So, DH has a family that does a big birthday on a monthly basis for everyone in that month...including cousins, great grands, aunts, great aunts, etc. You get it...20 plus people.

I have a small family and when I did live in their part of the country, which I do not currently, we just didn't get that into them unless it was a 40, or 50, or first, you know...special one. Yes, we acknowledge but it is not a big blow out.

On top if this I happen to be a shy person that would rather stuff toothpicks under my finger nails then go to a big social people event. I hate his side's parties and I only go to most of them to be kind to DH, but I deep down inside hate them. Boring...I could be cleaning my house or drinking a glass of wine (they don't evern do coffee so yep...tea total time).

On my side for 50 they all do a couples vacation. For mine, hubby didn't get it so I scheduled one with friend vs. end up at a big party (his dad's is same day as mine so that would trump mine off the map. Screw that I might want to pick for once!)

Long story short, his is coming up and I desided to die to self and do it his way by planning a picnic at a nice beach so kids could swim (oh, I forgot to mention it is over 7/5, busiest holiday of the summer). Due to date, logistics could be complex, I have to get there way early to reserve table, etc. since I am thinking the spot is non res. There is also food logistics, ect.

Well, low and behold, step daughter is leaving for home early as her hubby gets out of millitary but their lease is up so he is spending last two months with friend, she is flying home with 6 month old baby early, her plain is scheduled to arrive at around 02:00PM and she IM'ed me about surprising daddy on his b-day... all I can see is bad timing and crabby overtired baby. I asked if she could arrive earlier, did she already have ticket? and I got a

She could come home anytime and picks the afternoon in the middle of dad birthday to touch down. Oh joy, it is all about .... her? On his big 50? What on earth goes through their minds???

She could have come a day or two earlier and had baby already on schedule and happy but no...And, DH is the one who originally told me she comes home in June? She already told him but said June so it really was no total suprise.

So bummed that I am doing any of this and now an obsticle centered around princess and grand princess. I would rather do a vacation, any day of the year, with just us....