AIBU to want my kids back??

[RoseNarene]

Just before Christmas my ex and I agreed at court to a child arrangement order whereby the kids (5 and 1) live with me roughly 65% of the time. The court order also stipulated Christmas arrangements as being shared 50/50, and were more specific for this Christmas - he was to have them from 9am Boxing Day and then I pick them up at 6pm on the 2nd January.

He has taken them to a holiday home in Wales and is demanding that I make the 5 hour journey to collect them on the 2nd. If I can't then he will bring them back on the 4th.

It may only seem like a couple of days but they have already been away from me for 7 days and my baby is only 1. This is all about control for him. He isn't technically breaking the court order because it says I have to collect them but it doesn't state a location, but we live 10 minutes from each other so the assumption would naturally be that I collect from his house.

What do I do?

Have you heard of "grey rock" responses, OP? Where your ex tries to goad you into a heated/emotional response, but you just react as though you were a lump of rock?
It's a good one to aim for.
Be civil so that he has no comeback - ignoring him entirely is still a response, as far as he's concerned, he knows he's getting to you. But aside from that, minimal words, no facial expressions, nothing - like a grey rock.

Sorry he's turned into the same sort of manipulative shitweasel that so many of them do - and hope you get the court order sorted asap.

Stay cool. Good luck with the job.

Excellent news!

How they can turn out like this with someone they were once supposed to love amd the children who should be the most important thing, I don't know.

well done op.your maturity,motherly love and composure have been amazing.one day your girls are going to look back at you and think wow.or from how they go on to live with know it in their hearts.your inspiring.truly.
remember all he does from now will be to get back at you.he will not like your calmness
.we've seen his form now,seen his game plan,tactics. but you've fought them all the way.youve won.keep winning.keep calm.dont let him win.you have like thousands mumsnetters now on your team willing you to come out of this the way it should be for your and your girls.so keep going.
I'm so sad that a father,a ex,a husband can be like this!
but your doing so well.
don't worry bout the new job and its uncertainties.thats what make th e learning of it thrilling.like all new things it take time to know the ropes.youll get there too.
your a little fighter I'm so beyond in awe.
hugs to you and your girls.