OP here. To answer some of your questions... They're not abusive at all and really not awful either, but:

a) I just don't have much in common with them.
b) We did a long vacation with them a few months back and I feel like I got my fill then and am still kind of recovering.
c) Being at their house is worse than vacation because they are very particular about how everything is done and treat you like a 13 year old.

I'm still undecided but leaning towards not going. They know my work schedule and that I could make it, but I think it's fair to say I just need a break and am not up for the travel. Hopefully they'll understand and if not, oh well. My husband will likely get some crap from them but he understands where I'm coming from; he'd be disappointed but it wouldn't cause major issues in our relationship.

Anonymous wrote:It's a long weekend. It's family. If it's only once a year or so, I would go. That's what you sign up for when you get married.

(This does not apply if they are abusive to you or the kids or if your spouse is a jerk who treats you badly in front of IL's.)

+1

Tell us why they're so bad, OP.

Anonymous wrote:Tell your in laws you can't get off from work.
Problem solved! Enjoy your week of freedom.

+1000

If not going will create an issue between you and him, I would go. Especially since it's so infrequent. Assuming they aren't abusive to you or the kids, it's a display of good faith and committment to the marriage.

I join my DH for some things and not for others. For example, he loves to take our son camping, and he often includes his mother in those invitations. I despise both, so I never agree to go. Camping is bad, camping with his mother is horrible. Why torture myself?

Anonymous wrote:It's a long weekend. It's family. If it's only once a year or so, I would go. That's what you sign up for when you get married.

(This does not apply if they are abusive to you or the kids or if your spouse is a jerk who treats you badly in front of IL's.)

I didn't get the memo. I'm not going.

It's a long weekend. It's family. If it's only once a year or so, I would go. That's what you sign up for when you get married.

I guess you never learned that everything isn't all about you.

++2

Anonymous wrote:Tell your in laws you can't get off from work.
Problem solved! Enjoy your week of freedom.

Correction:

Tell your in laws you can't get off from work ( special project).
Problem solved! Enjoy your weekend of freedom.

It's a long weekend. It's family. If it's only once a year or so, I would go. That's what you sign up for when you get married.

(This does not apply if they are abusive to you or the kids or if your spouse is a jerk who treats you badly in front of IL's.)

Anonymous wrote:Tell your in laws you can't get off from work.
Problem solved! Enjoy your week of freedom.

+1

Tell your in laws you can't get off from work.
Problem solved! Enjoy your week of freedom.

Drink heavily, and toast to the fact that they live so far away. Mine live five minutes from me. There is no escape.

I'm facing a week-long trip this summer to my ILs. What will I do?

DRINK HEAVILY

DH is taking our two young kids across the country for a long weekend with his family. I don't want to go. Being with his parents isn't pleasant or relaxing for me and my life is already stressful enough with work and small kids; I don't see why I should voluntarily sign up for more stress if I don't have to. Them again, not going is going to create a thing with his parents not only for me but also for him. What would you do?