(( and I really hope she accompanies you next year... but I UNDERSTAND about the kids_thing. If my sister hadn't come in from Texas to handle my life... I would not have been able to attend )

That's why I advocate R&D into child cryogenics. If you want to go somewhere, pop the kid into the cryotube and freeze him. When he gets home, a quick defrost and there is no emotional trauma. All up-side very little downside...