I grew up with no extended family nearby. My kids have family nearby and it feels a little stifling to me hat we are expected to spend so much time with my in laws.

I have great memories of weekend trips away with my family. Of going to the movies and taking walks in the woods. And playing with friends near my house. Thanksgiving with family friends. Lots of good times.

We spend the weekends just doing things ourselves. We have no family and no real good friends. We have friends in Columbia but we are not very close and they are busy doing activities with their school age kids and our kids are little.

Family time - just us
Friends
Faith Community - there is one for everyone

Lots of people around here in a similar type situation. Sometimes we have family visit us but generally we try and make a few friends. We also have some family away from family who invite us to things and that makes it nicer. When my mom does come to visit she remarks how nice it is that we have great neighbors and others who make her feel at home.