Played a blinder

I agree -crowd control and health and safety! I still have flashbacks to seeing children being emitted at high speed from the bouncy castle at last years do! Fortunately they just tended to pick themselves up and jump back in. Kids were being pinged out all afternoon. I thought I'd need an ambulance on speed dial. Luckily all was well. A conjurer this year I gather -phew!

"Crowd control", Polly , I know what you mean!!

grannyqueenie I have four and it can be difficult. We had to be here for a christening for one of them, so missing the birthday of another just couldn't be avoided.

My DGD won't be devastated. We'll see her before we go and she'll get her presents. On the day of her party she'll be so busy with all the little friends she has coming, she won't even notice I'm not there.

I spend more time with her than two of them, which live a long drive away. Actually, I don't feel guilty at all and I rather think my attendance at the party would have been needed as crowd control rather than quality time with my DGD.

My DIL has enlisted the help of friends to help out, so no one is put out.

I've got 8 grandchildren, if I avoided being away for every one of their birthdays as well as juggling both our commitments related to our interests and voluntary work we would never get a weekend away never mind a holiday! I've happily attended and helped at parties in the past and I do love seeing them on our around a birthday and I think they enjoy it too 'cos of the lovely presents of course but if it doesn't work out that way so be it and certainly no one will be "devastated"! Enjoy a guilt free holiday, polly

I couldn't do it. My Grandaughter especially, would be devastated.

I dont think you should feel guilty if you don't want to go to her party.

I'm the other way , I love going. My Mum always helped out when my girls were little and I do now for my grandchildren. Its only as chaotic as you allow it to be {smile] but its horses for courses. No point in going if you dont want to.

Enjoy your holiday !!

I wouldn't feel bad about it at all. I'm sure there'll be someone to help out with the party. As you say you've done it all before. Go on your holiday guilt free and enjoy it. You can always ring your DGD on the day and wish her Happy Birthday. Have a marvellous time!

DGD will be able to tell you about her party and you will be able to tell her about your holiday - win win !

Thank you Alima. That's hilarious janeainsworth.

My mum helped once at one of our parties.
She wrapped up the parcel for Pass the Parcel.
She put so much sellotape round each layer the children couldn't actually open it

No you are not! Have a wonderful holiday, you have earned it. DGD will be able to tell you all about her party when you get home.