Ice creams on Instow beach

Hockings - obviously. We came down after tea yesterday, and the clouds were threatening to rain but the weather held off, it was just a bit windy and cold. Although never too cold for Hockings.

BBQ on Exmoor

 It's the weekend! Hooray! And Adrienne is home from uni for two weeks. So we went out to Robber's Bridge on Exmoor today armed with a disposable barbie and a cool-bag full of food. We had burgers by the river, lounged around in the sun, went for a walk, and lounged around a bit more.

Willow had a lovely time chasing a stick around, she even took it on the walk and all the way back again. When we all got in the car to leave, she was quite happy staying on the grass with her stick. Caitlin had to pick her up just to get her to come with us. She's crashed out on the sofa now and refuses to move.

Ellie in Concert

Yesterday evening Ellie performed in Des's traditional end of year guitar concert. All this year she has been taught by Jess, seen here on the left. Ellie did very well and performed two pieces she has been learning for fun and two pieces she will be doing as part of her Grade 2 exam next year. It was nice to see her actually perform because normally she hides in her room to practise and refuses to let anyone watch her.

Caitlin's 16th Birthday

Caitlin had her 16th Birthday Party yesterday. Her actual birthday was a couple of weeks ago, right in the middle of her GCSEs, so she waited until the exams were over to have her party. Like Adrienne before her, she decided she wanted a Murder Mystery Dinner Party. I went shopping yesterday morning and then she told me that only six people were coming and not eight!

So here they are, dressed like 1950s film stars and personalities. Caitlin looked gorgeous in her dress. I served up a three course meal and me, Carl and Ellie had pizza in the playroom whilst watching episodes of 'Heroes' (Ellie is working her way through the box set). Judging from the raucous laughter coming from the front room, everyone had a good time, although I gather they found it somewhat confusing to start with. Caitlin was the only one to guess the murderer correctly. I blame too much 'Criminal Minds'.

Doggy with a Silly Hat

I've been meaning to put this photo up for a while but haven't quite got round to it. Last Tuesday Willow went to the vets to be spayed. She wasn't very happy when she came home and whimpered for while. But she's much better now - running around all over the place inspite of the lampshade. I expect she's looking forward to Friday when it comes off and she can finally go through the catflap again. I know we are!

Words from Guadeloupe

This is just a quick note from the Carribean. I am having a lovely time. We went to school today and had red carpet welcome from the children. We have taken a tour of the island and spent some time on various different beaches. I've tried some different rum drinks - well it would have been impolite not to - some were nice, some were not. It has rained everyday! But the sun comes out in between. There are lots of mosquitos and one foot is now twice the size of the other due to bites. Tomorrow I am going on a boat to one of the other islands - wish me luck!

Prom Queen No.2

 

 It barely seems like 5 minutes ago I was reporting on Adrienne's prom and now here I am, four years later, telling you about Caitlin's. She has been excited for weeks now and been counting down the days for at least the last two months. Brodie came round after school and did her hair. Adrienne came back from uni and did her nails (although that was not her sole reason for coming back). It's been proper girlie in my house this evening. And you have to agree, she looks beautiful.

I drove her round to Alannah's and they went off together in Alannah's aunty's Audi. Adrienne and I raced them down to the Barnstaple Hotel and joined the mega-millions of other parents taking photos. It was madness, but I loved every minute. I'm sure she'll have a good time too.