I agree with Marilyn - try to find someone who can keep the kids for you for the week-end. I don't know the ages of your kids but check with friends - you may have to put each one in a different home but please, don't feel guilty about doing that!!! The kids will have fun as they will be staying with someone their age that they can play with. You've got some time to work this out and with the party in early December, no one should have plans to be out of town visiting family then so hopefully it will work out.
I realize your frustration over family not helping out. When hubby and I lived in the greater New Orleans area, I didn't have to worry about a sitter for my oldest - he has family out the "wazzoo" down there and they all offered to keep him! When we moved back here, it was a little more difficult. My mother is disabled due to severe arthritis in her knees and just couldn't keep up with an active 2 year old - then a year later, the youngest came along. I thought my sister would offer to help out as I ALWAYS kept her 2 while she went and played softball or whatever but each time I asked her, she had other plans! I, too, found a very reliable paid babysitter and she didn't charge much at all.....she was a widow who truly loves children (her's were all teenagers at the time) and a lot of times would keep my boys because SHE wanted to, not because we had plans. She truly was a godsend to us.
I know things will work out for you - will be praying that they do. As frustrated as you are now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Please keep us posted on how things work out. If I lived closer, I'd keep your kids (yes, ALL of them) for the week-end
