I've only skimmed the thread, so maybe someone else has already given the same advice, but...

Either you can take the 2.5 year old to preschool or you can keep her home that week. Both are OK, won't hurt her one bit. If you do take her to preschool, go for the bus. MUCH cheaper than a taxi, and 35 minutes is not the eternity it sounds (even with a 2-year-old.) Plus on the way back you can pick up groceries, instead of making a second trip out.

Whatever you do, I suggest doing some practice runs NOW, before hubby's trip. If you don't normally do your grocery shopping with both kids in tow, do it this week. If you don't normally ride the bus, ride it this week. The idea is to figure out how everything works while you still have an emergency backup.

Oh, and don't be afraid to let the housework slide a bit, otherwise you'll drive yourself nuts. Time enough to clean once your life is back to normal. (Which it will be! This week will be a bit messy, a bit chaotic... but you will all live!)

I wish you the best of luck. If you need someone to talk to about it all, you know where the PM button is...

MathNut