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WWND -- family reunion
So next year is DH's family reunion. Because of that, I specifically planned for my side's much smaller family reunion to be the summer after that (2014). I also figured by planning that far out, I would give my sister and brother, who always plead poor finances as one is a single income household and the other near that as my sister doesn't make much as a community college prof, adequate time to save for the vacation. Most of our family is back east -- VA, NC and GA. So I figured that it might easiest to plan an Outer Banks vacation. Relatively inexpensive aside from airfare and plenty to do for all age groups and interest levels. Even found info about seeing the wild horses in Rodanthe for my bro and SIL who've been talking about Chincoteague to make it a more appealing trip for them. Everyone knows the plan and my uncle and aunt and parents are looking into places to stay and such already.
I just talked to my brother and his wife. In chatting, I mentioned how we were already saving up for the upcoming vacations for coming years. Then my SIL says "well, you know we were thinking about that family reunion at the beach -- not sure if we are going to come."
They say that if they go, they won't be able to afford any other vacations that year. Yeah, welcome to my world. I told them that it was their decision, that this was especially designed to fulfill the family commitment and could set them up for about 5 years on that count (they don't like visiting with most of my family). I also pointed out that my mom was already talking about helping my sister and they could always hint about help to my mom (at which point they cued talking about how my sister and her DH made more than they did, blah blah blah).
I'm kind of surprised that they want to back out. Looks like my uncle's 3 kids and their children and spouses will be coming, I know we are planning to go and pretty sure my sister, if her finances permit, would love to go too. I'm inclined to say nothing more to my brother about it. DH thinks I should talk to them a bit more about it or mention to my mom that they are talking about not being able to afford it. Personally, I kind of think the finances thing is a little bit of a cop out as it is TWO YEARS AWAY and they have plenty of time to put aside some money every month either towards the vacation or the smaller ones near home they like to take through the year. But to me, it's a "lead a horse to water" kind of scenario. I also think my mom would be angry about their not wanting to go and so would my sister (she tends to fly off the handle easily). Thoughts? Would you say anything else? WWYD? TIA!
DD -- 5YO
DS -- 3YO
Re: WWND -- family reunion
I think they should go. I mean, I get it, family reunions are rarely the most awesome vacation in history, but they are still important from time to time.
That said, I'd let it go. I don't think you can change their mind.
I vote let it go for now. Then at Christmas if you do gifts, give them a little money in a jar that is labeled family reunion fund. But I am a b!tch like that sometimes. I get family reunions aren't the greatest thing in the world, but they are important.
As it gets closer, maybe you could offer to take their kids when you go and say something like "well if you aren't coming, I still think its important that the kids get to know ___________" Maybe they would get the hint.
But again, thats just me. I would hate for you to get into any drama with them over it because it doesn't sound worth your time.