Months ago I was asked to "hold the date" for a lunch with friends of ours (& their family and other friends) to celebrate their pfb's birthday. I said that we'd love to come, and genuinely meant it, they're lovely people and we enjoy their company.
A week or so ago an email came round with all the lunch details on, where and when etc. but the venue has (for good reason) changed. This change means that rather than it being an hour drive each way for a 2 hour lunch, it's more likely to be a 4 hour return trip (2 hrs each way).
The idea of two hours in a hot car with my two dc (both under 4yrs) to then try and contain their energy for a further 2 hour lunch and then another 2 hour return journey just didn't seem worth it (though usually I'm one of those who would always make the effort) so I've apologised, explained why we won't be going and said let's meet up at another time instead.
Now I'm feeling a complete cow and am wondering if I've done the right thing? So MN jury, AIBU to blow this lunch out because I think it's going to be stressful and not-much-fun-at-all??
Oh, and just so i'm not stealth posting, the new venue is in a location that doesn't have much nearby in the way of kids entertainment, so it would be difficult to go early/stay late and run the kids energy off before/after the meal. Also my DH has been working away at recently, so he's not keen on long journeys at the weekend, especially ones that will inhibit his time to play with the kids.