[PrincessPerky]

as to the car, try pretending to ditch it every other month...try asking more of the playdates to come to you, or walk to them, dunno the age of your kid, but you would be amazed arhow far a kid can walk when well fed and rested.

Try asking your parents to drive the 2 hours, if they still drive, try every other month, or once a season. If you need an excuse have your kid 'decorate' in some way and ask them to come see it.