Babies and toddlers can be SO demanding. But hang on to every memory. Too soon, your 14 year old is going to give you "that look", (the one that says you are too stupid to live), and you are going to crave one of those sweet, messy baby moments.

scar..thanks I am sure that will happen.Our kids just grow up too fast.

Christie, I so enjoyed your pre-trip enthusiasm and now I am enjoying your wry look back on a whacky adventure. Sounds like you went on vacation with 5 kids. I like to say I used to feel like I have an infant and a toddler (toddler being my husband), now I have two toddlers and the bigger one's worse. Of course I love them to death but it's hard to deal with all of the competing demands. (And you have 3 kids!) Sometimes the only thing that preserves sanity is a sense of humor. This thread has been fabulous for anyone considering traveling with a family group. After many family trips (incl. in-laws) I can definitely say I don't consider such a trip a "vacation."

tuxedo...you are right..I had 5 kids.My husband is probably next in line to the toddler,Ryan for being the biggest brat.He works soo much that it is hard for me to get a break and relax.When he comes home..he says that he worked all day and sits down.Not even realizing that I work 24/7 between the kids,cooking,cleaning,yardwork,arrands.I would hate it if I was ever too ill to do my duties.He would not know what to do.;-)

FYI..I should have some pictures in a few days.I am waiting on my mom to developed her pictures and get a cd for me.

a suggestion...when my children were very young we would take a week together in the summer/rent a beach house/cape cod/maine etc..great fun, low key/some good memories. the BIG trips my husband & i took alone/ mostly to st. john,or bvi's.. we have 3 kids (adults now)had very busy lives(HECTIC) we needed time for ourselves !! re-connect,get through another year. i realized early a 1 or 2 yr old doesn't know the difference between the sand at coney island or cancun.. nor will they remember it!! as they grew older and could enjoy the surroundings then it was wonderful to share our places with them. give your husband time to unwind from the "vacation" and at a later date suggest the 2 of you alone idea..it worked for me!! i do know some people don't like to leave their children home but you need to remember some children are not great travelers. i was one of 7 siblings.. my mother always told me to ALWAYS make time for my husband and i..even w/7 kids she and dad would find time for a long weekend escape,not far from home(couldn't afford much anyway)it isn't the place as much as the time spent. good luck !!

tess: Thanks for your advice. I always like to hear from somone who has been there and done that.I told my husband that the next trip with the kids needs to be to Myrtle Beach which is only about a 2 hour drive and they will love it just as good.

I just hate that we spent the money that we did only for it to be a big disappointment.

By the way...I will have some pictures in a few days from the underwater camera that I am having developed.

tess: My mom is also 1 of 7 children.My grandma and grandpa (who have both passed)had 4 boys and 3 girls.They grew up on a farm and took trips together but my grandparents also made time alone.You are right about that everyone needs time alone..to reconnect and enjoy the time alone.