Note to my dad...

[MontrealMum]

Dear Dad - an electric guitar is not an appropriate gift for a 2 year old. Unless you want him to practice using it as a baseball bat against your glass table. Or your knees. And noone is going to be able to hear themselves think much less hold a conversation. Why do you think both mom and I suggested that you buy him a plastic or wooden boat? For the beach. Which you live on. Or the pool. That your complex has two of.

Arrrrrgh! Books, stuffed toys, blocks, a ball maybe? Why did these things not come to mind - they're what you see him play with at our house.

We haven't even left for our vacation and I'm already dreading having to spend some of those days visiting my dad who takes very little interest in DS most days, and when he is interested, refuses to believe that DS isn't a little adult.

We ended up cutting our trip short last year because my dad was such an a$$. I just want a quiet vacation w/o drama. Please.

[mommyp]

Oh goodness, that's practical. Here's hoping the trip goes smoothly, otherwise you're going to end up needing a vacation from your vacation!

[ha98ed14]

Oh, Molly. You deserve a nice, quiet holiday. Perhaps you can take heart that your Dad will only get better with DS as he grows older and more interesting to your Dad. It is the same with my FIL; he hasn't much to say until the kids are verbal and mobile. But I hope you get a nice, quiet holiday just the same!

ETA: Maybe on your visit next year when DS will be 3, you bring along the guitar and your gift to DS is a mega amp! Be sure to stay at your Dad's!

[niccig]

Sounds like a perfect gift to leave at Grandpa's for the next visit!

Or, one night the batteries disappear or then entire guitar disappears....

[ThreeofUs]

BWAHAHAHAHA!!! Next, tell him to buy a drum set for your DS; maybe he'll get something reasonable?

[sste]

I am becoming very skeptical about the extended family vacation . . . Just my own baggage, but I think that quality time with extended family is many wonderful (and not so wonderful) things, but it is NOT ime vacation-style "rest and relaxation."

I agree with pps about bringing the guitar along so your DC can entertain grandpa in person!

[MontrealMum]

Thanks guys!

We are actually not vacationing with my dad. We're renting a cottage with my mom - but this is a good thing, not a bad one - and we will be driving to visit my dad a few times at his place from there since it's not far. My parents are divorced and my mom refuses to have my dad visit at the cottage, which, after last year, is fine with me. Rather be able to just pick up and leave if it gets dicey!

My dad has gone on a bizarre carp-buying frenzy in anticipation of our visit. Nice sentiment, but all the stuff is either really junky, or completely age-inappropriate. And this is after he asked me to give him a list of suggestions. But, as you say, it can all stay at grandpa's!