I just told dh he was a bloody old misery 😡

The thought of taking 4 small children to a shopping centre fills me with dread tbare you mad? 😉

Oh dear, my husband would probably say the same lol.
Good luck, I wouldn't have the energy.

Have a great time with your grandchildren, Witzend. A tree decoration is a lovely idea. 🌲⭐️

A great idea I'd do the same. Take no notice of him, the GC will have a great time.

JaneJudge

The thought of taking 4 small children to a shopping centre fills me with dread tbare you mad? 😉

It’s only 3! Took the 2 elder for the same last year and they were fine - even usually human-hurricane Gds.
One thing they love about any trip to town is going on the bus - preferably front seats upstairs - they so rarely go on buses at home.

It is a lovely idea, howeevr I agree with Jane, unless you are super fit. You need eyes in the back of your head, especially getting them on and off buses if they are unused to it.
One at time, but not three!

Have a lovely time!

If grumpy grandad goes with you that would be a help. You know your grch so do it if you are strong enough. Lovely idea.

I couldn’t do four days but would love to see their excitement at the Christmas shop. Children love tat and every year they remember where and when it was bought.

I should have added, its a lovely idea. I've done it in the past with two grandsons. Their little faces are a joy.

Lovetopaint037

If grumpy grandad goes with you that would be a help. You know your grch so do it if you are strong enough. Lovely idea.

😂😂😂

Yes, make sure grumpy grandad goes too and let him choose a tree decoration for himself.
A miniature bottle of whisky, perhaps?

I like to choose one new one a year!
This year, I can't face JL so I'll get the DGC to go with Mums, Dads or Aunties and choose one each.

If you hand them each a crisp banknote for a reasonable amount (at the last minute so that it doesn't get lost or spent before they even reach the relevant department) to spend on a Christmas decoration, they will only be able to choose a reasonable amount of the tat that GOM (Grumpy Old Man) so fears. Tell him he will be there to make sure they don't go over the top, so there is no chance they will shame his taste. Then while they are choosing, stay well back and watch as he caves in and approves the gaudiest baubles they can find.

3 nights and 4 days! 😲
😴

Have a happy time with your grandchildren Witzend. I think you are more than capable of taking care of them. It will be a memorable and magical experience for the children. I remember being taken to John Lewis Christmas shop, probably 1953/54.

A long stint. However, you don't have to fill their every moment. When I was doing the same length of time with DGSs last summer I only aimed to do one main activity a day. When not doing this the boys just relaxed and played and dreamt and chatted. Their lives are so full these days it's nice for them to just be. They were very happy.

Sounds a lovely few days.

I wonder if your other half now finds the sudden influx of noise/activity overwhelming and the unusual grumble is a symptom? My other half finds our little human hurricanes tiring at times, struggles with our home in utter chaos - mess everywhere etc, especially as he still works full time. We don't have them to stay often so the 'disruption' is more noticeable (I love it, but my other half is a creature of habit if left to his own devices). I am now mindful of this and arrange things so that my other half gets some down time without the GC realising he isn't 'joining in'.

Hope you have a lovely time with your GC, enjoy x

We had a tradition of each child choosing a decoration each Xmas, and we would choose one. When they are old enough to have their first tree, they take their share of the decorations. I love to see them

i agree with your husband

October!

He is of course quite right - it is all tat! But the children will love it!

Yes, I know it’s only October, Wenmore, but it’ll be nearly November plus half term, so we want Nice Things to do.

Dh is not usually a Grumpy Old Grandpa, not most of the time anyway. He’ll be coming with us, but I might point him at the nice, peaceful cafe in the church, opposite JL, and we’ll join him afterwards. The church caff is v handy anyway - there are loos! And Gds is a Wee Monster - frequently wanting to Go.

Have a lovely time!

I think it’s a lovely idea Witzend. It’s creating memories for the future, and when they take out there decoration in years to come, it will remind them of the lovely time they had with their grandma.

“their” decorations.

So, it’s only October, Wenmore, but it’s nearly November and school holidays are the ideal time to be doing these things and before it all gets too hectic. You go for it, Witzend. I think it’s a smashing plan.