franticnana - I bet they didn't like to tell you in case you were upset, that's why they left it to the last minute. Your reaction is proving them right, too. And they all use mobile phones to communicate these days, it's the norm, so don't let that upset you. As other have said, things change all the time with children and, also as others have said, when they reach 12 or thereabouts you rarely see them at all and the next thing you get is an invitation to their wedding! It's sad, but it's life. Children do grow up. In fact, if they didn't, you'd have a lot more to worry about than you do now. Sorry to sound harsh but you mustn't let this get to you so much.