on this and present a united front.

YAY for Mr. T. This is huge!! It's a really big and important step and a sign of commitment to you and your daughter. And it will pay off down the line in better relations all round. WHEW!!!

Give that man a big kiss! This situation was particularly difficult because you had been going every year up til now. I felt your discomfort at having to deal with this, but in the end, closure is SWEET. Enjoy some peace now.

Woo hoo, I knew I liked that Mr. Thistle!

United we stand Well done.

I'm late to the game but this happens in my in-law family all the time. We try to deal with each as practically as possible. 30 min drive, fine. Wait for big kid to be finished work, drive 2 hrs each way for 1 hr event, then no. My inlaws are in their 80's and still want everyone together, despite all the conflict that occurs....family, can live with 'em, can't live without them

Another ironic observation, how come family members who insist on things together, like camping (which I no longer care for) wont commit to other things, like a weekend in a big city, shopping/theatre/spas trips? They can't stand the idea of something like that....if they only realized that's how I feel about their camping idea lol

I am also late to the party. I totally agree with A's observation....why do the memories and being together have to be one way ?

I am also impressed with Mr. T. And FWIW, 1/3 of your vaca every single year when you have a small child who gets sick and you need to take time off for sometimes ( phew, a run on ), is A LOT.

BTW, I LOVE camping. Tent camping. But it is a whole different experience with little kids. Like, bad experience, different.

For the future, may a I suggest a long weekend, like Memorial Day or Columbus Day where everyone goes somewhere and you alternate where you go? That becomes the tradition. Also, if there is a hotel or inn near the campground, you could stay there and drop by for a few hours at the site next time.

Keep being the nap Nazi. Because you are the one who deals with the consequences.

I'm so glad to hear this.... too many times, we put aside our own needs/wants for 'later/next time' and far too often, it never comes I hope you and your DH/Kiddo have a great, stress-free vacation time. Certainly deserve it, and DH's family will just need to adjust/deal with it. Good for you, girl!