Sweet Sixteen

It's been years since i updated, and far too much has happened for a recap, but it didn't feel right not to mark the milestone that is Hannah's 16th birthday.

She is still home schooled, still riding Houch (who we now own), has a boyfriend and is very independant. Also, still my baby and a gorgeous young lady.

Christmas 2017

December catch-up

Early in December we had the Home Education group Christmas party. Hannah and her friend dressed up (even though hardly anyone else did) and looked lovely and sparkly and ready to party!

They noticed I was taking pictures 😁

 Then Hannah took the train into Chichester to meet her friends and do some Christmas shopping. First time on the train alone and she was fine, her independence is definitely growing.

Just before Christmas we went to The London International Horse Show with my sister. It was FABULOUS!! We go every year, it's our absolute favourite Christmas tradition.

Hannah and I spent Christmas eve afternoon at the stables, gave Houch his present and stayed for games (the children), nibbles and drinks (the adults).

                                                  Christmas morning!!

 Hannah had lots of fun clothes ( band /tv/you tuber t-shirts) make up, new phone, horsey things - she loved everything.


Then she saw this shirt in the boxing day sales which she thinks is hysterical lol!

And that's December so far!


                      Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Pony Pictures

This is Houch. Hannah loves this pony! She talks about him non stop, rides him every chance she gets and sends me pictures like these all the time 😊

Halloween 2017

Hannah had a very 'spur of the moment' Halloween this year. She spent the day at the stables, and wasn't intending to do anything else, but then she got talking to her friend Faye, who also wasn't doing anything, and some impromptu trick or treating was arranged!

Hannah scrabbled together a 'high school zombie' costume which turned out pretty well, and the girls just went around out local neighbourhood. Lots of other kids were about and they had fun collecting sweets. We decorated our house too, and left Dean in charge of answering the door ..........he almost ran out treats!!

A Visit To Southsea Castle

Built in 1544, the Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII around England's coasts to protect the country from invaders. Barely was the work completed when Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, tragically sank in front of the Castle. During the English Civil War, nearly a century later, the Castle was captured for the only time in its history, by Parliamentarian forces.

Over the centuries, Southsea Castle's defences were strengthened so that it could continue to protect Portsmouth. In the 19th Century a tunnel was built to defend the Castle moat. Visitors can still enter the tunnel and see how the Castle would have been defended against invaders.

The Castle has had many other uses besides defence. For a while it was a military prison. A lighthouse was built in the 1820s, and is still in use by shipping today. In 1960 the Castle left military service. It was acquired by Portsmouth City Council, which restored the Castle to its 19th Century appearance.

Portchester Castle

A lovely sunny walk around Portchester Castle and shoreline.