Planned to see my dad but now wanting to break the plan...

[AnywhereElse]

I haven't been following the OP, but if money is the real issue, I would simply tell the dad that we were strapped for cash this year so feel that California is out this summer and let it go at that. I'm guessing, but could be wrong, that the mother's family is closer by without such cost.

I really don't like asking others to pay my way. If I can't afford something, I don't do it. If the tickets were sent to me in the mail, I'd use them, but otherwise, I would just let it go.

[hellob]

I think half is fine bc
1- you invited yourself
2- why should he pay for your wife? I would look at it as you're going free and she's paying her way.