I grew up in a family where I was the youngest. My older brother and sisters were in and out all of the time. After my mothers death, that stopped. My father stared serial dating. Some day I will write about him. No I'm not mad, he was a hoot. But after my mother died we slowly began making sure that we were together for holidays. After my father died we struggled but carried on. now there is just me and my sister and we get together for Easter and Christmas. My kids are still at home. I want them to move out but then would I ever see them? I scared about that.

I think that you are doing the right thing. They will begin to look forward to hearing form you. If they don't then its on them.