Barb - would you go to the hardware store to buy oranges?
You are expecting his family to behave the way YOU would. But clearly, they are....well.....broken.
This probably explains why Josh loves you (what a welcome relief from his family!).
But remember, it never ever pays to come between him and his family.
So don't say ANYTHING negative, treat them as casual acquaintances (NO expectations), let Josh deal with it however he wants (he could pay to change your tickets if he really wanted to - but he probably is just as happy not to be at the dinner). Be polite, but drop any expectations you might have had of them becoming warm loving extended family. Anything you get beyond that is just gravy.
