I kept my in-laws as family, and mine has kept my XH as well. I know it's not all hunky dory in other families, but it works for us. It especially works for my kids - they know that they are loved by both sides and that we maintain those ties. I think my XH has it best - my parents have been more supportive of him than his folks ever were, and they see each other regularly as he travels to DC quite a bit.
Whatever works for you and the kids will be the best. I made a promise to my XH's SIL (who has always been a big sister to me) that I wouldn't put her in the position of making alliances to me at the cost of his GF. She thanked me and said if it ever came to that, she and my BIL would do what is best for them - after all, they will be there for support when my D19 takes over as trustee of my disabled D16 if we bite the dust. To her, the alliance is obvious.
Anyway, happy new year to all!
Betsey
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
