Hey Onyx,

How old is DS? I would do the 'dump & run' depending on the age - also dependant on how busy the centre is & how much you know & trust the birthday child's mother. Do you feel comfortable that she is going to have a general eye on the kids? Playcentres are sooooooooooo busy that sometimes you need to be an octopus to make sure everybody is doing ok - that comes back to an age thing though as well!

Also, I think it's absolutely fine to take DS2 along. I have done this before with Claudia & I just pay for her entry & get her 'own special party food' to enjoy. Like you said, if DH is working, there is no other option.

HTH!