Brian, many companies, especially financial institutions, make vacations mandatory so they can discover negative issues involving employees. Very difficult to find errors and worse when individuals forfeit vacations. When a key employee is willing and anxious to take a vacation they are usually willing to have their work scrutinized. Obviously you have played it straight. The idea that your family suggests that you go on vacation kind of suggests to me feel they are taking you for granted. I think you ought to make yourself visits more scarce and less regular. Maybe they will appreciate you more. Take a vacation from your vacation. I wish my kids lived by. Good and thought provoking story.