What to do with these guests?

[BluePony]

DH& I have 3DC, 9/7/3months. My parents are visiting this weekend(live other end of country) via public transport. We have a car but it’s a 5 seater. Weather says it’s going to rain the whole time. Where we live there isn’t anything to ‘do’, it’s just houses/schools/supermarkets/charity shops. Live about a 25 minute bus journey from a city but it’s mainly shops so not much to do other than look in shops. What will we do with them whilst they’re here? There’s no nice scenic walks here, we’d need to drive 30 minutes but we can’t fit everyone in the car, this is the main issue as they’re not bringing their car.

We do take DC to soft play/zoos regularly but they’re 30-60 minutes away and again, only have 5 seats. I didn’t realise they weren’t driving (they did last time) and they’ve booked their travel.

@BluePony how did your weekend go in the end?

@BiddyPopthe2ndthanks for asking ☺️ and @SteviesNicks. Sorry if I’ve missed anyone.

It was pretty full on. They didn’t want to stay inside for long and wanted days out. We went around the local area a few times but that’s all I could manage, I’m pretty sure they were disappointed.

Well if they were, it wasn’t your fault and they will know what to expect next time. Look after yourself, you did well.

Agreed. They should have brought their car, if they wanted to visit places. They clearly didn't think that through! Not your fault at all. Anyway the whole point of the visit was to visit their grandchildren! They'll know what to expect next time they don't bring their car!

You did your best, I’m not what they were expecting.

Thanks for the update @BluePony
I don't see how you could have done more than you did, so their disappointment is on them.
Honestly don't know what they were expecting then, if they know you have a 5 seater and there's 5 of you, and they preferred not to drive their own car.

Thanks for the update - I agree, they should have understood what was going to happen. But at least, now they know the reality and hopefully will either remember to drive on their next visit or adjust their expectations to family days at home and catching up with their relatives and deepening relationships with the next generation.

I would not give it too much headspace and simply chalk it up. It's very easy to forget just how full on it is with a very small baby and we are all guilty at some point of unrealistic expectations.

It might be worth following up to say how lovely it was to see them and spend time with them, but that you did feel that they were disappointed not to be able to do more. And that for next time, it would be good to talk about what people would like to do and manage expectations as while your 9 & 7 year old are well through the baby stage, you are back in the land of nappies and naps and with the toddler years coming you will be restricted in some activities. Welcome any time but please bring a car next time - since you don't drive, they may as well get used to the area. etc etc.