Grumble, grumble, grumble...

[OttawaWendy]

Originally Posted by Tammy

I agree Ottawamum that I need to let go of my guilt. I am trying to work on that! Thank you for your response.

You're welcome. But just to be clear, it was me, not OttawaMum. She's my wife. (and in our family lingo, she's "mum" and I'm "mom")

[suecait]

Oh Tammy I feel for you. I have always been amazed how you bring a friend along for your DD. the suggestions of making them help pay for it sound good. I guess I would ultimately suggest go with your gut. But also go with the cruise you want which is the Fantasy.

DD is an only child and I know she would love to bring a friend along on our trips. I have thought of the idea but just can't see us affording to pay for another child. I know DD would have an even better time with someone her age along. I would love it if in the future we could start doing this. But at this time when I start adding up airfare, park tickets and food I just can't imagine it.

I'm glad to here that the other family will be bringing Caroline along on one of their trips. I always had wondered about the other parent when you have mentioned this before.

Good luck with your decision.

[Grandbuddy]

On the Fantasy, won't there be a whole bunch of 15-year-olds?

[tammymacb]

Originally Posted by Grandbuddy

On the Fantasy, won't there be a whole bunch of 15-year-olds?

You would hope. I can tell you I'm hoping for the best with the new teen clubs because Caroline has never liked the kids activities on DCL.

[TriciaS]

Tammy, I feel for you! If your daughter is anything like my son I think you need to bring a friend. Whether right or wrong, and I know it would be a lesson in life about not always getting what you want, etc. but if I let him bring a friend in the past, then said no, you would be miserable the whole trip. He would not get past that and would not allow himself to have fun. When spending that kind of money, I think you would to make sure your daughter has fun.

[Kymm1111]

It's much easier to say than to do but I would ask her parents for money too. Also, I can't even fathom allowing my child to go on vacation with another family and not offering money.

[Beach Club Bum]

Why when I was a kid we went on a cruise every year and we never took our friends with us...and we liked it!. Things were tough back then.

[Deirdre]

Originally Posted by janet1106

I third Wendy and second KJJ.
Caroline and Lauren should chip in and the parents should pay the difference(especially since they can afford it). Since we all know there are lots of other expenses involved that you will have to pick up.
Since the trip isn't until June'13 tell Lauren to ask for Disney gift cards for gifts for birthdays and Christmas.

Brilliant !

Originally Posted by salmoneous

Note - Is there anything more fun than being child free and giving parenting advice? Everything is *so* simple from our standpoint.

Yea, I was a perfect parent before I had my kids too.
Teenagers fix that.

Originally Posted by disneystitch626

BTW - I have to ask the rather obvious question...what the heck are Lauren's parents doing that they would allow you to keep paying for trips for their daughter? Seems like they are taking advantage of your rather deep and generous pockets.

That is just wrong. Would you do the same if the position were reversed ?

My mantra is A parents job is to make themselves obsolete.
That is just what I would tell all involved. time to have the kids pay at least half fare.
I really feel your pain as my kids will be 33, 30 and 12 this year. The 12 y/o has grown up without his sibs in the house.
This will be the first year he gets to bring a friend. I'll take care of lodging, transportion and food. His friend can pay for his ticket and souvenirs.

[Deirdre]

Originally Posted by Beach Club Bum

Why when I was a kid we went on a cruise every year and we never took our friends with us...and we liked it!. Things were tough back then.

Against the current. Both ways !

I think part of the awkwardness is Tammy hasn't asked for $$ before.
Thats why I would start off with .... " Caroline is old enough to pay part
of her way on vacations so I hope you won't be offended if we ask ____
to pay half also " Or words to that effect.

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Originally Posted by Grandbuddy

On the Fantasy, won't there be a whole bunch of 15-year-olds?

Originally Posted by tammymacb

You would hope. I can tell you I'm hoping for the best with the new teen clubs because Caroline has never liked the kids activities on DCL.

I just read someone's trip report-gah, I'm so bad with names but Tigger is in their avatar and they're cool-but anyway, they had 14 year old twin daughters who made friends with other kids on the boat and had a blast.

So it might work out okay, but I know it's really hard to undo stuff you've already said you were going to do, or had done in the past (kids seem to have perfect memories for every thing you've ever said!).

DH thinks now in terms of "how much will this delay my retirement if I buy it?" He's literally not buying much these days, just so he can get that much closer to retirement-so I'm just sayin'...