Dd going on a trip without us...wwyd?

[Celeste]

Ava (will be 6), my mom, and my sister all have bdays within a week of each other. We (us and my sister and bil) live in Florida, our parents are in Maine. My mom has this idea that it would be fun to have my sister and Ava fly up for a long weekend to celebrate their birthdays together. The trip would be a Thursday-Sunday in January. Ava would fly with my sister, who I completely trust. The cost isn't really a huge issue. We can afford the trip, but still...
Part of me says yes, send her & part of me is hesitant. Here are my reasons.

Why I say yes - Ava will get to spend time with my parents, who we only see twice a year; she will get to play in the snow, which she has been itching to do; she would be well taken care of and loved on; she is old enough that she will actually remember it; she is an easy traveller and sleeps fine away from home; she would be beyond thrilled to go

Reasons I say no - dealing with Faith's disappointment that only Ava is going; I will miss her!!; I am a little nervous to send her away...she's never been away without us before; even though we can afford it and it would be her bday present (and my mom's!) it will be in the $150 range for a weekend trip for a 6 year old

So...wwyd in my position? We are leaning towards yes, but need to decide for sure asap to get good ticket prices and so my parents can find snow clothes for her.

Update - tickets are bought! We're not telling her til her birthday in January. She is going to be so happy!

[luvsviola]

In a heartbeat. It will be a special trip. I'd let her go! She is going to make awesome memories.

[EmilytheStrange]

I think I would say yes. Only because your sister would be able to accompany her on the trip.

and I would try to make it a special weekend for Faith as well. Which, of course, adds to the cost and such...

I actually hate the idea of my child going away from me for a weekend at age 6, but given all the things you've said, it seems like something that I'd have to suck up and be okay with. DH is all the time talking about his wonderful summers living with aunts and uncles and grandparents and it kills me. I don't want my kid away from me all summer or even 2 weeks or whatever. I mean, I'm sure I'll get over it a bit when she's older. But he seems to think that experiences like this are essential for family relationships and happy childhoods.. so I'm trying to keep an open mind.

so yes, I lean towards yes. even though I totally understand the apprehension.

[geez0pete]

Absolutely let her go!

[monkeymama07]

I'd let her go. What a great expierence for her.

[lookatreestar]

Yes , the weekend is fine IMO

[tallanvor]

I would.

Also, make sure you send insurance information, shot record, and some sort of signed (preferably notarized) paper stating who has permission to take care of any necessary medical issues that arise. Hopefully it won't be needed, but at least it'll be there in case. Our kids have gone on trips with their grandparents probably 8+ times and this summer was the first time there was even a question of needing the information (ODD stabbed herself in the foot with a pitchfork). But, we always send it.

[CarrieMF]

Let her go. My kids have gone with their grandparents for 1-2 weeks from when they were 3.

Tell the younger dd that when she is 6 she will get to stay with grandma for the weekend too.

[Only]

I would let her go.

[Mom2Connor]

Yes, absolutely.