My Mum's 60th birthday....

[PoppyAnna]

In a month it's my Mum's 60th birthday, it's down to me (as an only child) to arrange the celebrations. I know what you're thinking - I've left it late but I have had a lot going on lately (extension, family health). I have given it thought for a long time and these are my conclusions - what do you think?

A bit of background: My non-driving mum relocated herself on her own about 70miles away almost five years ago, she works full time and has a good network of friends/neighbours in her new hometown as well as where she used to live. This presents problems that if I were to throw a party where would i have it? who would I invite, where would they stay etc? So a party is out, and she doesn't want one anyway.

We then thought about a holiday but we would have to go during may half term and I would love to take her back to a village in spain that she loves but the flights alone for the five of us is over £2500 add villa, spending money etc it's just too much for a weeks holiday in a year when we're having an extension at home and renovating just about every room!

So this is our idea, I would love your opinions, especially if you have done any of the things listed and can give advice.
She comes to stay with us friday night then on saturday we take a taxi ride to London, champagne flight on the London eye, Gary Rhodes W1 restaurant for Lunch, a show (probably lion king - child friendly) finished off with a late tea at the Ritz. Somewhere in there I have to arrange a cake and I will decorate my house for her arrival. Any other recomendations would be great.

I must admit we did consider chartering helicopter to fly us home from Battersea (central london) to Biggin Hill (airfield near us) as the big surprise but at £2000 for a ten minute flight it was much more expensive than we thought it would be (apparently carrying 2 children ramps the price up) so thats out.

Would you be happy with this day for your 60th?

 

[karentan]

sounds like a fab day to me! and not just good for a 60th either, sounds like fun for all ages!

 

[Tammy Stringer]

Love your ideas for a day out in London and all those treats - I am sure she would love it - I know I would

For my Mum's 70th 2 years ago we surprised her with a trip on The Orient Express and I can honestly say it far outweighed my expectations. The service, food and trip itself (we went to Sussex and Kent visiting some beautiful gardens) were just brilliant and she had a fantastic memorable time.

I think the problem is there are so many brilliant things you could do it is always going to be tricky picking one thing, but I love your ideas.

Tammy

 

[Muscateer]

The London day out plan sounds fab Joanne. I am sure your mum will love it and enjoy spending her 60th birthday with you and your family.

 

[Goofysmate]

Great idea a treat out to London . I think she will love it

 

[mandymouse]

I think your idea is wonderful Joanne, so go for it. I hope she has a great birthday

 

[jjk]

I think it sounds Lovely Joanne

 

[saratogagirl]

It sounds wonderful Joanne, I cant see how anyone wouldn't love a suprise like that, you can suprise me if you want lol

 

[natalielongstaff]

i think its a lovely idea hun

 

[TotallyAngelic]

It sounds like an absolutely wonderful day out. My Mum would love that for sure.

 

[Pinky166]

I think it's a great idea Joanne. I am sure your mum will love it.

I have bought tickets to take my mum to see Sister Act in the west end for her birthday.

 

[T16GEM]

I think it sounds lovely - your Mum is very lucky!

 

[PoppyAnna]

Love your ideas for a day out in London and all those treats - I am sure she would love it - I know I would

For my Mum's 70th 2 years ago we surprised her with a trip on The Orient Express and I can honestly say it far outweighed my expectations. The service, food and trip itself (we went to Sussex and Kent visiting some beautiful gardens) were just brilliant and she had a fantastic memorable time.

I think the problem is there are so many brilliant things you could do it is always going to be tricky picking one thing, but I love your ideas.

Tammy

This was something else we looked into as well Tammy, it looked wonderful but we didn't think it was child friendly enough. I'm finding the tricking this is to get the balance right between treating her and picking things that will keep my girls occupied as well without her feeling like she's coming along to one of our days out!

 

[CustardTart]

Sounds an excellent plan, Joanne. The champagne flight on London Eye is really enjoyable - I loved it...

It's a tricky one, I know. It was my MiL's 80th last December and, after she's turned down the offer of a party, we decided to surprise her (and SiL as it was her 50th) with a weekend away in Oxford as it's the mid-point between where we all live. All the grandchildren came too so it was a proper family weekend and I think she appreciated the event. Unfortunately, she's not one to really let on whether she's enjoying herself so I can't be sure it was what she hoped for...

Also, despite claiming she didn't want a party, she then went ahead and arranged her own in February...

 

[fav_is_tink]

Your plans sound great, I'm sure anyone of any age would enjoy that

 

[PJB71]

Your plans sound lovely, and im sure your mum will really appreciate all the thought and effort you have gone to

 

[Ware Bears]

Your plans sound lovely, and im sure your mum will really appreciate all the thought and effort you have gone to

So do I, it sounds a perfect day.

 

[pixiepower04]

I do so agree, it sounds divine and i'm sure she'll feel really special with all the treats you've planned