<human>: I am a working mom of 2 girls, ages 6 and (newly) 4. My brother will be getting married in South Africa in a few months and I would really like to go to his wedding. I would be escorting my 71 year old father and his wife (age 57). My husband doesn't fly and so he won't be going. It's quite a long trip-- about 20 hours by plane and then an additional 6 hours by car.

I have decided not to bring my children if I go.  My 6 year old is in school and I don't like the idea of subjecting my 4 year old (who basically survives on pizza and chicken nuggets) to that kind of travel away from everything that is familiar to her.  She is also very close to her sister and I don't want to separate them. That being said, I really want to go to my brother's wedding.  I was supposed to book my ticket last week, but I keep hesitating.  I got a promotion earlier this year that has caused my work schedule to go from about 37 hours per week to 50 hours per week, which already has my kids very upset about my daily absence. My little one is hyper attached to me to the point where she regularly says things like, "Don't go to work! I'm going to put you in my tummy so you can't leave" or "I'm going to lock all the doors and then you have to stay home today." All that in mind, I can't imagine packing up and leaving her for 2-3 weeks.  It just seems cruel. I could make the trip shorter, but that is a heck of a lot of travel to zip in and out (30 hours each way!)

My motherly instincts say not to go, but my sisterly instincts say I'll always regret this once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Can anyone provide me some insight? Thoughts? Suggestions?  I'm at a total loss.

Can you condense the text into a few key points?
<bot>: Am I nuts to leave my 4 and 6 year old to go to my brother's wedding in South Africa for 2-3 weeks?