Bank Holiday in Hampshire

On the way to Hayling Island we made a quick detour and stopped at Dave & Carlas in Fareham whom we had not seen for two years. We arrived at their house in typical Hammond fashion, (reversing in to their bush). The little Hammonds quickly shook off the syhness once they saw the huge landscaped garden and played with the little Elliots.


A bouncing Bethany


Who is going to push who?



Oliver quickly realising that he was outnumbered and makes a quick escape!

The new next door neighbours... so cute!

TV always wins the day.... Time to leave!

Our next stop was Nanny & Grandad Colin's Flat on Hayling Island,

Playing at Nanny's

Dinner Time - Nanny's cottage pie is always a big hit with the children. Honestly it tastes better than it looks!

The after dinner lie down

Teaching Oliver how to play Scotland Yard - one of the greatest board games ever!!

This is more like it!!

A child's portion at 'Breakfast at Nanny's '

Little Niece Phoebe with her cheesy quavers

Karen showing how not to use a slide!

I guess, once a child always a child!

Bethany's Puppets

Bethany was eager to make some art, it was a fun afternoon, glue, glitter and bits everywhere!!....quick Katharine get the hoover !!!


Cat sock puppet


Dog sock puppet



Magical picture!

Poole Park

Spending the morning in Poole Park with Mum/Granny. Rebecca having a sedate swing.



Oliver Monkeying around.



Waiting to pick up life jackets for the peddalo. I wasn't aware they were that dangerous or that the lake was that deep.



There was a little discussion as to whether we should go on a white swan or a black one, but Oliver and Bethany eventually agreed on a white one. I couldn't help thinking that whatever colour we go for, my legs were going to ache like mad!
Jacob and Rebecca had a lovely ride with Granny on the train while I peddled like my life depended on it to the strict instructions of Oliver and Bethany! Jacob told Granny that he wanted the train to go a little faster, but despite the lack of speed he and Rebecca seemed to enjoy it anyway!
We were also supposed to be feeding the swans and Mum had brought two baguettes with her for them. However, they weren't quite mouldy enough for the swans so we ate 3/4 of it and gave the swans a few crumbs just to show willing.Needless to say, by the time the children had then drunk a huge hot chocolate each in the cafe, they didn't have much room left for Grannys delicious lunch. Until pudding came out that is!

Wardour Castle

We came here today as we love Castles and I remember this one very clearly from coming here as a child. We were expecting a 1 hr 10 minute drive which rapidly turned into 2 hours for various reasons, by which point the children were complaining and Rebecca wa sgoing out of her mind with boredom. The forecast rain was supposed to be clearing up as the day went on but the more we drove the harder it became. Then the back end of the car had a fight with a grassy bank and came off slightly worse. However Scott being just about the most patient and tolerant person I know (after Dad that is as he has suffered longer!) has now repaired the back end of the car so its nearly as good as new. Despite the couple of minor set backs it was exactly as I remember and the children loved it as much as I did way back in the dark ages.

Front entrance of the castle.


Back entrance of the castle.


The folly, used as a banqueting hall. Toilets are in the basement so we came here several times!

Beautiful view. Wardour Lake

Picnic under a tree because of the British Weather

Inside the Grotto..... but No sign of Santa!

Buy! No Sell! No Buy!.. Trying to learn & listen about English Heritage and it was not even forced, how great are they!

Knights at Lulworth Castle

We came to Lulworth Castle to see the Medieval Jousting show with some friends today. We have been the last three years and still look forward to it as much and find it as exciting. The view of the showground from the top of the Castle tower.

Oliver and friend Max tackle the monkey bars.

Everyone elses children go up the slide by the steps. Ours....

We love you Fiery Jack!

The Black Knight (Chief horseman in his other life) fights it out with Sir Thomas of Lulworth.

The Black Knight and Sir Charles meet for the Joust.

Sir Thomas and Sir William battle it out. Sir Thomas wins that one.

Sir Charles and Sir William meet to Joust. We gave Sir Charles our favour to bring him luck. A silk scarf which clearly helped, along with the hats, sunglasses, bags and various items of clothing they collected!

We liked Sir Charles.

Kingston Maurward

Kingston Maurward today for a long walk around the gardens and lake, a picnic by the folly and a play in the park and look at the animals.The highlight of Jacobs day when a tractor arrived to deliver haybales.


The tractor in question.

Bethany and Rebeccas highlight was watching the chickens being cleaned out.

Olivers Highlight was the Harris Hawk called Prince.

How many children can you stuff up a tree?

The view from our picnic spot.

Exploring the garden. Jacob has noticed a stone statue in the corner and wants to know what its doing there!

Come on you three whats keeping you?

Castle Cove

This afternoon we were invited to Castle Cove by Vanessa, Mark, Sam, Daniel & Becky. The weather was cloudy but it did not stop us having a trip out on the Kayak. The boys spent a lot of time finding crabs and other sealife, while Jacob, Rebecca & Bethany played on the sand, collected shells and explored the rocks.



Sandsford Castle




Oliver & Mark doing the Hawaii 5 O




Oliver teaching Mummy how to kayak properly.




Bethany and another baby!! this time its baby Becky





Two little boys comparing sizes..... My crab is bigger than yours!