So second year in a row when step kids can not spend "court ordered" time with their dad as their mother has decided to home school them. She has told us that they are still really behind and she is planning on summer home schooling them; she has been "traditionally" home schooling them for 2 years now too.
DH has spoken to their Teacher Advisor and she has said the Home school system does not have a Summer school. She has also said that they are doing well, one child is a little behind on writing. DH does not want to cause stress on the kids as their mother will "bash" him, by saying the reason they are behind is his fault for not allowing them to study.
It has been many years we have not been able to plan a "Family" trip due to these issues. As ours is an "Yours, Mine, and Ours Family". I do try to Plan my kids time with their Dad during the summer well in advance so he can plan his summer with them so then when we get the schedule from dh ex we cannot plan anything together except a day or two here or there.
If we do get any extended time with kids it is because she is doing something and makes it seem like she is doing us a favor by letting us have a week.
Sometimes, (no most of the time) I wish DH would see what his ex is doing. Luckily we have a great relationship with his kids and the alienation that has happened in the past has not affected their relationship with the dad. They realize that no matter what we will always love them.
sorry no real question just a vent, as I know as a "step-mom" I have no rights to be upset or frustrated.
Thanks for listening.