MIL wants us all (probably at least 14 adults and 6 kids) to go out to dinner (buffet style) for Thanksgiving. She wants for everyone to stay at a hotel on Thanksgiving and the Friday after too. That way we can all be together and than all the girls go shopping on Friday while the guys hang out and watch the kids. I am not sure right now what I think of the idea. I know that it does not get me out of cooking a turkey as I know my family will still insist on a turkey dinner. Any one else ever do anything like that??
She doesnt want anyone to spend a fortune on cooking a turkey dinner (by anyone it means me as I have done the last two turkey day years). But I know right now I would still spend on small fortune on drinks and food (drinks, lunch stuff, snacks) for the two days just for my family. And I know from experience that some of the other adults with or without kids do not have enough brains to pack their own coolers and I end up supplying drinks and food to everyone. I am suppose to call and get prices at the hotels and report back to her on Friday. Which I will do. I am kinda hoping that the rooms will cost way more than anyone wants to fork over. Oh well maybe if we do it, it will be fun.

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It sounds like it would be fun. At least a different change of pace then the normal. One year we picked up Rotessire Chicken from the grocery store for Thanksgiving and then went to St Pete Beach the next day for the weekend. It was a lot of fun. Maybe you could send out an email or something since it seems like you are part of the planning process saying something like we will go to dinner on Thanksgiving but make sure you remember to pack your coolers and bring snacks since there will not be snacks or drinks provided in the hotel room unless you want to pay for room service.