Anonymous wrote:My kids are older teens. My brother's kids are 3 & 1. My SIL's siblings also all have multiple little kids, baby - age 5, very busy kids a little on the wild side.
It's my niece's 4th birthday and we are invited. Party is a 4 hour drive away.
My kids don't want to go, and I am traveling for work the week prior and it will be harried to get there. It will have to be a quick trip due to work.
If we go, we made the appearance, but mostly will just be me and my kids sitting together & snapping a few pics of my niece (its a disney princess party).
My kids want to go another weekend instead where we can actually just spend time with them and celebrate my niece's birthday then, and stay a few nights.
FWIW my niece won't notice we're not there or question it.
How much does this stuff matter to most people? It never bothered me or my friend group when my kids were little, but idk.
I don't know why you are making something that isn't a problem into one. How nice to be included and invited! Just say you can't come but, would love to celebrate with your niece another weekend. You can either send a present ahead of time or bring one.
I wish I had these problems!