I’m missing writing general daily posts about our everyday family life, but I really do struggle to find the time.
A Half-Term Catch Up
The kids are on half term this week. It was sunny at the weekend so we made the most of our paddling pool in the garden.
It poured with rain on Monday when we went to the Tudor Merchant’s House in Tenby.
On Tuesday we enjoyed a Toy Story themed garden party and BBQ for cousin Cerys’ 5th Birthday!
Castle Pill Woods
Then on Wednesday we went down to Castle Pill Woods with friends and family. I am amazed that these wonderful woods are just down the road from my childhood home and where my mum still lives. We played in these woods when we were little but we never ventured that far in. We would go to a stream, collect tadpoles and then head back home.
Years later, when I realised there were now wood carvings and sculptures in the woods I did try to find them. However, we entered the woods from the other side which was very steep and muddy due to the Winter rain so we turned back home before we got to the interesting part of the Woods.
On Wednesday, our friend Makala led us to these wonderful woods. Rebecca said it was as if we had stepped through a magic door into an enchanted forest.
I brought the pram along for Izzy which really wasn’t practical- the bridge was too narrow for the pram’s wheels! I really need to get her a stroller now she is walking so much. However, with help we managed to get Izzy and the pram safely across!
The wood sculptures are carved by David Fulton of Animality. He is also a very talented film-maker and tutored us in a film making course recently. He also made the wood carvings at Pembrokeshire Wildlife Centre.
I love the sculptures made by the trees naturally too.
There are two woodland shelters. They are perfect for enjoying an evening camp fire. There are also benches and picnic tables.
As soon as we got to the Woods, the kids were all in good spirits and enjoyed playing together. They ran about and chased each other in a good natured manner.
They slid down the step hill. Danny made a video of Jack for Youtube!
The kids played “Pooh Sticks” with one child dropping in the sticks and the other shouting to them when they found it on their side.
Jack was a proper Rock Star playing his stick guitar on the podium! What a dude!
The girls posed in the blue bells. They love woodland flowers.
When we made the second woodland shelter our base camp, we sat down and enjoyed a couple of sarnies together.
As soon as the kids had filled their bellies they were off for a paddle in the stream. Danny was already knee deep in the water in his trainers and trousers before I had the chance to remind him to take them off and roll his trousers up.
While in the water, Caitlyn realised her wellies had a hole in them so she was better off without them!
Jack made me think of Peter Pan on Skull Island.
Izzy loved the running stream.
The girls watched the butterflies dancing in the flowers.
There were lots of Cabbage Whites. I’ve added some in so you can get the idea! They didn’t pick up on my phone camera.
Running and jumping!
Finding tall buttercups.
Abbie loved playing with the dry dust dirt. Her and Caitlyn made patterns in the mud. They cooked us dinner. Then Abbie had fun throwing the dirt into the air. It looked like she was a fairy from Pixie Hollow throwing fairy dust to make Spring Arrive all around her.
As well as fairies, we also found a white feather from an Angel’s wing.
The kids really divided themselves into a girls and a boys group. In the boys group, once one boy took his top off, they all followed suit.
They went off further into the woods to make a boy’s den. No girls allowed.
They loved having their independence and playing away from us.
Even the youngest wanted their independence and to walk around the woods all on their own.
The kids were like The Lost Boys with Jessica as their Wendy, keeping an eye on everyone.
The girls made their own den. It was hard to convince all the kids to come home at the end of the day as they all had an amazing time and got very muddy as kids do.
Us grown ups had a relaxing day too and a good natter, so it was a good day all around.
I can’t wait until next time and hope our other friends can also join us then too.
Today we went to another of my favourite places, Monk Haven. Tomorrow, I’m off to Cybher!
