Grandma's happy ensemble

Yesterday we Haygarths gathered for the first time as a group of ten, welcoming Elsie into our chaotic fold with many smiles for Grandma and her 5 grand children. In G'ma's own words, as we drove to meet Dave et al at Rivington, "for the first time I will be able to hug all my 5 grandchildren at the same time". She did! See pics here.......

The winning pair.....

First veteran
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last weekend Angus showed Dileus in the Sticklepath dog show and, amongst a field of about 10 competitors, won first prize. Angus was delighted and has subsequently been in the Okehampton Times. Here are some pictures of the last weekend, including Matthew as a marshal in the Sticklepath Horseshoe race and Helen with Marianne Bardgett (they visited en route to Cornwall)....

France Holiday Summer 2008

IMG_0973
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last week we came back from 12 nights away in western France - a much needed holiday for the 5 of us. Like last year we used the excellent Canvas holiday company that supplies ready erected tents with fridges, beds, cookers etc and this year had a dual location with 6 nights on our loved Ile de Re (as last year) followed by 6 nights at St Jean de Monts (Vendee) (click links for the photos). This year we took our own bikes and travelled in the new family Bongo which was a breeze. The children made some great friends at both locations - with Hanna, Justin(JJ) and Ben (Il de Re) and William and Ellen (Vendee) - these friendships also helped us make good friends with the parents too! Highlights at Il de Re were crabbing in the rock pools, morning runs for me accompanied by Angus on the bike, playing table tennis, Matthew fetching the bread from the shop and playing volley ball and soccer with the big boys. Highlights at the Vendee were visits from Lizzie. Hamish, Serena and Flora (from our home village of South Zeal), the boys on quad bikes (they LOVED it!), playing chess with Matt and downfall with Angus and a trip to the Circus. The latter was particularly special because Helen (somewhat bravely, equipped with clothy in hand for protective sniffs) saw Lions for the first time and Angus, aged 5, guested in the ring with a clown and other grown-ups, miming air guitar - the brief video clip below shows the special moment of the brave 5 year old...

Happy Birthday Anne

Happy Birthday Anne
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Today was Anne's birthday and we celebrated with a trip to the coast at Crackington Haven. Gran and Aunt Chrissie, who have been staying at ours whilst we were away on holiday, also joined the happy trip. See pictures here...

Skiing video

I just finished editing this from March....somewhat out off season, but about 6 minutes of winter fun in France. Thought it would be good to get it done in time for another trip to France coming up next week.......

Angus's first sports day

On his way
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Yesterday was Angus's first sports day at South Tawton School. It was an idyllic summer scene in South Zeal and we were tinged with a little sadness that this is the last time we will do this here. Both boys performed well, with Angus getting 3rd in the sprint and 2nd in the egg and spoon race and Matthew winning the 400 m. Here are some images of the lovely day.......