LW2: My sister and I are in the same situation as your nieces. Our mom passed 12 years ago, when I was 25 and my sister 24. Our father remarried about 18 months later. When we were all living in the same city he and new wife never tried to include us in anything. We each ended up moving more than 1000 miles away to try to find happiness. I now live in the same state as my sister and her husband and two adorable daughters. These girls are our father's only biological grandchildren. He has visited 3 times in five years (and no, money is not an issue). For some reason, ever since mom passed, my sister and I don't exist to him. We've both told him, repeatedly, how much it hurts us to have lost both parents but it doesn't seem to matter to him. Unfortunately, your brother may be the same way. Please spend time and stay involved with your nieces--I am sure they want some sort of connection to their mother.