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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]First, I'd work at keeping expectations reasonable about what you will get out of this vacation.

Your DH should back you up when you don't want to go out to breakfast and go solo with the kids.  But do try to attend one day with the group, I'd aim for day 2.  You should definitely just tell DH you will need a BREAK and prep him for this ahead of time, and then do it.  Go to your room and take an extremely long shower, lie down and nap, read a book, listen to a podcast, whatever.

But you will not get an entire day alone.  And it is not reasonable to ditch the grandparents to have an outing/dinner with only our nuclear family.  If grandparents bow out of something, fine.  But you can not reasonably expect this.

I also would not plan to ever get to use the hot tub alone.

Focus on the fact that they are wonderful grandparents.  My inlaws drive me nuts too, but are also very good grandparents, and I survive by reading a good novel ALONE while they get some "no mom around" time with my kids.  It's a win win.  [/quote]
I know my MIL will expect/enjoy “alone time” without parents there, occasionally. I’m just hoping it’s more often than not! [/quote]

OP, are the kids excited about spending time with their grandparents? Prep them to maximize this time, including taking along special things that they can share together. Will your chalet have a kitchen? Let the kids beg grandma to bake with them and make sure they're set up with supplies to make her and their favorite. They like to go on nature walks with grandpa? Send them out with collection bags and lots of questions. (etc.) Echoing what other pps have suggested too - wouldn't it be fun if they had a movie night in with the kids while you two go out to a late dinner at a place with a menu the kids wouldn't enjoy but you'd love to try?

Be kind when you are bowing out - your situation sounds like those I'm often in. I love my ILs but they are larger than life and I am way more introverted and quiet. "You guys go have a great time, and let's go for a walk when you get back" is a tried and true one for me, along with "They are so glad to have the time with you, and I owe you bigtime for giving me time to grab a nap!"[/quote]

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