Myself and DH were invited to a "schoolgates" friend of mines 40th yesterday. We are fairly good friends and both our DCs are in the same classes. Anyway my DH had already arranged to be away this weekend so I said to my friend "thanks for invite but I will have to see if I can get babysitters before I confirm". I admit I was hoping she would say "no prob, bring the kids" but instead she said "oh you can bring them if you are really having babysitter problems" but in a really doubtful tone that made it obvious she didn't want them there.
I though fair enough, she wants a civilised child free do so I sorted for my ILs to babysit. They are grudging babysitters but as the party started at 4 I felt I had to have a family sitter as it would involve tea, bath and bed etc.
Anyway, myself and another friend who had had to leave her DH at home with the kids as no babysitter arrived at the party to find it awash with kids. There was even a bouncy castle for them and the food was a barbeque so also child friendly. About 20% of the guests were family with kids in tow and another at least 60% were neighbours, also with their kids there.
I had a nice time (don't want to be ungrateful as she didn't have to invite me ) but left at 8.30 to relieve ILs who had obviously found the babysitting a PITA.
AIBU to be annoyed that my friend didn't want me (or other non neighbour friends) to bring my kids when that means I've used up precious babysitting credit with my ILs for a party that would have been perfectly suitable for them to attend?