Help - what did I get myself into

[sarahandeddie]

My SIL (as in DH's sister) was supposed to come visit last night with her 3 kids. They live about an hour away so they were going to stay the night. I wasn't thrilled with the idea but felt I could deal with it. She then calls and asks if she can bring 3 other kids with her. Somehow she had to watch 11 year old twins and a 20 year old special needs man. I was taken totally off guard but was able to politely say I didn't think it would work. DH worked last night and has to work tonight so there is no way we could have 5 extra kids in the house and him get proper sleep.

She then says that they will come tonight and spend NYE with us. I had planned to take the girls out to dinner and either a movie or bowling. I then planned on snuggling in bed, eating snacks and watching all the NYE festivities on tv until we fell asleep.

We won't be able to do any of that now. SIL won't be able to spend money like that. So now I have to think of activities to entertain my 2 kids and her 3 kids. What in the world am I going to do with them? What am I going to feed them? Any and all suggestions are welcome. I'm desperate!

[jodielyn10]

Ummm...I would tell her that you already have NYE plans and she should have checked with you further in advance. May sound harsh, but my dad has tried to pull last minute visits with me and my brother before and we finally just had to lay down the law and say no.

[sarahandeddie]

Normally I would tell her we already had plans but we had to cancel our family Christmas get together because of weather. The kids are so excited to see each other. I think we're just going to order pizza but I need to make some snacks. Hopefully we have enough games and toys to keep them entertained.

[somethingcleverer]

Nachos and board games?

[jodielyn10]

Oh, well yeah, I guess that makes more sense if you've already had to cancel plans.

Our go-to "fun" activity for like a rainy day and we're stuck inside or something is to get a new movie from Redbox or On Demand and pop popcorn. My kids find popcorn to be thrilling for some reason.

[junkytrunk]

You could make pizza. It's a fun activity and then you also get the food at the end.

[jodielyn10]

Yes! junkytrunk, This is a favorite my house too...I always do this when my dad comes for a visit to eat up the time and lessen the endless stories about his C Pap machine.

[xanthepants]

They could make a fort in the dining room with blankets, camp out in the family room and have a sleep over with sleeping bags after the movie (might be more trouble than worth). Popcorn is always a hit too. I'm sure just getting to play with new toys is enough too.

[sarahandeddie]

Those are all great ideas. My kids are easy to please but the nieces aren't. My girls did just get a fort making thing. I'm headed to the grocery store and red box. Hopefully SIL and I can survive the night. She is very nice but the only thing we have in common is being a mom and DH.

[bliz1712]

I would ask your SIL to maybe bring some games or things to occupy the 11 year olds. They might be the ones that are the hardest to please. But if you have some older or adult games they might like it. Even just a deck of cards. But they might understand monopoly, racko, skipbo, etc. For the younger kids you could do a pillow fight. Also, sometimes we play a game that the kids just get a kick out of. We take a bigger candy like M&M's and throw 5-6 up in the air and they just love trying to find them. It's so simple yet they get such a thrill out of it. If you're really creative you could maybe do a scavenger hunt also.

[aylafsu1881]

I would be annoyed and probably tell her it won't work. I would not want to deal with the three extra kids she is bringing in addition to her own. However, it sounds like you do want the kids to get together since you had to cancel Christmas. What about decorating cookies or cupcakes? Or renting a fun movie?

[aimeefarrahfowler]

How old are her 3 kids? Play doh or some new coloring books and crayons could keep them occupied for some time.

I'd stick mostly to snacks that are not too sweet to keep them from getting to hyped up and crazy. String cheese, Goldfish, carrots & hummus, popcorn etc.

[sarahandeddie]

Now her oldest has decided to go with her bio dad (crazy drama there) so it will just be SIL and her 18m old and 5yr old. I've decided to take them to a pizza place that has a giant play area and arcade. I'm making non spicy wings, veggies and dip, apple slices and toffee dip, rice Krispy treats, buffalo chicken dip and chips and cheese dip. All the left overs will be for DH and our family to snack on tomorrow.

When we get home I've got the kid version of twister, doc mcstuffins operation and a few other games. I also just found out Disney world live streams their fireworks if the kids manage to make it that late (I doubt mine will).

I'm kind of glad the older niece isn't coming. She's the type of kid that nothing impresses her or is good enough and she's only 7! The 5yr old is super sweet.