I just told dh he was a bloody old misery 😡

Go for it Witzend. Our JL has closed sadly, used to love their decorations. It’s all about making memories for you and the grandchildren. I’m sure Grumpy Grandpa will get involved when it happens. Have a wonderful time.

What a lovely idea. We have 6 Gc and every year whilst little we took them shopping for a christmas bauble. Their selections were sometimes very funny and didn't always go with mum's colour themes but she just got them their own tree for the other room. They still remember where they bought them and where we ate afterwards. Fond memories for me too.

We just had our eldest grandson for 2 weeks and did lots of fun stuff like Legoland and the Army flying corps museum. My hubby is a grumpy one as well but still took him to the gift shop and walked around with him. He’s 5 so was very excited. I think the idea of buying a decoration a great idea. I have some of my mother’s decorations and the ones the kids have made as kids.

I think you must be a younger gran to do this? At 77 I couldn’t, just couldn’t!

For Witzend -- Callistemon and Elegran look quite right. Your own point (re bus) is also quite valid (trains are good too!). As you say, these days some little people don't see public transport much, if at all. And the church cafe idea look good too!

Yes enjoy your trip witzend.- maybe your hubby feels like he's a bit too old for that length of stay?maybe just a couple of days would have been better for him🤔

Brilliant! I wish I could do that with mine but 2 are 300 miles away and the other 2 in Singapore. Enjoy creating their special memories. Don't forget to take some photos of them with their decorations and print them off. When they are older they will love that to look back on.
Have a great half term with them.

Bella-Apparently some girls can start their periods that young nowadays, so i read somewhere.

Yes it looks like op says 3 5 7 8- do you mean 3 and a half?(i presune its put as 3.5?) Just put 3& a half maybe.

Make memories while you can, children grow up too quickly. Enjoy x

Go for it,mine live at the other end of the country. When one stayed for a week last year during the summer holidays we had a great time. Found a nearby nature walk we didn't know existed, DH took them up a big limestone scar with a fantastic view and was told they were on top of the world. Then stopped at the local chocolate makers and bought all sorts of little treats.
A trip to a newsagent for a Dandy and a sherbet fountain which we haven't read for years.
It was topped by a lock in the toilet only to be persuaded to come out covered in red toilet cleaner and a white face they thought they might have started their periods aged 9!!!!

We do similar things with our DGSs. When they are with us it’s full on ,good behaviour expected though. What’s a bit of mess or chaos. Soon sorted when they have gone home. Enjoy them while you can. We have several friends whose DGC live 1000s of miles away who would dearly love to have this experience with them.

I hope you all have a wonderful time, which I’m sure you will!

Good for you. These days are fleeting whilst they are little. I am enjoying making cornflake cakes and halloween masks this week. Enjoy I know its exhausting but lovely memories for the children with grandma.

You'll have a wonderful time, building memories.
I loved every trip I did with my Grandsons,(now 30 and 28) when they were small.Half terms, holidays, tube , train ,museums, shopping, theatres and cinemas as well as walks and garden play.~They grow so quickly .

JenniferEccles

Am I right in thinking there are only three children (I guess only should be in inverted commas!)

Is the youngest three and a half so no five year old?

Yes - I evidently should have typed 3 1/2, rather than 3.5. Too easy to mis-read!

Jaxjacky

Sounds magical Witzend and special, have a great time.

Oh, I agree! What a lovely day you have planned, and I hope you enjoy every minute of their stay. How anyone can describe tree decorations as tat is beyond me.

As for it being too early, our local authority has decided in its wisdom that schools will close for Christmas on Friday 22nd December, so where’s the time for a magical run up to the big day, even for those of us who do have our DGC close by? Both neighbouring authorities have gone for the 15th, which means a lovely week for three of our DGC of trips to Santa, ice rinks, pantos, Christmas crafts and fun. The other two can have a super week of nothing much to do in the bleakest week of the year in early January.

Enjoy the moment while you can, I say!

Sounds magical Witzend and special, have a great time.

My grandsons are grown up now, but my goodness I and they (to my astonishment) have so many wonderful memories of our time spent with them. From days in - cutting, sticking, gluing plus a major project carried out in grandads shed - go-cart and the fun they had. To sledging and snowman building. To trips to the beach, theatre, restaurants, and London. To yearly holidays in Devon and Cornwall, canoeing down the river Dart, surfing in Polzeath and cycling the Camel Trail.

I was in my 50s early to late 60s and enjoyed every single second.

I say go for it - it is gone in the blink of an eye. But the memories are laid down for the rest of their and your lives.

Witzend, what negative replies from some .its a lovely idea, sure your husband enjoys them as much as you. The cafe opposite sounds a good idea too.You have to make the most of the time spent with your grandchildren, it passes so quickly. I miss mine so much but have very happy memories.

Oh lovely we did this last year but at the local garden centre. It was probably just
a throw away comment he’ll be fine when you get there.
It’s the last break before Christmas so make the most of it, and have good rest afterwards.

It’s all about making memories, and your proposed trip out sounds just the thing. Your grandchildren will love it I’m sure and so will you. Have a lovely time.

Ruddy rude if you ask me!

Yes, "only" three! 😃

Am I right in thinking there are only three children (I guess only should be in inverted commas!)

Is the youngest three and a half so no five year old?