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Help20 Years With the Holbrook Family in Medieval England
in reply to a message by Daffodil
Year 0:
Simon and Matilda have been friends since childhood and in love since adolescence, and are now newlywed at the local church in their town in Kent, England. Simon has taken over the family farm from his father and settled in the farmhouse with Matilda. They plan to start a family and are very hopeful and excited about the years to come.
DH [20]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [20]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
Simon & Matilda
---
Year 1:
Simon and Matilda are thrilled to welcome their firstborn - a son! They name him Alexander. Simon is pleased to already have an heir who can take over the farm when he himself grows too old to manage it.
DH [21]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [21]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [nb]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex
---
Year 2:
There is a riot in the town square. Matilda gets caught up in it while out with Alex; luckily, the one-year-old is unharmed, but Matilda sprains her ankle badly. When she gets home, Simon is extremely worried and insists she rest it for several days. Within a week, she is able to walk on it again, but she's not keen to return to the town square.
DH [22]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [22]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [1]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex
---
Year 3:
The family welcome a second son, Bartholomew! Alex is excited to have a little brother, and needs to be restrained by his parents, who tell him that the baby won't become a playmate for a few months at least. Alex learns to be gentle with the baby and loves him to pieces.
DH [23]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [23]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [2]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
DS [nb]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 4:
There is a torrential rainstorm lasting weeks. Unfortunately, this is very bad for both the crops and the animals on the farm, resulting in a lack of food for the family. Simon has to go into the market place and buy food from farmers traveling from other counties, where the rain was not as severe. Even so, some days the couple go hungry in order to feed their little boys.
DH [24]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [24]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [3]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
DS [1]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 5:
The crops are back this year, luckily! There is an archery tournament in town, and Simon, who enjoys the sport, decides to enter. He doesn't win but he has good fun anyway, and when a friend wins, he goes out for a few drinks in celebration.
DH [25]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [25]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [4]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
DS [2]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 6:
This year the town bulletin has some news: there have been a series of thefts and burglaries in the area recently, and it is suspected that a famous band of robbers have made their way to Kent. Simon and Matilda are worried - but luckily, the thefts stop before anything belonging to them is stolen. In other news: at the age of five, Alex has become quite a little troublemaker and loves pulling pranks on people. His parents tell him that it's quite alright as a joke, but that he should not end up like these criminals!
DH [26]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [26]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [5]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [3]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 7:
Merchants have arrived in Kent with exotic items from Africa. Simon and Matilda bring Alex and Bart to pick out a few trinkets as a treat, along with the useful items that Simon wants for the farm. Alex and Bart enjoy this trip immensely.
DH [27]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [27]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [6]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [4]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 8:
Bart is now five years old and has joined Alex in his pranks and trouble-making! Alex is thrilled to have a partner in crime, but Simon and Matilda now have rather a lot to deal with. Matilda has also taken up plant collecting. She buys lots of potted plants to put around the house and is growing a pretty little garden as a hobby.
DH [28]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [28]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [7]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [5]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 9:
This year Matilda enters the local 'best garden' contest, judged for how healthy the plants are, how well maintained the garden is, and how aesthetically pleasing it looks. She gets first prize, and is extremely pleased with herself! "Gardening is such a rewarding hobby," she says.
DH [29]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [29]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [8]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [6]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 10:
After trying to conceive for a while, Simon and Matilda are thrilled to welcome identical twin boys into the family! They name the new babies Christopher and Daniel, deciding to continue the (initially unintentional) alphabet pattern in their sons' initials. Alex and Bart are glad that the babies are twins: they get to hold one each and won't have to take turns.
DH [30]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [30]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [9]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [7]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS/DS [nb]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, and Chris & Danny
---
Year 11:
Only eighteen months after the birth of the twins, another baby is born - their first girl! Simon and Matilda name her Elizabeth. Alex, at ten years old, is now plenty old enough to help out, and his parents are going to need all the hands they can get with three children younger than two years old. Bart is willing to help too, but he doesn't do as much as Alex.
DH [31]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [31]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [10]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [8]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS/DS [1]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [nb]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, and Eliza
---
Year 12:
This year, by accident, the family welcome a second daughter - their fourth baby in three years. Simon and Matilda tiredly name her Florence, and Bart becomes a full participator in helping out.
DH [32]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [32]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [11]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [9]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS/DS [2]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [1]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [nb]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 13:
Now that Alex is twelve, Simon wants him to start helping out on the farm so that he can train him to take over, just like Simon's father did for him. Alex, however, says that he'll help out if Simon needs it, but that he doesn't plan on taking over the farm. He says that farm life isn't for him and he wants to start a shop selling "machines of amusement" - jokes and tricks. Simon gets angry because he was convinced that Alex was going to be the heir to the family business, and Alex is confused because he's expressed his ambition to start a shop before and never received any controversy from his parents. Simon explains that he never thought Alex was serious. "It was just a childhood fancy, you weren't actually going to go through with it!" "No, I'm serious!" Alex insists, and refuses to sway. Simon turns on Matilda to back him up, but she is tired and says, "Let him start his shop, dear. Perhaps Bart can take over the farm." All eyes turn on Bart, who doesn't meet their gazes. He says in a small voice, "I was hoping to help Alex with the shop," and Simon erupts again. Alex and Bart both end up sent to their room with no supper, and afterwards Simon forces them to help out on the farm, claiming he's going to make them love it so much that they'll want to take over when they're grown. The boys do their work but are silently set on their joke shop. Resentment is boiling in the household this year.
DH [33]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [33]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [12]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [10]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS/DS [3]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [2]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [1]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 14:
This year, Bart discovers music and dance. He has a talent for both singing and dancing and absolutely loves it; he asks Matilda to buy him a lute, which she gladly does, and he learns to play it. He starts putting on performances for the family each evening, and the little ones especially love them. Secretly, Bart thinks that he wants to be a dancer or a singer if the joke shop doesn't work out, but he doesn't voice this in case Simon gets angry again.
DH [34]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [34]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [13]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [11]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [4]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [3]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [2]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 15:
Simon's niece, Cecily, is getting married and the whole family attend the wedding! It's great fun for all of them, a truly joyous occasion. Simon and Matilda enjoy meeting with family members; Alex and Bart love seeing their cousins again; Chris, Danny, Eliza, and Flo are extremely overexcited to play with the younger cousins. It's the first time in a while that the family have all been able to properly let their hair down, and they're grateful for it. In other news: at the age of five, Chris has taken up collecting bugs. He keeps them in a terrarium that he made himself and watches over them faithfully. Simon remarks that this devotion to taking care of animals is the first step to becoming a good farmer. He doesn't so much as look at Alex or Bart but they can sense his meaning. Danny, on the other hand, has become an avid reader and devours all the literature suitable for five-year-olds that he can get his hands on.
DH [35]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [35]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [14]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [12]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [5]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [4]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [3]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 16:
This year tension and trouble is stirring between England and France. Simon tells Matilda, Alex, and Bart that he fears they'll be going to war. "I'll fight!" volunteers Alex immediately, but Simon silences him. "No. You're only fifteen. Still too young. I'll be fighting of course, if it comes to it. It might not, of course." They fall silent, listening to Chris, Danny, Eliza, and Flo playing merrily together, oblivious to the potential danger lurking in the near future. The times are uncertain. Despite this, five-year-old Eliza has decided that she loves sports, particularly gameball, and spends a lot of time practicing with her friends and siblings.
DH [36]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [36]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [15]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [13]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [6]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [5]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [4]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 17:
The family welcomes another baby, a daughter whom they name Grace. The children love their baby sister, although Flo is jealous for a while because she's used to being the youngest. Now five years old, Flo loves playing marbles and chess, and is very skilled even at her young age.
DH [37]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [37]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [16]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [14]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [7]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [6]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [5]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* loves playing marbles and chess
DD [nb]: Grace Holbrook
* straight dark brown hair and pale blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, Flo, and Grace
---
Year 18:
The family welcome yet another baby girl, Hester! Now the number of males and females in the Holbrook family is equal. Eight-year-old Chris and Danny are old enough to start helping with their baby sisters.
DH [38]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [38]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [17]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [15]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [8]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [7]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [6]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* loves playing marbles and chess
DD [1]: Grace Holbrook
* straight dark brown hair and pale blue eyes
DD [nb]: Hester Holbrook
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, Flo, Grace, and Hester
---
Year 19:
Simon's nephew, Tobias, is getting married! Just like his sister Cecily, who was married four years ago, he invites the Holbrooks to his wedding. Tobias is one of the cousins who was talking to Alex and Bart last time, and he teases Alex about when he will marry - after all, Alex is only a couple years younger than Tobias. Everyone enjoys the occasion - particularly Eliza and Flo, who don't remember Cecily's wedding very well.
DH [39]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [39]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [18]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [16]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [9]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [8]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [7]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* loves playing marbles and chess
DD [2]: Grace Holbrook
* straight dark brown hair and pale blue eyes
DD [1]: Hester Holbrook
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, Flo, Grace, and Hester
---
Year 20:
Alex gets rather drunk with his friends one night and they begin brawling. They are called out for disrupting the peace of the town and sentenced to half a day in the pillory. Simon and Matilda are mortified, but his siblings find it quite amusing.
DH [40]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [40]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [19]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [17]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [10]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [9]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [8]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* loves playing marbles and chess
DD [3]: Grace Holbrook
* straight dark brown hair and pale blue eyes
DD [2]: Hester Holbrook
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, Flo, Grace, and Hester
---
LISTEN TO THE MUSTN'TS
- Shel Silverstein
Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me—
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.
Simon and Matilda have been friends since childhood and in love since adolescence, and are now newlywed at the local church in their town in Kent, England. Simon has taken over the family farm from his father and settled in the farmhouse with Matilda. They plan to start a family and are very hopeful and excited about the years to come.
DH [20]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [20]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
Simon & Matilda
---
Year 1:
Simon and Matilda are thrilled to welcome their firstborn - a son! They name him Alexander. Simon is pleased to already have an heir who can take over the farm when he himself grows too old to manage it.
DH [21]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [21]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [nb]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex
---
Year 2:
There is a riot in the town square. Matilda gets caught up in it while out with Alex; luckily, the one-year-old is unharmed, but Matilda sprains her ankle badly. When she gets home, Simon is extremely worried and insists she rest it for several days. Within a week, she is able to walk on it again, but she's not keen to return to the town square.
DH [22]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [22]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [1]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex
---
Year 3:
The family welcome a second son, Bartholomew! Alex is excited to have a little brother, and needs to be restrained by his parents, who tell him that the baby won't become a playmate for a few months at least. Alex learns to be gentle with the baby and loves him to pieces.
DH [23]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [23]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [2]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
DS [nb]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 4:
There is a torrential rainstorm lasting weeks. Unfortunately, this is very bad for both the crops and the animals on the farm, resulting in a lack of food for the family. Simon has to go into the market place and buy food from farmers traveling from other counties, where the rain was not as severe. Even so, some days the couple go hungry in order to feed their little boys.
DH [24]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
DW [24]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [3]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
DS [1]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 5:
The crops are back this year, luckily! There is an archery tournament in town, and Simon, who enjoys the sport, decides to enter. He doesn't win but he has good fun anyway, and when a friend wins, he goes out for a few drinks in celebration.
DH [25]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [25]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [4]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
DS [2]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 6:
This year the town bulletin has some news: there have been a series of thefts and burglaries in the area recently, and it is suspected that a famous band of robbers have made their way to Kent. Simon and Matilda are worried - but luckily, the thefts stop before anything belonging to them is stolen. In other news: at the age of five, Alex has become quite a little troublemaker and loves pulling pranks on people. His parents tell him that it's quite alright as a joke, but that he should not end up like these criminals!
DH [26]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [26]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [5]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [3]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 7:
Merchants have arrived in Kent with exotic items from Africa. Simon and Matilda bring Alex and Bart to pick out a few trinkets as a treat, along with the useful items that Simon wants for the farm. Alex and Bart enjoy this trip immensely.
DH [27]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [27]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
DS [6]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [4]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 8:
Bart is now five years old and has joined Alex in his pranks and trouble-making! Alex is thrilled to have a partner in crime, but Simon and Matilda now have rather a lot to deal with. Matilda has also taken up plant collecting. She buys lots of potted plants to put around the house and is growing a pretty little garden as a hobby.
DH [28]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [28]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [7]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [5]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 9:
This year Matilda enters the local 'best garden' contest, judged for how healthy the plants are, how well maintained the garden is, and how aesthetically pleasing it looks. She gets first prize, and is extremely pleased with herself! "Gardening is such a rewarding hobby," she says.
DH [29]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [29]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [8]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [6]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
Simon & Matilda; Alex, and Bart
---
Year 10:
After trying to conceive for a while, Simon and Matilda are thrilled to welcome identical twin boys into the family! They name the new babies Christopher and Daniel, deciding to continue the (initially unintentional) alphabet pattern in their sons' initials. Alex and Bart are glad that the babies are twins: they get to hold one each and won't have to take turns.
DH [30]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [30]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [9]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [7]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS/DS [nb]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, and Chris & Danny
---
Year 11:
Only eighteen months after the birth of the twins, another baby is born - their first girl! Simon and Matilda name her Elizabeth. Alex, at ten years old, is now plenty old enough to help out, and his parents are going to need all the hands they can get with three children younger than two years old. Bart is willing to help too, but he doesn't do as much as Alex.
DH [31]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [31]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [10]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [8]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS/DS [1]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [nb]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, and Eliza
---
Year 12:
This year, by accident, the family welcome a second daughter - their fourth baby in three years. Simon and Matilda tiredly name her Florence, and Bart becomes a full participator in helping out.
DH [32]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [32]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [11]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [9]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS/DS [2]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [1]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [nb]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 13:
Now that Alex is twelve, Simon wants him to start helping out on the farm so that he can train him to take over, just like Simon's father did for him. Alex, however, says that he'll help out if Simon needs it, but that he doesn't plan on taking over the farm. He says that farm life isn't for him and he wants to start a shop selling "machines of amusement" - jokes and tricks. Simon gets angry because he was convinced that Alex was going to be the heir to the family business, and Alex is confused because he's expressed his ambition to start a shop before and never received any controversy from his parents. Simon explains that he never thought Alex was serious. "It was just a childhood fancy, you weren't actually going to go through with it!" "No, I'm serious!" Alex insists, and refuses to sway. Simon turns on Matilda to back him up, but she is tired and says, "Let him start his shop, dear. Perhaps Bart can take over the farm." All eyes turn on Bart, who doesn't meet their gazes. He says in a small voice, "I was hoping to help Alex with the shop," and Simon erupts again. Alex and Bart both end up sent to their room with no supper, and afterwards Simon forces them to help out on the farm, claiming he's going to make them love it so much that they'll want to take over when they're grown. The boys do their work but are silently set on their joke shop. Resentment is boiling in the household this year.
DH [33]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [33]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [12]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [10]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS/DS [3]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [2]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [1]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 14:
This year, Bart discovers music and dance. He has a talent for both singing and dancing and absolutely loves it; he asks Matilda to buy him a lute, which she gladly does, and he learns to play it. He starts putting on performances for the family each evening, and the little ones especially love them. Secretly, Bart thinks that he wants to be a dancer or a singer if the joke shop doesn't work out, but he doesn't voice this in case Simon gets angry again.
DH [34]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [34]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [13]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [11]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [4]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [3]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [2]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 15:
Simon's niece, Cecily, is getting married and the whole family attend the wedding! It's great fun for all of them, a truly joyous occasion. Simon and Matilda enjoy meeting with family members; Alex and Bart love seeing their cousins again; Chris, Danny, Eliza, and Flo are extremely overexcited to play with the younger cousins. It's the first time in a while that the family have all been able to properly let their hair down, and they're grateful for it. In other news: at the age of five, Chris has taken up collecting bugs. He keeps them in a terrarium that he made himself and watches over them faithfully. Simon remarks that this devotion to taking care of animals is the first step to becoming a good farmer. He doesn't so much as look at Alex or Bart but they can sense his meaning. Danny, on the other hand, has become an avid reader and devours all the literature suitable for five-year-olds that he can get his hands on.
DH [35]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [35]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [14]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [12]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [5]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [4]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
DD [3]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 16:
This year tension and trouble is stirring between England and France. Simon tells Matilda, Alex, and Bart that he fears they'll be going to war. "I'll fight!" volunteers Alex immediately, but Simon silences him. "No. You're only fifteen. Still too young. I'll be fighting of course, if it comes to it. It might not, of course." They fall silent, listening to Chris, Danny, Eliza, and Flo playing merrily together, oblivious to the potential danger lurking in the near future. The times are uncertain. Despite this, five-year-old Eliza has decided that she loves sports, particularly gameball, and spends a lot of time practicing with her friends and siblings.
DH [36]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [36]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [15]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [13]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [6]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [5]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [4]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, and Flo
---
Year 17:
The family welcomes another baby, a daughter whom they name Grace. The children love their baby sister, although Flo is jealous for a while because she's used to being the youngest. Now five years old, Flo loves playing marbles and chess, and is very skilled even at her young age.
DH [37]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [37]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [16]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [14]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [7]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [6]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [5]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* loves playing marbles and chess
DD [nb]: Grace Holbrook
* straight dark brown hair and pale blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, Flo, and Grace
---
Year 18:
The family welcome yet another baby girl, Hester! Now the number of males and females in the Holbrook family is equal. Eight-year-old Chris and Danny are old enough to start helping with their baby sisters.
DH [38]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [38]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [17]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [15]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [8]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [7]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [6]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* loves playing marbles and chess
DD [1]: Grace Holbrook
* straight dark brown hair and pale blue eyes
DD [nb]: Hester Holbrook
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, Flo, Grace, and Hester
---
Year 19:
Simon's nephew, Tobias, is getting married! Just like his sister Cecily, who was married four years ago, he invites the Holbrooks to his wedding. Tobias is one of the cousins who was talking to Alex and Bart last time, and he teases Alex about when he will marry - after all, Alex is only a couple years younger than Tobias. Everyone enjoys the occasion - particularly Eliza and Flo, who don't remember Cecily's wedding very well.
DH [39]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [39]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [18]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [16]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [9]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [8]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [7]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* loves playing marbles and chess
DD [2]: Grace Holbrook
* straight dark brown hair and pale blue eyes
DD [1]: Hester Holbrook
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, Flo, Grace, and Hester
---
Year 20:
Alex gets rather drunk with his friends one night and they begin brawling. They are called out for disrupting the peace of the town and sentenced to half a day in the pillory. Simon and Matilda are mortified, but his siblings find it quite amusing.
DH [40]: Simon Holbrook
* straight light brown hair and dark brown eyes
* farmer of animals and crop
* enjoys archery
DW [40]: Matilda Holbrook (née Beauchamp)
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* housewife
* collects plants
DS [19]: Alexander Holbrook "Alex"
* frizzy golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
DS [17]: Bartholomew Holbrook "Bart"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* troublemaker, loves pranks
* loves singing, dancing, and playing the lute
DS/DS [10]: Christopher Holbrook "Chris" & Daniel Holbrook "Danny"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* Chris loves collecting bugs, Danny loves reading
DD [9]: Elizabeth Holbrook "Eliza"
* straight dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
* loves sports especially gameball
DD [8]: Florence Holbrook "Flo"
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
* loves playing marbles and chess
DD [3]: Grace Holbrook
* straight dark brown hair and pale blue eyes
DD [2]: Hester Holbrook
* straight brown hair and dark blue eyes
Simon & Matilda; Alex, Bart, Chris & Danny, Eliza, Flo, Grace, and Hester
---
LISTEN TO THE MUSTN'TS
- Shel Silverstein
Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me—
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.
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