sounds as if you did what you needed to do as he was not going to be in town. Don't know your entire situation but I would lean towards the twins going to him if he can make himself available COMPLETELY to them until you get back. If he is not willing to make that commitment and let his job know he will be unable to work x days then he should understand the worry and pressure that puts on you

I agree with Chris - it sounds like he didn't have his act together and that is why you made these arrangements. Now he is saying he does and is ready to take the kids. If he is a good dad, etc.., spending some time w/ dad would be good. But if he has fallen through on things like this before, then no wonder you feel this way. I hate last minute changes myself but in my agreement, if one parent is not available then the other parent has first rights. My ex is very responsible though.

How about letting them stay at home and be cared for by the crew you have assembled (well done, BTW) and let him drive them to their activities? That way, if he has to go away, they have a safety net.

I like safezones reply. They can stay with Dad with your folks as back up.
But if Dad wants to use his own back-up system then he's entitled.
After all he is the father.

Well all...it doesnt matter...he has filed for an emergency hearing on monday (which was when I was supposed to leave) and If I dont show up then I am threatened to loose my kids. He is also going to hire a Forensic Psychologist to the tune of $10,000 because he thinks that I am crazy (I have raised these kids by myself. I make about $100k per year, before child support, have a huge 4 bedroom house, a dog, two cats and my bills are paid, and my kids go to private school (which I pay the majority of). I basically am living my life...I think that I am about the most sane person that I can be...and he threatened to have the caretaker arrested and have the children removed from the house by family services...SSOOOOO kids come first...Im not going on the trip...Thank you for your advice..,.I appreciate it...

If it's not during his visitation time, and you did what you had to when he was supposed to be someplace else, it's none of his business. And I hope you follow through with your well-thought-out plan and he doesn't come and try to disrupt it, that's not in the kids' best interest. Does he think of that or only himself? My son's biodad did that to me when I went to China. My son was staying with my dad, and the biodad showed up and took him. My dad gave him the third degree, and it created a big rift in all relationships involved, it was just a lack of respect. I think your ex is being ridiculous! best wishes

New place, new situation... I like your original plan. You need to feel comfortable and so do they... someone said let him help out thats cool. Explain that children need a solid routine to keep the happy, safe, and secure... you are trying to provide as much routine while you are away as possible. Good Luck.