I just returned from a family beach week which included 4 couples, 1 singleton, and 4 little kids. In anticipation of (a) my mother playing martyr and cooking all the meals, (b) some of the other adults disappearing at mealtime to avoid work, and (c) the parents of children never getting a night out -- none of which we wanted to happen, we came up with a very simple meal plan. Each couple had one night to make dinner -- from shopping to cooking to cleaning up; the singleton had the same responsibilty for one lunch. And everyone had to appear for each of those meals. Two nights we drew names -- half the couples got to go out and the other half stayed in and babysat (ordered pizza, got carryout, made do...). One night was going-out night for everyone. All other meals were serve-yourself and clean-up-after-yourself affairs. We also had a kitty to pay for all communal food, liquor and other expenses. It worked our really well. As the first couple to cook, my husband and I made a really great meal -- to set the baseline -- and everyone else rose to the occasion.

Except for the one meal we each had to prepare, it was pretty much a work-free week. And BTW, I don't think ANYONE made their bed all week!

I also forgot to mention that the women demanded equal time! If the guys go golfing or fishing, we got the same number of hours back to do whatever WE wanted, without kids! It's only fair. When the kids were really small we brought a mothers helper with us, a friends high school age daughter. That way we all got to go out at night and no one had to stay at the house at naptime. She was worth every penny!

Ladies! Perfect solution- Learn how to play golf and go with the guys!

Yuck! I tried it once and would rather scrub the floor with a toothbrush! I'd much rather go cycling or rollerblading, but to each his own!

I have a better suggestion. Stay in a hotel by the beach, only have enough room for YOUR FAMILY! Now no one will take advantage of you unless they ante up for a hotel room in the same complex. Don't get one with a kitchenette either. Go out to dinner, there are always inexpensive family restaurants, pizza joints, etc.... This is a vacation-meaning my wife has few wifely duties and is able to rest just like I do. You do not describe a vacation, you describe a jail sentance. My wife would have kicked me to the curb a long time ago if I was such a selfish individual.

Another idea would be to invite the parents to your home. When they and the relatives get there, announce that you and your husband are leaving the rugrats, animals and responsibilities with them and taking a couples vacation. Leave some cash and some explicit instructions for the children and do it, maybe they will get the message.