Yes, great ideas both. I don't have the mother's phone number, so haven't called but my daughter talked to her friend at school and also chatted online with her through the school portal. According to the friend, her mother is "thinking about it". The girls are good friends, but our families are not particularly close... evidenced by the fact that I don't have their phone number. The girls get along and we like them. But if the answer is "no", then we need to know now so we can see if another friend can come along. I guess I don't understand the non-communication, that's all. Not sure what to do at this point. Keep emailing? ETA: The invitation was issued a week ago so out of town for Thanksgiving isn't a reason for not replying. I saw the girl at school yesterday, so I know they were around at least until then.