Baby Graduating from Hs

Perfectly totally normal. They are going about their own lives as you raised them to do so well. Now you want to celebrate all together. Are both kids on board with this? We did a trip like that the year my daughter graduated from high school and my son had finished his first year of college. Everyone has been so busy since that it would have been a nightmare to schedule. So get them somewhere special and have a wonderful time!

I wouldn't phrase it as the "last" family vacation b/c it sounds a little "doom-and-gloom", but I think what you may be looking to do is acknowledge as a family that you are now a family of adults!

This is totally normal, by the way. When my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, we went on a cruise as a family for essentially the same reason... youngest was a senior and I was finishing graduate school. Before I got married, my mom insisted that we go on a "girls trip"- mom and the three of us before my wedding. She knew from her own experiences that once you have the "wife" and "mother" title, the relationships and dynamics change. She wanted to capture the "daughters" dynamic one last time, just like she wanted to capture the "parents and kids" dynamic one last time before we "moved out" and got jobs!

It does not have to be last, it will probably just be a while till the next one.. And will be a little harder to plan since everyone is now an adult..

Just be sure you include the kids on the dates, because they probably have plans of their own..

Absolutely. I have been wanting to take a family vacation myself but it has been out of our budget. My son graduated from highschool last year and then we have a 22 month old daughter. You never know if the opportunity for a "family vacation" will come up again so might as well take advantage :)

You're a mom on the edge of empty nest. Whatever you want it perfectly normal!
In order to get your husband on board, you have to figure out what is it that he objects too? Is he so ready for couple time that he doesn't get why you aren't? Or is he feeling jinxed by the idea of a "last" family vacation? You have to target his hesitation to know how to work with it.

You might want want to explain to your hubby that while this isn't the "last" family vacation per say, it is going to be the last while your kids are still 'kids' (One living with you, and don't have families of their own yet) Tell him that now they are all going to be starting their own lives, and you want to do this before it gets too hectic. I can't say I blame you.

I will feel exactly like you when my boys are the ages of your children. Hopefully once you are on your vacation your husband will see how special it is and will begin to understand. I hope you have a wonderful time, and congratulations on raising such wonderful children!

For me (having been through that stage) this is PERFECTLY normal. But I'm not sure I can put into words why it was important to me, too. And even though my "baby" has been out of college for almost 6 years, I still want those family vacations every so often. Haven't succeeded yet, but still trying. Glad you are wise enough to be preparing for the "empty nest" part of your life. Best wishes.

I felt the same way but never took the trip-focused instead on doing small day trips.
But I kept thinking the entire year: last Christmas at home, Easter, Bday, etc. And sure enough Christmas was different-my college kid stayed away longer to work and younger kid spent more time with friends-no more making crafts at home, baking together, etc.

I don't see anything wrong with it and why would it be the last. Concentrate on having a family vacation and not the last one maybe that is why your hubby is confused.

It's okay to feel obsessed, it will pass. It's your way of coping with the change that is about to happen. Hands down, no question, this vacation must happen. You'll regret it. Start planning it now, even if no one wants to help you. They will thank you later. Take advantage of a travel agent to make it easier on you.

Sounds perfectly "normal" to me! It won't be your "last" vacation with them though, it'll just be "different" now. You'll have to get more creative, do things when they can, be more flexible. Good friends of mine meet their adult children on Christmas evening, EVERY Christmas evening in Aspen for a week of snow skiing. It now includes, daughters-in-law, grandkids, friends etc. No, it may never be the same but it can still be great. Good luck and thank you and your kids for the sacrifice you guys are making for our country. God bless you all!!!

I totally understand your point of view. Go for it and have a blast! Next time you get the chance will probably be when your babies are married and have babies of their own. And who knows then if you be able to work both of your kids into one trip or have to take separate vacations with each of their own families.

Your kids nor husband may not appreciate it right now, but they will in the future.

It will be your last vacation with your "kids." The next one will be with your grown up children. I totally understand your feelings. It is hard to watch them fly from the nest even with preparation. I hope you have a blast on your vacation and take lots of pictures. cb