Yes! Louder for the people in the back, please

This is true. It is also true that when you enforce your boundaries, more often than not you become the one thought of as a problem in these situations. Not right, but true, and most people are too non confrontational to cope. This is where the get along go along aspects of our society fail us. If I have to get loud and repeat myself for you to hear me, that doesn't make me the problem. It's still you bro.

Bring a contract. "I, OP, will watch OP's brother's kids, named A, B, and C, for *hours*, on *date*. The cost will equate to $150/hour for OP's time away from his family.

OP should get a t-shirts that says something like: Not the parent, not the babysitter And wear it to every family event. I also thought it was funny - what will they think of me when they are buried?

I was just going to say the same thing. I have a son who is great at making up excuses to avoid any and everything that he doesn't want to say, do, or hear. The OP reminds me so much of him. Stop making excuses, tell your brother and SIL "NO, I'm not taking care of your kids. Hire a sitter if you want to have free time. " Then walk the "F" away. OP, if you're so worried about what people are going to think of you before they pass, and they're that close to passing away, believe me, your reputation or behavior is the last thing that they are concerning themselves with. They're probably thinking "I'm so freaking glad I'm not the one having to watch them kids!"

This is what I came to say. This guy didn't want advice be just wants to vent and be pushed thought back over again.