Easter Break

It has been the Easter school holidays this week, so we have had a chance to catch up with friends as well as doing a couple of regular activities.

We have been to Pulborough to visit some friends and spent a really nice day catching up. Hannah and her friend visited the ponies, made dens, and played with their dog. I think the dog was worn out at the end!

We had friends come over to us earlier in the week and the girls played with the American girl dolls, they also spent a lot of time in the garden with our rabbit.

Hannah rode on Tuesday and then we went into Chichester for a visit to the shops. She has been collecting Beanie Boo plushies and wanted to get another one with her pocket money.

Whiskers the new Beanie Boo

Yesterday was the next Maypole dancing session and afterwards we stayed around to chat and Hannah and her friends compared Beanie Boo collections and explored the hill and woods outside the hall. It was a lovely day and we are really enjoying this new group.

Lastly, this afternoon we've had friends over from the Isle Of Wight. The girls have been outside in the rain pond dipping for tadpoles and making mini viewing ponds for them, and generally having a fun time.

Spring Lambs At Staunton Farm

Our Culture All Pass expires today, and we really wanted to squeeze in one more visit to Staunton before it ran out. Luckily we had some friends who were willing to brave the holiday crowds to come with us!

The Lambs were the main attraction for Hannah, and there were so many of them. Some born just hours before we arrived.
Of course, the goats are always fun too as they are very friendly, especially if you have food!

Riding and Rabbit Pictures

Hannah has been riding this morning with her friend Izzy ( she so loves to ride with Izzy, they are really well matched). Their lessons are very lively with lots of banter from their instructor. She is great with the girls and Hannah loves her!

After lunch Hannah and our rabbit Chocolate played in the spring sunshine.

Maypole Activity

Inspired by Wednesday's maypole dancing class, Hannah decided to base today's activities on May Day.

First we looked through our seasonal celebrations book and read all about the origins of maypole dancing, and the May Day festival.

Hannah copied out the maypole song in her book and drew the maypole alongside it.

Finally she crafted a miniature maypole.

It turn out beautifully.

Maypole Dancing

May day is fast approaching, and this year Hannah has had the chance to join some traditional maypole dancing classes. She started yesterday, and really enjoyed it. The classes are held in a lovely old village school house, a perfect setting for a traditional celebration.

Afterwards we had a picnic lunch and then everyone went outside to play.

 The view from the top!

 It was so much higher than it looked from the bottom of the hill!

Such a lovely day .