Margot Fontayne has nothing on us ...

6 weeks ago Kezia started ballet and to celebrate the end of term us grown ups were allowed to watch the children do their lesson.

So often in Kezia's little life she has filled my heart with joy and pride and this event was no exception. To watch her little face light up with each dance was just amazing. She's so young, and yet lives life to the full and revels in everything.

Our skipping could do with some work but she followed every instruction given by her tutor, Mr Maurice, and really concentrated on what was required of her.

She really is growing up into a lovely little girl - full of smiles and laughter. It has been brilliant to be given the opportunity to watch her dance. I can see great things ahead for her. With this much enthusiasm in her little soul she is bound to go far, no matter what she does.

Was I proud? Was I 'eck as like! And just a little bit tearful at times!

Here is the first premier of Kezia Ellowen - prima ballerina! One day we will be watching her on stage as she performs Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty at The Royal Opera House, just like we used to watch Darcy Bussell ... ok, I may be getting a bit carried away there but you get me drift!

I give you - with huge amounts of love and pride - my daughter:


Remember - it is the square shape to the left of the word 'vimeo' that allows you to view this full screen.

Here we go 'round the Mulberry Bush

Well, what a lovely start we have had to the summer! Despite the rain, Kezia and I have had some lovely times up the stable with Gilda and she is turning into a great success. Sometimes Grum comes up with us and we have a play day up the yard, but most time Kez and I potter about on our own. The bond between Kezia and Gilda is growing all the time and she is proving to be a real little star:


Dear old Pops turned 63 *eek!* on the 16th July and to celebrate us Hoopers met with the Watkinsons at the Woburn Sands Folk Festival. It was really good! There were lots of different groups of Morris Dancers who danced their way around the numerous pubs in Woburn Sands and at the local farm there was a lovely little Folk Festival. There was a stage set up for folk musicians to play on - which I really enjoyed but the rest of our group was less than impressed! chuckle. There were some very nice craft stands, some arty bits and a fair few activities for the children. There was also a History of Woburn Sands tent, where we were most surprised to see old bills from David Church and Co - the local garage that my grandad (Dave Church) owned and ran. Most peculiar to see some of your own family listed as 'historical' - especially when they are still alive and kicking! chuckle. Below is a little sample of the day - Kezia makes an appearance at the end as she teaches everyone else how Morris Dancing should be done!



We did have a lovely day. We rounded it off with a lovely dinner at Mamma's and some rather nice homemade Birthday cake for Pops!