Last minute Halloween cancellation......argh!

[Earlybird]

Would like perspective and advice please because I am fuming (but not brave enough to post in AIBU ):

A family moved to this area just over a year ago. They have a dd the same age as my dd, and a mutual friend introduced us. The girls do not attend the same school.

The Mum asked a week ago if they could come trick-or-treat with us in our neighbourhood, and I said of course. We spoke a bit about logistics, timing, etc.

In the meantime, I have turned down 2 other invitations for the evening as I have made a commitment to this family.

Last night I got the following email from the Mum:

''About tomorrow, I didn't realise but (the father) had plans for treating already. So I am going to pass on your neighbourhood. It was my error. I'm sorry about that but I imagine there's other opportunities for us to eat sweets at night very soon. Hope that's ok with you & sorry again, I didn't realise plans were in motion.''

So - now we are stuck with no one to go with. And dd is an only child, so plans with a pal are very important to a fun night out.

Quite honestly, I can't imagine that the father (a businessman) would have made other plans. I think a 'better offer' came along and we were 'dumped' - but perhaps I am angry/paranoid.

WWYD or say?

Her email sounds very apologetic, maybe shes telling the truth..

Can you chase up the other invites that you turned down?..

Thanks for your response. Yes, will see if we can still join other families.

I feel a bit miffed as I was trying to 'reach out' to a family who might be on their own as they're new 'round here. Somehow, we have now ended up being the ones left out due to her cancellation! DD is quite upset too because she'd been looking forward to/counting on this pal.

Also not quite sure why we were the ones to get dumped - selfishly I wish she'd told her dh that his plan was the one that would be cancelled. Why should we suffer because they didn't communicate?

Oh well - onward and upward.

I would move on, ask if you can go along with the other people who had invited you and have a lovely time.

You're right. Better to not let it ruin a fun night.

Well, as someone who's had to cancel a halloween party planed for this afternoon just this morning, i would say YANBU.

I have come down with the flu, and i was determined to go ahead, but i'm really not up for it. Feel very guilty indeed as i know cildren invited were looking forward to it...

it's a nice email and I think she's genuinely sorry. Can't you call one of the other mums/dads and tell her/him you've been let down and ask if it's ok to tag along?

Deemented - it is miserable to be sick, but especially on a 'big' day. Hope you're better soon.

DuelingFanjo - yes, will come up with an alternate plan.

It is a whole 'nother thread, but she has done this sort of thing before. I'm sure that is why I'm not simply shrugging it off.