I'm disappointed

"...at least they're not suggesting that you cancel."

I was thinking this ^ exactly. And that, TG, they didn't wait till you were there to tell you! I would be disappointed, also, I like Halloween but I'm not into camping. But I would focus on the fact that I'm getting to spend time w/ DS and my GC and try to make the best of it, as some have suggested. I hope scribbles idea can work out for you. If not, I suggest just putting up w/ it all for the sake of enjoying DS and family.

Perhaps it will help to remind yourself you'll be at the comfort of your brother's after the weekend. And next time, please ask if they've checked their calendar before you actually book your trip, LOL. I know you shouldn't have to, but, IMO, it would be a good way to prevent this from happening again. Or try not to go there in October in the future, LOL!

lots of free stencils online

Oh, so that's how my nephew does such elaborate designs, I thought he was just very artistic!

Me, I just hack out some triangles for eyes, nose and a few teeth for a

Why not just embrace the whole thing and enjoy being with DC and GC.
Last Haloween GD came for a sleepover and arrived with an enormous pumpkin to carve, there was no way she could manage that herself so DH and I helped. We had a lot of fun and seeing her face when it was finished was lovely.

I couldn't do the camping bit but the idea of staying in a motel/hotel and joining in the fun with the family sounds great. Do you drive over there? Maybe if the campsite it away from the hotel you can hire a car for a couple of days and drive over?

It wouldn't be my first choice of how to spend a trip but I'd go for it. And you'd see more of them as they are off work (they might have been off anyway).

Paint on a smile and go determined to enjoy yourself.

Sometimes the unexpected can surprise us

I live in N.America. In my neighbourhood Halloween is a special time for families, friends and neighbours. It's about connecting with the community and having fun and it's for all ages. You could try your hand at pumpkin carving with the children. Lots of free stencils on line. Remember to take a costume... anything will do and have some fun.

Children, yogagran! Honestly they do leave you feeling peeved sometimes.
My daughter has done this kind of thing more than once! All you can do really is go with the flow and be happy. Make the most of it.

And next time get them to be absolutely sure they've checked the dates are ok. It'll be an experience You may enjoy it. Good luck!

Apparently there are 'Hallowe'en events' every weekend startkng in September and through October in Canada

Please don't let it come over here

It's only once, yogagran, next time you can go at another time of year
Sukhasana and calm meditation should help!

Does the campsite have motel-type rooms as well? We've stayed in a room on site when the family has camped.

I would still go but I suppose it depends on what the Hallowe'en activities are. In this country National Trust properties have pumpkin carving, paper lantern making etc which we have gone to with the DGC.
Surely all that trick or treating won't be happening until 31st October anyway?

You may enjoy it, seeing the children's excitement and helping them do crafts.

It's a long way to go for under a week!

Please stop being so miserable. The young family are including you. Stay in the trailer and enjoy the the pumkin carving and other things.
I would be delighted if my family invited me to a weekend like that.
Can't see at all why you are disappointed.

I have to admit I love the fall season. The air turns crisp, i get to wear my scarves and sweaters. Leaves turn and crunch under my feet when I walk. Root vegetables are in season to make yummy soups and comfort foods. Everyone puts put pumpkins and gourds for decoration. It kicks off the holiday season, big changes and excitement in the air. Halloween is a (small) fun part of it. Kids get dressed up, walk with their parents around the neighborhood trick-or-treating, meeting and greeting neighbors and friends.

It's my favorite season.

Yogagran, it's wonderful they want to include you on such a special family time. Perhaps take other posters advice and "grin through it". I'd advise against being grumpy or complaining. If you do find a hotel, be pleasant about it. Show you are excited to be included. Don't let on you are upset.

Keep it light and fun, you might surprise yourself and have a great time if you bring the right attitude.

Although I'm Canadian, I've never heard of Halloween camping event. At the beginning of the month, no less!

However, camping is a big part of many Canadian families, and some of the parks put on special events to entertain the campers. The weather will be cool at night, better to enjoy the evening huddled around the fire with a hot toddy! The leaves will be bearing their brilliant fall colours at that time of year. This may be an opportunity to experience something entirely new for you.
If your son has room for you to sleep, do consider it. You will enjoy the kids while they are having fun, and meet new people.
Also consider a nearby hotel and join the festivities for the daytime if there is no room for you in the family camper. Or you might be the coolest Granny ever if you rented an camper-van for the weekend and showed up to join them!

I'd be disappointed too, but I would 'adjust my expectations' and make my mind up to be happy (I really do think that sometimes that is a choice) - and therefore I would go with the flow.

... at least they're not suggesting that you cancel.

I think it's great you'll be with all the kids at such a special time, pack your outfit and go and enjoy, it's so nice they want you with them

Do you go via CDG? My daughter was at McMaster for a year, in Hamilton, and I decided to go over and surprise her. My husband had just died and I was still in a 'fog' and nervous of going to Toronto alone, but really enjoyed the stopover at CDG, such a peaceful airport. I only went for five days - I don't think I felt normal for about two weeks upon return! Cracked a tooth at the airport too, those skinny chips are rock hard sometimes!

Enjoy your trip whatever you decide

I can understand if mum and dad both work and the kids are at school that the Halloween trip with friends would be something all of them are looking forward to. It would be a shame to spoil their plans even if it is their mistake. Could you not grin and bear it just this once. It might be fun to see your grandchildren all excited. It’s only a couple of nights could you not cope and then catch up on some sleep when you get to your brothers? They obviously want you to be with them so why not give it a go

I hope you can find a nice hotel nearby.

Scribbles plan is good but have you seen where some of these campsites are in the US and Canada?
Miles and miles away from anything that resembles human habitation! Well lots of them anyway.

Wow! A month of Halloween!

I quite like it, but that’s mainly because it’s all over and done with in a day.

I think Scribbles plan sounds good, everyone should be happy with that.

I like scribbles idea best of all

summerlove that would be perfect but both parents are working full time & kids will be back at school so I wouldn't see much of them anyway

to "celebrate" what exactly? Devil worship?

I just don't get it.

Can you stay with your son when they get home from the weekend instead?

A month of Halloween? The mind boggles!
Is there somewhere you could stay close to but not at the camp site so you can have basic hotel comforts and food? Then you could spend some time each day with family without getting totally immersed in the Halloween nonsense. Not ideal, I know but it might help to salvage something from your trip.

I can see how you might be disappointed that your visit isn’t going to go like you expected.

However, try and focus on the positives. You son and his family want to spend time with you, have invited you to join what is obviously a fun family weekend and you still get to see them and your brother.

Win-win-win!

jane10 if you'd read my original post you'd see that my visit was early October. In fact I fly out on the 3rd of October