Is this a Good or Bad Idea?

[hermione]

You guys know my mom watches C for us. She won't take money so I give nice gifts from C at Christmas.

Here's the back story to this: My mom's oldest sister died a long time ago. That sister had 5 daughters (my mom's nieces/my cousins). They all are now spread out all over the country. One of them has a son (my mom's great-nephew) who is getting married in January. It will be a small affair but we will be invited. All of those 5 sisters plus all of their kids will likely be there.

I know my mom would love to go but will not because of cost and because she is not well-traveled. I think she's traveled by plane twice. I want to offer to take her - My mom, me, and C could fly down and stay in hotel for two nights. C could meet all these family members, my mom and I could see everyone and meet my mom's great-great niece (The son getting married has a 9 month old)! My dad and husband will not really care about attending this event.

My mom will say it's too much money and too hard and blah blah blah - but it's not. I would pay for everything. Flights are very reasonable from Detroit to Houston and I can't imagine it will be too hard to find a decent enough hotel at an affordable rate. Should I gently push her to do this or do you think it somehow comes off badly that I'm not realizing?

Also, lest anyone think my mom is 90 because she has a great-great niece (lol), she's mid 60s - she herself became an aunt when she was 6 years old. Her oldest sister was almost 20 years older than her.

[krystee]

I love the idea!

[sjh722]

I think it's a great idea. How do you think she'd react if you just book the tickets and tell her, "surprise! C and I are so excited to go to Houston with you for cousin's wedding!" vs. asking?

I know with my ILs, they are always worried about the cost being too much and would never say they wanted to go, but would accept if you just bought it and gave it as a gift.

[auntie]

This is an amazing idea.

Present the trip as a chance to show off her grandbaby if she balks.

[hermione]

Oct 25, 2014 13:15:42 GMT -5 sjh722 said:

I think it's a great idea. How do you think she'd react if you just book the tickets and tell her, "surprise! C and I are so excited to go to Houston with you for cousin's wedding!" vs. asking?

I know with my ILs, they are always worried about the cost being too much and would never say they wanted to go, but would accept if you just bought it and gave it as a gift.

I thought about this but there is a small possibility that she has a really legitimate reason not to go. If I have to push I'm going to say I want Cassidy to meet everyone and she should be there for that.

[browneyedgirl9]

I think that is a really great idea

[noodleskooze]

Well, considering it is in Houston, my vote is GO if you can do a quick gtg

[chickadee77]

Love it!

[redpenmama]

I think it's a really nice gesture!

My mom doesn't like to travel either, so she would require some nudging as well. So, with that in mind, I would definitely approach her with the idea and get her to commit before making travel arrangements.

[djc315]

I think it's a fantastic idea!

[ssmjlm]

Perfect idea! I would just call it a girls trip and a chance to see family.

[zarapipe]

Go!

[dcn]

That is a wonderful idea!

[carolinagirl831]

I think it's a great idea. We did something similar for my parents who provide child care. We flew them to a family wedding in NYC. They graciously accepted.

[wavepool]

Great idea!

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[yellowbrkrd]

I think it's a great idea!

[spk926]

I think it's a fantastic idea!

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[indylady]

Do it! Opportunities like that do not come around often.

[barefootcontessa]

very thoughtful idea. hope it works.

[Deleted]

Sounds good to me!

[nomad]

I think it's very thoughtful

[usuallylurking]

You could also say that you wanted to take C but your H isn't too interested in going/can't get away from work/whatever and would LOVE if she could come along in case you need any extra help as a potential spin on getting her to agree to go?

[cece]

What an incredible gesture. Maybe letting her know how much you want to do this for her will help convince her if she needs it.

Perhaps a smidge manipulative but if she says its to expensive etc make it seem like she is helping you out. Maybe she would be more accepting if she feels she is helping.

Either way, love the idea and I hope it works out.