The kids got an invitation to a birthday party for one of our neighbors' sons who is turning 3. It was hand-delivered, and I immediately told the mom we could make it because I knew we were free. The kids are excited about the party.
Yesterday, I received another invitation for Hannah, and it's on the same day at the same time. Problem is, it is a small party of horse-riding and pizza for her best friend at school, with just the little girl's closest friends. Normally there would be no question and we'd go to the neighbor's party since we accepted the other invitation first--it's just good etiquette. But this is her closest friend with just 3 other guests besides Hannah, compared to a huge party at an indoor playground. (As an aside, Sam also got another invitation from a classmate for the same day and time, but he isn't super close with him, so he will still be going to our neighbor's party.)
I'm really conflicted. I haven't told Hannah about the invitation from her bff yet, but I know she'll most likely learn about it at school, and she'll be sad if she can't go.
WWYD? I know the etiquette lesson would be lost on a 4-year old, and all she would care about is missing the party.
Re: I need some advice re: RSVPing to parties
I was also going to suggest this. We invited the two boys that live next door to Rena's bday and they said they couldn't come since older boy's BFF was having his party at the same time. I had sent a save the date email so neighbors knew about Rena's party and told us initally that they could come. I guess the older boy really wanted to go to his BFF's party. I understood but I kept wondering why the dad couldn't bring the younger son to Rena's party (they're close in age). We're very close with these neighbors and see them a lot. Sorry to go off on my own story, but I agree about letting DH take Sam to the neighbor's party. They'll be glad at least one kiddo could attend.
This, I'd totally understand, especially since its your daughters BFF.
This is what I'd try for.
Pics by Fleurish Imagery
Well, to make matters worse, Sam really wants to go to his classmates' party which is on the same date at the same time. INSANITY! That makes it a lot harder when neither of the kids would be able to go. We can't let Hannah go to hers and not let Sam go to his.
I think what we've decided is that Sam will go to his classmate's party for an hour, then go to the neighbor's party, and Hannah will do the opposite. Ugh, I hate this. And I had a conversation with the mom-neighbor this morning, and let her know what we'd be doing, but I think I gave off the vibe that the kids weren't excited about going to her son's party, which isn't the case at all. Now I'm kicking myself. Here I am, trying not to offend her, and in the process, I think I offended her. She did say she understood and it was okay, but her facial expressions make me think she was disappointed. It was subtle, but it was there. But then again, maybe she just had a rough morning. Who knows.
I am so socially inept sometimes.