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Every year my husband takes a trip out of state with his best friend to a gaming convention. Yes, they’re both big nerds. Not Poker, we’re talking live action roll playing games, tote all your special rare cards and little men in a case with you kind of games. (I can smell the dorkiness from here.) Usually this trip lasts five days. Last summer, when my husband was gone, my son and I were pretty bored. So, when talk came around to him going again this summer, I told him not unless I get to take our son to Disneyland.

I LOVE Disneyland. You know the kind of person… They run screaming through the gates, taking pictures of everything… you think “Ok lady, calm down, it’s just a theme park!” Yeah, you’re saying that about me. We haven’t been there in three years and that’s just unacceptable to me! Since my son is now 14 ½ and is already hitting the age of not wanting to do anything in public with me, I thought it would be a fun last hurrah teen trip before I go the way of the Sesame Street Plushy.

Then… Nana butted in. My grandparents live a full days drive away in Oregon. Not somewhere nice, or close in Oregon, but the tip of Oregon that butts up against the North Pole. THAT far. It’s an ugly, sucky drive and we’ve only made it once in the three years they’ve lived there. Something she loves to bring up at every opportunity. (And yes, they did move there by choice. And yes, she did know about our Disney plans.)

Every summer my grandparents make the insane drive down to Sacramento to see us and my aunt for a few weeks. This summer my Nana wants to take my son back home with them for a few days. Shockingly enough, my son was game for this plan. (They treat him like royalty and he’s not stupid.) Plus, they do live near a beautiful beach (the whole reason they moved there in the first place). But I digress…

They want to take my son back with them, then I would come down in a few days time and the four of us would spend a few days together. Then my son and I would make the trek back home (with wolves nipping at our heels). Here’s the catch:

Problem #1) Safety. My grandparents have a very old car and my grandpa is also very old. I’m not excited about the thought of my only child being in the car with them on that far a road trip.

Problem #2) Chang of Plans. My husband’s friend can’t go on their trip together this year. Our backup plan was a FAMILY trip to Disneyland.

Problem #3) Cost. With the cost of gas, this trip to Oregon would REPLACE the trip to Disneyland. Even if I were to cut the visit short, just drive down, grab him and come back, that would be the cost of our plane tickets to LA.

See my issue? It’s Nana or Mickey, I can’t have both.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my grandparents. They are coming down for two weeks though. It’s not like we won’t get to see them! If however, I choose Disneyland over this extended family time, I will be seen as the worlds worst grandchild who picked Mickey over Nana (in my Nana’s eyes, and no, I’m not exaggerating).

My husband said “Why not just take them to Disneyland!?” Did I mention they’re old? They don’t like rides, or heat, or walking, or spending money, or flying? The only thing they do like, is us.

What do you all think? Input would be great. Should I blow off my grandparents, evil granddaughter thoughts be damned and savor this trip with my son? Or, should I suck it up and do what I know will make the two people who have always been there for me so happy (before they die). Ugh! I hate being in these positions.

By the way, if it were you all asking my opinion. I’d say go Disneyland! Hahaha.