My mom had 4 siblings. One lived in town so when we went to see them, which was multiple times a year we had 6 additional adults and 7 kids, usually some cousins stayed over so a few times so could be 9 cousins. There were 4 bedrooms so parents got beds abs DC slept on blow up mattresses on the floor usually in the basement. We loved it! Now we travel home and all stay together at my parents in mush the same way. Not as much fun for DH who did not grow up this way but so worth it to see kids all playing together. People are so dramatic. You can do anything for a few days. It is worth the relationships.

Family members have *better* relationships when they are assured of some privacy. Hotel.

Can you take turns staying in hotels? One year you and your kid do, next year sibling does.

OP here. Lots of good insights and things to chew on. Like others have said, the hotel is a good alternative, but also has drawbacks, especially when the kids are younger. It sounds like once the kids get older, it becomes easier, as the kids can sleep on a couch in the living room.

The food issue is something that i hadn't thought of originally. When we visit, my parents will make a big, complex meal which will take hours, and we typically don't eat dinner until 8-8:30 pm, which I'm guessing will not fly with little kids.

*didn't know WHAT we allowed DC to eat. Lol