DOVE FAMILY

Each year, my family (13 of us total) go on vacation together.  There have been a year or two were we skipped due to babies, money, schedules and work.  I love to hear the gasp from people or see how big their eyes get when I tell them that we went on vacation with 9 other people.  My family has done this for so long that it seems natural sometime after the holidays we start talking about our plans for the summer, we discuss if we are taking a vacation this summer, if each family is doing their own thing or if we are going on a big family vacation.  I don't know if these vacations will continue in the future as all of the kids get bigger and they may want or plan different things. As kids get older, they have summer jobs, boyfriends, girlfriends and extra curricular activities.   But for now, I am enjoying these family vacations and look forward to our next big vacation.  Whether its the beach, a local water-park, Disney World or just hanging by the pool- I love going on vacation with this crazy crew!

From someone who has done this before...
1. Know the people you are vacationing with!
2. Each family should respect one another's space- even if you are sharing a room with them.
3. Let each family do their own thing on the vacation so it feels like a vacation.

• If people want to sleep in- let them. 
•  If people want to go on a 5 mile hike- go at it.  
• If people want to site-see...have them take extra pictures for you!  

4.  Meet up for big dinners or meals so you can catch up on your day and talk about all the fun things happening on the vacation.  This is also a great way to save money if you are cooking or grilling.
5.  Let the kids play and be kids- swim at midnight, eat pizza at a crazy hour, stay up late and watch movies.
6.  Most of all- enjoy your vacation.  Even if you are there with 5, 7 or 10 other people, you need to relax, laugh, smile and enjoy.