I can just imagine the good time you must have had Glenda! I never did the spring break thing when I was younger, but now it's part of my job. I'm responsible for promotions at three different spring break locations, Panama City Beach, South Padre Island and Key West. It's crazy!!! We'll be at PCB & SPI for two full weeks and KW one week. PCB is definitely THE breakers location of choice in the US! It'll keep me on my toes for the next six weeks. Those kids can get pretty wild. ~Betsy

liesbeth, I agree with you and the others, but in reality, I'm not the one holding the cards. I am, after all (and lest we be reminded by some here), just the stepmom. It's really up to DH to get this one solved. I am happy to search for/book flights, etc. But I'll wait for the "go ahead" to book anything. I've suggested letting BM book the last couple flights. DH doesn't like to rock the boat. Also, and I agree with this, if we let her book the flights, we are at her mercy. When SD lived w/BM, she would book her into an airport 2-3 hours from here...every single time. We have an airport 10 minutes from our house. Granted, the airfares are a bit more expensive, but still. And although it's tempting to do the same thing to BM now that SD lives here, it's really not necessary. Nevermind the fact that SD hates long drives after getting off a plane. So, at present we have 2 options that I like: 1. Book her to and from Atlanta, allowing the 1 week visit. This will thoroughly piss her mom off, though, because she wants more time with her and she will be coming back before break is completely finished. She will still get her week, though. 2. Book her one way from Atlanta and let BM book the return flight. If we do this, SD will likely not be back home in time for her Forensics practice or volleyball conditioning. She will very likely fly SD into an airport more than 2 hours from us, and we will have no control/recourse. But BM would probably like this option better, and we'd certainly be seen as "being flexible". The option I don't like: Book SD's flights out of here before we leave for FL, and schedule her return for when we return. This will give her more time w/Mom, but cost us $300 more. Granted, in theory it would only be $150 more, but clearly BM cannot be counted on to send her portion of expenses. Other ideas? I'm running out of witty repartee or ideas to give DH.

The comment about being laid back eases children is especially true for me and DH. Everybody tells us how our son is 'the best baby' 'so well behaved' 'so happy and smiley' and I think that is all because we are very laid back. I am thinking that SD is picking up on that and is acting much like her brother. I had a small talk with SD last night about going to sleep and how we really wanted her to try to stay in bed. I explained that I know it can be scary in a different place but that if any bad things were in there they would have already gotten her brother (they share a room right now while we are in a small home). Then she said how she misses her baby sister and her mom, so I told her that it is ok to miss them and they miss her too. She ended up going to bed, never once got out of bed and had a deeper sleep than the other two nights. so Dh is blowing off missing school as 'not a big deal'. I dont think he realizes that kindergarden has changed since we were in that grade and they actually learn stuff there now instead of just playing. I am helping her read some of her brother's baby books to try to make up for the loss but I really wish she was in school :\ Aside from all of that, my general opinion of a couple of the BM's on here is that they are internet trolls (troll meaning they scour the forums looking for someone to beat up on) that never really or at least rarely have anything constructive to say. You get those types everywhere so I just ignore them. :) She is in kindergarden

Thanks for the replies! Tina - DH vetoed Myrtle Beach since it is a âÂÂspring breakâ destination. Leery of the party scene with the kids. Charleston is interesting. IâÂÂll add that to my list of places to check out. Mtn, ded, gscience - Our boys love the indoor water parks. We actually go a few times a year for a day trip. Wherever we decide to go for this trip IâÂÂm sure an indoor water park will be visited for a day. Ded - IâÂÂll sound like a fuddy-duddy, but I have ZERO interest in flying at this point. I always say that we will take a flying vacation when all of the kids are big enough to carry their own suitcases! ï Joanie - WeâÂÂve done longer road trips when our older kids were little. Yes, it does take longer but we survived. I think as long as we are expecting extra pit stops it is more acceptable. Outside, rnmom - IâÂÂve been to the shores of Alabama and Destin, years ago. Destin may be out because of âÂÂspring breakâ but IâÂÂll check into it. Msmagoo - WeâÂÂll save the Outer Banks for another year, when we can get away in the summer. Thanks. Anyone been to Branson, MO? It looks like there is A LOT to do there. I may have to give up on the outdoor swimming, but if there are lots of other activities IâÂÂm sure our kids will be happy with inside swimming too!