My husband and I have been married many, many years and now have a 2 1/2 year old We were high school sweethearts, married just before beginning College, so needless to say, the 1st few years of our lives together started out very hectic. Then, of course, we went on to be full time + employees working to pay off student loans among every other debtor one acquires when getting married.

Long story short, we had a rough start money wise and an even tougher time seeing each other with all the hours we were working, etc. It just didn't happen! Money was so tight back then that we didn't even have a honeymoon. Our wedding consisted of about 15 people (our choice), in my small childhood Baptist Church. Then, the reception was held at our good friends house a few miles down the road. Our "honeymoon" was a 2 night stay at a hotel in Downtown Charleston, SC (about 5 miles from our apartment).

Don't get me wrong! I have very fond memories of our wedding and honeymoon. It was a very small affair all around, but big in our hearts. He was (and still is 13 years later) the love of my life and I wouldn't change a thing, if given the opportunity. I think we were as close then and now due to the fact that we struggled so much in the beginning. Times were tough and money was tougher. But, as undoubtedly sappy as this next part sounds, love brought us through many sleepless nights after yet another 14 hour day when the paychecks were a week away and we didn't know where the money was going to come from.

Anyway, fast forward...

We still work many long hours. Both of our careers demand it and that is just the way it is. We've, certainly, all these years later have gotten used to coming and going like we do. The difference is now, we have a 2 1/2 year old. He is an absolute joy to all of us.

Well, a week or so ago, it came time to pass around the 2008 vacation calendar at work for us to pick which weeks we want off. Both my husband and I rarely take time off due to the nature of our jobs. However, this time when it came around I got to thinking.

We have never been anywhere to speak of, just my husband, baby and I. The only "vacation" we get is when we're evacuating for a Hurricane, ha! Not much of a vacation when you're stuck in a hotel room not knowing if you're going to come home to a house or a job.

So, I immediately called my husband and told him of my thoughts on taking a family vacation. Actually taking some time off (together), taking the baby and just going somewhere. I wasn't sure what his thoughts would be because like I said, we just don't "get out". He has somewhere in the neighborhood of 200+ annual leave hours accrued and I have a few myself.

He was very "on board" with the idea! So, I quickly collaborated on the weeks I had available, and we chose our son's birthday week. (the 3rd week in April) I put my request in and he did the same. Both APPROVED! Yes! I am very excited! So now it's all plans ahead and we're stuck with where to go.

ANY ideas? We live in Charleston, SC and ideally would like somewhere we can drive to. Both my husband and I love to drive so that won't be an issue. Plus, we figure that with the cost of airfare that would save us a little more money to have fun with. Although, we will have to factor in the cost of gas. If it gets as bad as "they" say it will, then it might not be worth driving. Especially since the car we would take is my big SUV. Gas saver it is not.

I am open to any suggestions. I have considered Disney World. I think our baby would love it. We took him to the local fair when he was barely a year old and he still talks about it. He has a very good memory and enjoys things that most I've talked to, with the same age children, say their's don't "get" yet. Plus, he loves the Disney characters and I know my husband and I would enjoy it as well. So, that is one idea.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to all your wonderful ideas!

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~ Wife to my loving husband Brian and Proud mama to Logan!! ~ Aunt B. to my precious nephew and niece Simon and Alicia! ~

I know that this is too 'touristy' but have you tried Disneyworld? We have been no less than 15 times (helps living only 3.5 hours away) and we started when the kids were wee tots... and they LOVED it. I am 'thinking' that if you do what we do (stay at a cheap hotel off of disney property, that serves a free cont. breakfast) eat one good meal in the park (there are several buffett typish places in each park) then a cheap mcd's meal on the ride back to the hotel then you can do it for super duper cheap. I think our first vacation we only had less than $500 and did TONS of stuff. PLUS if you are in the mood to do a '90 minute' visit to a local time share they give tickets at superbly discounted prices... just some thoughts... if you decide to go there them pM me I can give you a lot of the do's and don'ts of the parks...

I agree with Disneyworld.

We are finally taking a family vacation (our son is 11 and this will be our first one) and we are biting the bullet and going from WA to CA so we can do the Disneyland thing. Airplane, hotel, the whole shebang. We are planning a 4-5 night vacation next year, probably (gasp!) in July 08.

I agree 100 % with DisneyWorld!
At 2 1/2 your son probably won't remember the trip but he will have a WONDERFUL time!!!!!
And if you have never been there and get to see it the first time thru the eyes of a child it will be so magical!
Take LOTS of pictures wherever you decide to go.
Stay at one of the on site hotels and you won't regret it.
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We made our first WDW trip when DS2 was about the same age as your DS. He enjoyed it but he was also happy to play in the sand or wade in the pool at our resort....ride the monorail, ride the parking lot tram . He probably had as much fun out of the parks as in the parks. So my advice is go, but don't set a too agressive park/rides schedule. Leave time to relax and chill and really enjoy the family time that you don't get too often. Sometimes people come home from WDW needing a vacation and you probably don't want to do that!

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

I would say Disney World as well. I would even splurge and stay on sight. It's nice to be only a couple of mins. away from your hotel room, and great to come back and be able to just relax in the afternoon. There is just so much to do there with all of the parks-so don't forget to take some time to just relax! Have fun wherever you go.

What about a Disney Cruise? I understand they are great for families!

I agree with Disney. Your DS is at the perfect age to visit Minnie and the gang.

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Laura
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I so agree! I was 36 -- and had never been to Disneyworld -- when we wentdwith my 4 year old DD and we ALL had the time of our lives. "Magical" really is the word to describe it.

My vote would be for the Florida Keys! They are beautiful. Disney World is very expensive - and at 2 years old your child will never remember it . . .

Disney World is truly the "Happiest Place on Earth".

I have mixed feelings recommending Disney. We took our two daughters and the youngest was almost five at the time and although she had a good time, she has very little memory of the vacation. If I had it to do all over again, I would have waited until she was a little older. We have vacationed in many different locations over the years. One of our favorite places is Williamsburg, Virginia. Busch Gardens is our favorite theme park. There is so much to do in the area that you can keep busy for a week. It also was much cheaper than our Disney vacation.

We have never done a Disney vacation (I know - we should have, but the "kids' are now 22, 18 and almost 10 so maybe we'll go wth our future grandchildren!) but we did a 3 week trip out west to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, etc a few years ago. No, I am NOT recommending that with a 2 1/2 year old. BUT our daughter (the youngest) was only 4 1/2 at the time and she has very vivid memories of those three weeks because we often looked at pictures from our trip. Wherever you choose to go, take pictures to look at afterward with your son. That will help him to remember so much more!

Thank you all for your replies As far as I can see, it's Disney I will admit, I've wanted to go back since my first and only trip at 15!

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~ Wife to my loving husband Brian and Proud mama to Logan!! ~ Aunt B. to my precious nephew and niece Simon and Alicia! ~

Are you still on a real tight budget? I don't know if you would want to consider this, but if you decide to stay off-site, there are many time-share deals available. Like rooms for 19.99 a night if you go to a 2 hour time share presentation. Its a great deal if you have the time. (My husband and I are doing this for a trip in March-a 7 day cruise and then 5 days in Orlando)

I'm a carolina girl.. you have some of the most beautiful coastal waters a few hours from you... emerald isle north carolina.. some of the greenest water I have ever seen.

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