Am I a Stick in the Mud or Justified?

The other posters that suggested to start low key in a house or cabin by the lake or mountains had exactly my idea. Take the twins hiking and look at the leaves changing. And then come home and nap - in seperate rooms!

Good luck to you!
J.

Heather-
I am with you. Vacationing with little ones can be stressful. BUT if I don;t get away a few days a year I am a BEAST. So here is what we always did. We'd rent a beach house. The beach has a very calming effect. Staying in a house allows you elbow room and you can keep the kids on their schedules. Better still bring the grandparents, aunts, uncles, whoever. When the kids go to bed the adults can hang out and have a great time. Hang in there.

Do you watch Modern Family? The dad takes everyone to Hawaii. He asks his wife why she isn't having fun and being more spontaneous since they are on vacation. She says "I'm a SAHM travelling with kids. This isn't a vacation. This is a business trip!" I thought was hilarious.
That being said, I have 2 teenagers, a 3yr old and a 4 yr old. I have been scrimping ansd saving, and planning and dreaming of taking the to San Antonio to go to Sea World. I wanna get out of town. I wanna go somewhere and see something other than the grocery store. I want them to see something new. I can't wait to see the looks on thier little faces. It makes me happy just thinking that I get to do that for them. I have a lot of memories of family vacations and I want to give that to my kids.

You know why he wants to travel and you don't? Because he'll get to relax and have fun and YOU will be doing all the work. Men just aren't very realistic as to the amount of work we do on a normal day at home, let alone some place else. Having to pack it all, load it up, unload it, unpack it, pack it again...etc. all while taking care of little kids. My husband is the same way, he always wants to go and do. But the baby naps every few hours, he doesn't think about that. And we have to squeeze in meals. He doesn't think about that. Why? Because it's not his job. And apparently we're doing such a good job that they don't even realize it's being done. I choose to take it as a compliment. ha ha! I did let my husband talk me into a short little vacation (to Galveston) this summer and really, the only thing that made it fun for me was seeing my toddler so excited and happy, playing on the beach. THAT made all the work worthwhile. Good luck!

I wish my husband was more like yours... he's the stick in the mud around here. He can hardly relax enough to go on a weekend trip up North or take a day off work when our oldest has a day off school so we can do something fun.

Go for it mom, you will have your entire life to stay at home, but little ones grow fast and you need to enjoy their lives now. Don't stress, relax.

try a weekend close to home.. so you both can see how it goes.. it may be fine..it may be terrible.. lets see what happens.. but try a weekend.. and see..

Start out small and easier -a condo at the beach or a mountain house! That way you have more than one bedroom and a variety of activities. He could take the boys on a hike or to the beach while you hang by the pool with baby or you could all go play putt putt or out for ice cream -just leisurely things that are much easier! Wait a few years for Orlando. It's very expensive and at their ages none of them will remember any of it -or just very, very little.

I have insanely active kids, too, and we travel. But we travel on my terms (mostly!). By that, I mean that we stay either in suites or in vacation rentals, which can be rather inexpensive. That way, we have a refrigerator, the ability to cook our own meals, and separate spaces for living and sleeping. (I think that hotel rooms with multiple children at different stages can be heaven or can be hell. There really is no middle ground.)

My parents chose to not travel much when we were younger because we "wouldn't remember it." But those are almost the only memories I have of my childhood because they were out of the ordinary. It is really great to discover a new place, or bring the kids someplace special while they are young, just to see it through their eyes. But you also need someplace where you can be comfortable, the kids can rest, and you and your husband don't have to tiptoe with the lights off and be absolutely silent. You might want to check out these websites: www.vrbo.com or www.homeaway.com.

Good luck!

We just got back from a vacation to Breckenridge, CO with our 4 1/2 month old. (We live in CO so it was a drive, not fly, situation). Let me just say it was no vacation! We had a good time exploring the town and all that, but the baby is still the center of all things. His nap/feed schedule still ruled, and was actually more stressful than normal because of the new place, different setting etc. We love Orlando, but were actually just discussing how it will be YEARS before we attempt to go there with our son! It's just too hard with such a young one. I can sympathize with your husband, as I love traveling, but it will be a while before this family attempts another vacation together. :)

If you just can't wrap your brain around the idea, then stick to your guns or the trip will indeed me miserable! One idea that I'm not sure has come up yet, is what about a Disney Cruise? They have a lot of things for the kids to do and you don't have to be there for it (I'm pretty sure that 3 year old's can do the kids club without a parent present, but check into it to be sure... and the Disney Cruises/supervision with the children is FANTASTIC!). Then you, your husband and the little one can have a little more of a relaxing time. Everything else is also scheduled for you... dinner, etc. So, there is little to think about and plan for.

We have traveled the world with our children, now 5 and 6, since they where babies, and have loved every minute of it!!

Wow, girl! You are sooo justified. You have plenty of time to do traveling and wouldn't you want the kids to remember the trips you take. I have a great husband and he helps alot but when it comes to traveling, taking care of the kids almost always falls on me. I have to pack all their things not to mention when you have little ones you have to pack the whole house it seems. Try taking staycations. Do fun things in the area so you don't have to pack or sleep away.

We waited till our kids were 2 before we did "family vacations". We did travel with them to visit family for weekends and stuff, but as far as true vacation that we had to travel far for we waited.

Good luck!

I haven't read the other responses, but I just wanted to say that a vacation, especially with kids that young, is NOT a vacation for mom! If he insists, do a short trip first so that he can see first hand how difficult it is. Also, on this trip, leave him for an hour or more alone with the kids (spa sounds good!) and let him see first hand how difficult is it. Of course, don't do this during nap time, meal times work best :)

There will time for trips when they are older. My boys are 8 & 5 now and MUCH easier to take on trips. We really didn't do much until the youngest was 2+, but he has always been an easy traveler.

Hold your ground on this one sister!!

My son is also a typical, active little boy. We don't travel much, weekends away here and there, but I always loved going away with him. Yes, it was stressful in some ways, but more enjoyable than stressful, by far. That said, I only had one... If I were you, I would reconsider your position with some compromises, namely, a family suite that would give you a little more space to spread out, and better sleeping conditions. Reasonable sleep will go a long way to helping everyone have good time. And maybe shorter, closer trips while they are still this little, progressing to bigger, farther trips as they get older. By then, they'll know the drill.

I say go for it, with some parameters!!

Well, traveling can be stressful when you have young ones. But, we have done it and though we have some stressful moments, there are always lots of wonderful memories, and plenty of good times to bond as a family. They are young for only so long, and even young kids like to get out of the house and do fun things.

When the kids are older, they will have soccer practice, or summer camp, or boyfriends, or whatever else that will make it easier to say no.

If you can afford Orlando... and to fly, I say go for it! If it's a big expense though, and you have to drive, I would say wait a few years until the younger kids are a little older to enjoy it. Try going to vacations closer to home, or only one or two a year.

Even if you don't go on a big vacation, take them to Sea World, Sandy Lake, or Six Flags or to the zoo. Put the twins in a stroller and the baby in a baby stroller and you and your husband take turns switching strollers, while the 3 year old takes turns switching out sitting in the stroller with one of the 3 year olds.

You can make it work every one sleeping on one room. get a room with 2 beds, one for yo and one for the 3 kids and then have the baby sleep with you or in a crib (most hotels have travel cribs you can rent).

When we travel, my husband helps out plenty with the kids, sometimes, he even does more than me so I get a break too. Just talk about expectations and creating some sort of normalcy for naptimes and such.

Well, I've gotta say that I LOVE to travel, so my response is definitely FOR traveling. When my first was 7 weeks old we went on a 14 hr trip (one way) from NM to Ca, and when my youngest was 2 weeks (older were 3 yrs, 4 yrs, and 9 yrs) we drove to NM fro Ohio, 24 hrs one way...with LOTS of trips in between :) We always had a blast on all of our trips and I have never regretted a single one :)

HOWEVER, if you are not feeling up to it, it wouldn't be any fun for anybody, so it would probably be better to stay home and wait a few years until you feel more comfortable. I don't think there is any 'right' answer to these kinds of questions, because a lot of it is simply personal preference.

You need to lighten up and listen to your husband. He needs this. He needs to take family trips with his wife and kids. Its not fair for you to say no just because you don't want to deal with the stress. Just tell him he'll make to make sure he helps out with the kids a lot during the trip.
Go, have a great time and be glad you have a husband who wants to do things with the family.

Hi Heather,
I think the answer is most likely somewhere in the middle. I only have O. son and I remember our first few annual vacations (the first when our son wwas 6 mos) feeling very "un-vacationy" to me! haha
With an infant--even a trip to the market feels impossible sometimes.
BUT, it might surprise you to try it, relax the schedules a bit, and see if it works. Maybe start with a small trip? I wouldn't do Orlando/Disney as a trial run though.

I tend to be like you - let's just stay HOME until they are older. However, I would talk to your husband about why he wants to get a away. We've "compromised a bit" and found places to stay closer to home. Since we live in Denver (Vail and other mountain towns are perfect) - no flying etc. We always get two adj rooms or rent a condo with two bedrooms. Maybe you can convince him to try it out for a night or two closer to home before spending the money to go so far if it's going to be exhausting etc. I think it's often better than we think and harder than they think! Good luck!

It is hard when you have a difference of opinion with your husband about something so happy. Can you compromise and find something that will satisfy you both?

I would personally be willing to get up and go anywhere, any time, even when mine were little, but I love to go places and I know that I would have help from my husband.

We like embassy suites and residence inns becasue we can have a bedroom, and then it is a vacation ;)

M.

I agree that it's stressful, but what day isn't with those ages? I say go! Make your hubby happy, just let him know that he'll be the one changing all the diapers. :)

I am sorry but I had to laugh when I read this because my husband and I have a similar problem. He gets these grand ideas in his head about these blissful family vacations and how the children will just have a fantastic time and will appreciate going - HA! I always think about how much work will go into getting everyone packed, dealing with the airport and the hotel, etc.

We've taken our kids to Sea World twice (it's a 3 hour drive) and we've gone to Galveston and stayed at the beach once (just a 1 hour drive). Each and every time, my husband ends up ticked off because the kids are fighting or are not as happy and appreciative of the opportunities available on the trip. He ALWAYS threatens to just come home early!

Anyway, if you have never done a family overnight in a hotel trip before, you might want to try something shorter closer to home. Your husband might be kidding himself about how "fun and relaxing" a trip like Orlando could be with the kids. There's nothing worse than spending a ton of money getting everyone to a destination only to have it end in tears and frustration. Find a fun destination that's only an hour or two drive away and see how it goes. You might be pleasantly surprised by the trip and want to try something bigger next time, or your husband might realize that it's a lot of work and that the kids just aren't ready yet.

FYI: We're planning on Disney World in Dec. 2011 (help me :-))

Good luck,
K.

I agree with you, it sounds like a ton of work to stay in Orlando. If he really wants to go somewhere I would suggest something a little quieter like a lakeside cabin or something where the kids can go swimming and stuff, your husband can take the boys out on a rowboat or something. Its hard to share one room with all of you, especially with a baby! My husband and I had to share a room with our 7 mo baby for a week in Maine, which was fine but he did wake up every time we went in there to go to bed. If my 2 yo had to sleep in there too it would have been a nightmare.

Sometimes you have to put your big plans on hold until your kids are just a little older. Chances are at this young they won't even remember going to these places. If you're hubby is like mine then he'll do absolutely nothing to help with the kids and just sit and relax while you run around like a maniac.

I know it sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but the memories are worth it too. I would suggest going to the beach perhaps or a lake somewhere, something that you all can do, not have to split up for rides, etc. Go to the zoo or an aquarium.

Maybe you can start out with a weekend away and build up to a week away, see how it goes, show him how much work kids can be. I have 5 and they are work every bit of work, but we didn't go on vacations when they were little, mostly due to finances, but just did family stuff together on weekend, etc.

And I agree with other posters here, get a place with a separate room for the kids, everyone sleeps better.

Tell him to wait a year or 2 becasue you feel like it is too much. Honestly your kids are young and you have plenty of time for the type of vacations your husband wants to take.

We took our kids to Disney while they were young but you have to plan and expect you will need to stop often, change and feed the baby and take turn on some of the rides. We loved going with our kids even while they were babies and we have 3 close in age.

I have a 4yr old and 3 month old baby...so I know how you feel. It's kindof a pain in the butt to travel (having to take the whole house basically) and finding things to entertain the 4yr old and still be ok for the baby.

My husband and I have travelled twice since I had the baby. First was to FL to my parents house (9hr drive) and the other time was a family vacation in another area of FL(3hr drive). We just compromised and realized that things were different and not as easy as it was with just one. It was a little stressful at time (can't have a new baby out at the beach all day and had to try to stick to schedules) but we still had a wonderful time and forged great memories.

It's really up to you...I don't think you're totally out of line since it can be stressful. I personally wouldn't want to travel very far (9hrs was seriously pushing it!).

I know you have so many responses so I'll try to keep my short....I live 20 miles from Disney and have annual passes so we go quite frequently. I have five year old twin boys and a twelve year old daughter. That being said, I would strongly encourage your husband to wait and save Disney for when the boys are a little bit older. Disney is a very expensive and very physical type of vacation. It is non-stop walking all day each day you are there. Being three, your boys will not be able to do a whole lot of the really fun rides and of course your husband would have to ride alone since you have to stay with the kids or vise versa. I'm all for a fun family vacation, but Disney is one of those that cost way too much money to not have everyone really enjoy it. Even at five my boys can't ride everything so one of us parents has to wait with them while the other rides with my daughter. It's ok since we live here and can come and go for a few hours here and there. OK, that's all the advice I had! ;-)

.

I love traveling, so i'm with your husband on this. Although, he could compromise and make it somewhere closer, start with just an overnight trip, bring someone along to help, get a room that adjoins to another room, etc. There are lots of things you can do to travel and make it easier on yourself, but you have to get out there and try it to know what would make it easier for your family.
Good luck.

I didn't read any of your responses, but I'd have to say, how do you expect them to be better travelers when they're older if they've never done it before?

That said...start slow.

Start with a day trip somewhere. Work up to an overnight. Once you know how your kids react to those things, you'll know how much more you can do.

Good luck!

I say go. Plan it out with fun things to do with the kids (I don't recommend Disney at their ages).

well maybe you could compromise and go on a short trip to start off - and of course if you are staying in a hotel, then you will have to sleep in the same room as your kids!

Wow--so many responses so quickly! But I have to add mine...

I am currently reading "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, and it's an awesome book! And your question totally relates to it. I would wonder if your husband's love language is quality time. He wants to spend time with you and the kids and make memories. The kids might not be old enough to remember, but he will.

It's an act of love to learn to "speak" your husband's love language even if it doesn't come naturally to you. Take some trips together, maybe starting small and working up to going to Orlando. He'll feel so loved, and you will later enjoy looking back on the memories together.

Oh, and don't wait for the kids to "get a little older"--there is always something that gets in the way--first they're too little and needy, then they're potty training, then the next baby is too little or potty training, then someone is in school..... Just start. We're been traveling since our babies were months old--now they are 7 and 9 and travel pros. (and they love their memories!)

I hear you about the stressful thing. I've made so many trips with my kids and husband that were stressful and way out of my natural comfort zone (we've gone tent camping 3 times now). But I've been learning that for these types of things, the stress is outweighed by the memories of family time. Unfortunately we will never get to make any more memories with Grandpa, and the ones we have are precious (even though at the time I didn't want the stress of going on those camping trips).

Blessings to you!

You could rent a condo with two separate bedrooms. That would give you some more room.

I personally think traveling is a lot of fun and it rejuvenates. We traveled all the time when our kids were younger and it is always a nice break from our regular routine.

The hardest part is always to get ready, especially the first time (as you travel more you get better at packing, getting ready, etc.). I usually have this "why are we doing this again" moment one or two days before we go. But once you are out of the house and you leave your neighborhood behind it starts to feel like an adventure and a potential for tons of fun. I really think you should give it a shot - even with the young children.

i don't blame you! that is a lot to deal with! but maybe you an try to compromise. but with them being so young i don't think it's a good idea to put them in a seperate room. but i do agree with Happymom, get a condo so that way they can be in the same house but you can do the seperate room thing! good luck.

I've done that, and it is crazy. The kids are exhausted and so are the parents. The tantrums, fights, and meltdowns are inevitable.

If you guys do decide to go anyway, I HIGHLY suggest that you rent a home with multiple bedrooms. 1. The kids can nap and go to bed at night on time. 2. You guys can still hang out in the family room and watch some tv and unwind at the end of the day. 3. You can play a day in the middle of your trip to stay at the house and relax and recoup. Most of the houses have pools, so that's a fun option. A great website is VRBO.com. We did this on our last trip to Disney and it made the trip bearable.
Something else to think about... How are you going to handle rides? If it's a 2 person ride (like Dumbo, Flying Carpets, etc) One of you can only take one twin, while the other stays with the other twin and the baby. That sounds like holy hell to me, not to mention have to wait in line twice!

hmmm.. it is a lot of work,and a lot of planning ahead but it can be great for the family just to get out of the house and for your husband who seems to really need the trip.if he is a hands on kind of dad then it would make the vacation much nicer. However if he is the type of guy not to do anything at all with the kids, then of course no.
so I would say yes try to go somewhere, the plane ride wont be as bad as you think, and at 3 year old it seems like your husband should be able to take the twins at least to a park, or play in the sand on the beach while you get a little breather. Of course if you stay in a hotel, go somewhere that you don't plan to go to the hotel expect for nighttime or baby's nap.
well if you travel go to a place where the kids can run around, swim and use that high energy. condo's are great. We went to florida and stayed in a condo that was much less expensive then disney resorts(not sure if that is your husband'splan) and it was great everyone had there own room.

It actually may be easier now then a year from now, since the baby is only 4 months old, and isn't running around or exploring to much yet, it is going to get harder.
what would be a good age? If you wait until your twins are 6 and your baby is 3 then you have to worry about avoiding school hours to vacation, and by then your husband may be going really stir crazy.

good luck with whatever decision you make.

Hi Heather, I'm with ya! It's no 'vacation' for YOU! Taking the show on the road with three kids three and under is a great deal of work! Will he compromise and go for day trips, or even just an overnight trip?! You know, even without TWIN THREE YEAR OLD BOYS (Good Lord!) just taking a four month old infant away from home for a week is very stressful! Yeah, can't say I blame you, jeesh!

Go ahead and travel with the family but you will be better served getting hubby ready.

When he has his days off from work, let him stay with the kids at least one day for at least half the day to begin. With this time you can have some valuable me time, shop uninterrupted or take a stroll in the quiet and peace of the world at large verses the excitement of your home life.

Once hubby has experienced the world of caring for 3 little ones under 4, he may have a better appreciation for you wanting to wait and you will have the comfort of knowing he is truly your partner in this.

Going to Orland would be better when the twins are 6 and the baby is 3. They will have more fun and more memories. Try making an alternate plan that you can actually do instead of just deferring to the stress. Label the stressers and find solutions to the stress. I hope this helps.

I guess it depends...does hubby work while you are home with the kids? I mean, does he get how much work and how much of a hassle they can be? If you have a discussion with him about this and what your concerns are, will he be willing to share the load?

I'll admit, I am a bit biased, but hubby and I tend to be travelers and "get out and do stuff" type people. Granted, we only have a 3 year old little girl and if we happen to take his boys along (now ages 16 and 17) they are a big help. I doubt the baby will get anything out of it, but I am of the opinion that children need the experiences that come from traveling and taking vacations and seeing and doing new things and places. It might not be much of a "vacation" for you, but think about what your children will get out of it. When I was 9 and my brother was 5, my dad took us on a 2-week road trip from our home near Detroit, to Toronto, Niagra Falls, Boston, Cape Cod, Newport RI, New York City, then back through Pennsylvania to visit family, then back home. The following year we did Washington DC, Daytona Beach, and Disneyworld. A few years later we flew to California.

So far my daughter has been on 3 plane rides, and has been on road trips to Myrtle Beach, Cape Cod twice, Block Island RI twice (annual time share vacation), northern Michigan (family) and Pennsylvania (family). I'd like to go to Chicago for a weekend next month if we can swing it. We are contemplating a trip to the Caribbean this winter. Also would like to do a ski trip up north this winter too and stay with friends. Eventually we will do Disney as well as others. I have to sometimes go to conferences for continuing ed for my job and I try to combine it with "family vacation" as much as I can.

You could probably do bigger trips when the kids are older but maybe consider smaller trips (2 days, 1 overnight, or a 3-day weekend) to closer places right now, just to give them the experience.

Im with him, but he can bend a bit on the length of time, and space provided.....compromise!

I think your hubs wants to get away and have a vacation with his family. I also think he is delusional on how easy it will be. All of you staying in the same room really isn't an issue as the kids are only 3 and 4 months you wouldn't want to be seperated. But if it bothers you can he compromise and get a suite where there are 2 BR's connected by a living space? Can you also say, I so get you want to go away and I would love to travel but it WON'T be a vacation for me because I will end up with the lion's share of caring for the kids and the only differnce for me will be location? At the same time changing location is enough for people to be more relaxed and maybe that is all he wants. I think you need to talk about it more and when you say Orlando do you mean Disney? I know a lot of posters here have taken their NB's and toddlers there and say they have a great time, I didn't take my son I felt it was a waist of money for something he wouldn't remember. Instead maybe can you go to the beach, the Keyes or the tropics where it is more laid back the kids have fun and all of you can breathe? IMO

If he can't help you during the day, then I'd say NO. If he can...it depends.

We travelled 2000 miles this summer with a 7 month old, 2 year old, and a 6 year old. We took our time, visited zoos and museums, and had a blast! We ALL slept in one room for most of a 2 week vacation. Our 2 oldest are HIGH energy, highly emotional kids. It definitely can be done.

That said, we're all ready used to sharing sleeping areas w/ the kids. We were ALL on vacation (so no leaving one parent w/ the kids all day). And my husband and I were BOTH in agreement that it was time to try. We also saw some family along the way, many of whom were eager to play w/ the kids, which took a lot of pressure off.

If it's too stressful for you to do this as your husband envisions it, and he's MAD at you about that - I'd ask how is HE planning to relieve your stress on this trip? : )

Family trips are a lot of work, but they are important to the family feeling like a family. Traveling with kids is always stressful so waiting a little while really won't make a big difference. Also traveling when they are smaller, you can start to teach them what behavior is expected. We take our kids (all four of them) to Japan every summer to visit the Grandparents. I always told them leading up to gettin on the plane, just before getting on the plane, and right after getting on the plane that they had to stay in their seats for a long time, when the light comes on the pilot says you must have your seat belt on, and they must be quiet and not disturb the other people on the plane. They also got new toys, coloring books, etc for the plane.

Sure, tell him you would LOVE to go..with the agreement he is in charge of the care and behaviors of the Twins..

He needs to make sure they get to sleep each night and he takes care of their behavior.. Remind him you just had a baby so your energy is not all the way back so you will need to focus on the baby..

You will help of course, but you cannot be charge of the boys and keeping therm under control.. He will need to be in charge of it..

Hi Heather,

Some family hotels have suites so your children will sleep in a separate room. Most include complimentary breakfast.

As long as your husband is in agreement that he will help take care of both kids, I would sure give it a try.

Many families can't afford to go on vacations and some husband's would go off on a fishing trip with his buddies if the wife thought he was nuts.

Blessings.....

I agree with you its can be very overwhelming with three young children. How about if you had your parents or in laws to come to help. They could be in charge of one the kids?? I would wait if I were you but.
I have been to Disney when my oldest was 5 yrs and my second was 6 mo old. BUT you have 3 kids very young. I didnt nurse so I had to bring the formula,diapers,strollers and clothes in stroller in case of diaper leaking. We went when my kids were 8 1/2yr, 4 1/2yrs and 2 1/2 but both times I had many extra hands to help me. My husband, my parents, my sister, my brother, my brother in law and my grandmom. They all are great with my kids.
I would wait. Instead maybe you could compromise and go to a hotel locally we did that. Make sure they have a pool. Or find a fun place to visit one hr or less away. That way your husband will feel he is getting away with his family but you won't be overwhelmed. Just stay 1-2 nights. Good luck.

We just have one son, and we didn't start taking him to the beach till he was 4 yrs old. If you can plan a trip for about 3 yrs from now (and some people make reservations for Disney years in advance), it should be a lot more fun.

Heather,
I am kind of in the same situation that you are, except I only have one, he has ADHD and an autism spectrum and I'm preggers, my husband just doesn't get it, he wants to go everywhere, and do everything, he was angry with me because I didnt want to go to Monterrey last weekend, and I was like "are you kidding me!!! have you seen the news!!!" and the week before that we ended up not going to the island because it took me forever to pack, and the kid won't sit still the hour trip to the island and will start crying like 30 mins into the trip and we would have to make a stop... well, you get the idea...
Anyway, I have to agree with you, besides I think your kids are too young to go to Orlando, I would take them when they are a bit older. Trips nearby are a challenge, but not impossible, I agree with Karen B. give your husband a chance to realize that taking 1 let alone 3 really is a challenge, but like I said nearby, that way he can try and relax and not shell out a ton of cash in a trip that might not be as memorable as he would expect.

Good Luck!!

If he's there for work, will he be helping with the kids at all? That would make a difference I would think. I think if work is paying for one hotel room for him, could you swing the difference to upgrade to a suite? We just took a five-day vacation to the beach with our 3.5-year-old and 15-month-old and we had a great time. We stayed in a cheap motel with a kitchenette and the most important thing we found was to BUY BREAKFAST THE NIGHT BEFORE and have it in the room. The other key was to have no agenda and not try to see or do too much.
That being said, I would not want to deal with 3 year old twins and a 4 month old by myself at Disney, so I can see where you're coming from. We did share a room with our kids, and we sat outside on the balcony when it was bedtime until they fell asleep. If you had a suite it might be easier to manage though, but we couldn't afford anything like that.
I think the beach is easier. The boys can wear themselves out in the sand, water, and sun, building castles, running in the shallow surf, and what have you, and I think it would be easier to keep track of them at a beach, even a busy one, than it would be in the crowds at Disney. ESPECIALLY if you are on your own.
What he needs to understand is that there won't be much, if any, couple time, especially if you are all in the same room. The "vacation" aspect for you is that you don't have to clean the house or be anywhere at any time, and for me that's a huge relief. If your older boys nap, make sure your room is close to the activities. Your baby can sleep in the stroller or on a towel under an umbrella in the sand and that's perfectly fine. Make sure your husband is willing to pull his own weight and I think you could all have a lot of fun.

If he will pack their bags, do all the dirty laundry when you get home, watch them so you can take naps and get up with them at night when their not sleeping because they are in an unfamiliar place....then go for it! Most likely this won't happen and you will do all of the work. You will need a vacation from your vacation. Wait until the kids are older!!!

i totally understand your trepidations, but, honestly, it's always gonna be hard, even when they get older - the issues are just different. i'd rather go now and have one that doesn't move around than in a year when he's all over the place too! it's very important for me that my kids get out and about and see that life isn't just in the city we live in. last may, we flew without our then 6 year old(who is autistic), 3 year old, and 10 week old from the dallas area to disneyland - to me, the in and out of the airport/security is the worst part. just plan for extra time to get thru security, and get a suite(we usually stat at embassy suites when we travel). you'll all survive it. just be sure that he understands that he will have to help ALOT on the trip.

Orlando means Disneyworld, right? I would say no to that too. You would be the one to stay with the baby while they run all over the place. I would pick a place that you would be willing to go, and let him know your "conditions" (but don't call them that). Let him know that you are willing to go to the coast, or some other relaxing type place without a "schedule", just to get away. But, if you go, you are going to need his help to wrangle the 4 year olds while you take care of the baby.

Last year my husband and I got to borrow a friends' cabin (LONG drive). There was nothing to do there but be together. It was great. My husband got to spend some quality time with my son, there were no phones or email. I got to drink wine (had just weaned), and we even danced.

I'm with you. Traveling with young children is just a chore. My husband wanted to do Disneyland when our kids were very young and I said they had to be potty trained first. By the time that happened (for both) we were too poor to be able to afford the trip. We didn't go to Disneyland (Anaheim) until they were 10 and 13 and it was PERFECT! We loved all the same rides and wanted to do all the same things. Traveling with kids who could carry their own luggage, didn't need car seats or diapers or bottles, could walk through the airport without holding hands, etc., really made the trip soooooooo much easier.

Now that my sons are older (12 and 16), we'll be white water rafting this summer, visiting colleges, and maybe in 2 years (for graduation) a trip to Hawaii. They'll be old enough to really appreciate and enjoy the memories. I can't wait...

Perhaps you and your husband could take day-cations with your kids, maybe to a local theme park, zoo, museum, etc. Be tourists in your own town, county or state. That might mollify him until you're more comfortable with long distance travel. (Or, he'll see what a chore it really is and back off!) Either way, the family wins!

Good luck!