Missing family

We have close friends who moved from the Fens to the Peak District just as their DD, who lived in a nearby village, had her third child. They were determined to live somewhere with mountain walks from the door and where the family could visit and enjoy the scenery. All was good for a few years, but they missed the GKs and visits from the family were hard work and not as frequent as expected. They have now moved back, but dont regret what they did at all. They fulfilled a dream and they are now much happier having laid the dream to rest.

I only live 1 hour from my grandchildren but they have school and friends and activities and clubs which keep them all busy so I don't see them as often as I did when they were toddlers, much as I'd like to.
Why don't you just explain you are struggling a bit and ask them to bring their own bedding and let them make up their own beds. A fair exchange for free accommodation!
Order your supermarket shop online and get it delivered and make use of ready meals and takeaways.
With regard to making friends, look in the library and at local magazines and papers to see if there are any groups/activities you might be interested in - or perhaps a local u3a. New friends won't just appear, you will have to make an effort to find them.
I hope it all works out for you

Where do you want to be in 10 years time, then do it now. You can't rely on children as their lives are so busy the older your gc get and you move back a little.

I don’t think there’s an easy answer. I actually also live on the south coast and my family are all in London. It is hard work having them to stay and I’d like to see more of them! I’d love it to be different but I know I couldn’t live in London and they don’t seem to want to move closer to us. I’m essentially, happy here and so that is the driving force. I would choose what will make you happy…not other people but you. Once you feel contentment, I think the rest will fall into place ok.

Life is always full of regrets and twists and turns but we cant control anything except for our attitude towards it.

AuntieE
In an ideal world ‘the answer is Yes’ people do this .
For instance yesterday was ‘ Mothers Day ‘ here in the UK . My family 3 DC (not partners) 1 27yr old GS 2 Teenage GD’s plus 2yr old GGD came for the day . All laden down with food & drink which we all prepared etc .

My own particular issue with family times like this is that the GC ‘ rarely if ever’ help in anyway.
The eldest of the three yesterday is somewhat neurodiverse & everyone seems to tiptoe around them .
I am frowned at if I dare suggest the other 2 should lift a finger & help .
I mean we all apart from these three washed , dried , cleared the table , plates etc etc , I have no idea ‘why’ my own DD would think her DC would be exempt from helping !
Particularly as it was Mother’s Day for us all .

I understand and feel for you in your present situation. Most of us can’t predict how things will turn out in the future. You did what you thought was best and found it lacking. I think you want to please everyone in your life and that is a blessing for all. When you throw in adult kids and grandkids in the mix it gets more complicated. I have been there and it’s frustrating for someone who wants to be happy but taking into consideration others around you. Sadly you can’t please everyone, I hope you will be able to sort out your situation and find contentment which you deserve. Best wishes to you😉