stretching growing building learning

2009 has been a year of stretching, growing, building and learning!

Skye and Joseph had their first horse ride…
…well, Shetland Pony ride!

Mags went with her friend Sarah to LA, Phil had more Norwegian adventures in Stavanger, Tromsø, Bergen, as well as Stuttgart, Germany and Aberdeen, Scotland.




As well as becoming a very top doctor, Uncle Rich got a lesson in spelling and bathtimes – watch out for the invisible lion!





With architects, designs, planning permission and contractors in place the building epic that is our new home finally moved to the ‘bricks and mortar’ stage in May.






Skye’s fairy princess (and frog prince) birthday party was legendary









July brought surprising news – a new baby is on the way!






Behind schedule and over budget, but very pleasing all the same, we moved into our new home at the end of August – the kids loved riding in the moving van almost as much as getting their own bedrooms!







Just a few days later Skye started at her new school, which she is really enjoying.






Phil’s new work took him out of prison and back into engineering, this time (by helicopter) to North Sea oil rigs. It leaves lots time for daddy-day-care, volunteering with church and the prison work (as well as the decorating!)



Joseph has grown in many ways, notably in his love for Bob the Builder (see the hat), Postman Pat, Thomas the Tank Engine and shouting, ‘You Crazy Prawn!’ (err see Uncle Rich for that). In November we had a crazy party for his 2nd birthday too!





A new thing for us is the church community we’re part of – meeting in homes and running kids clubs linked to the local school. Like our advent lunch (shown) it’s very nutritious: local, growing organically, animal (& child & family) friendly, fairly and simply trying follow Jesus in everyday life.

We’re grateful for the support, love and encouragement so many friends and family have given us so generously this year – you’ve carried us a long way, thank you!

With loads of love from all of us

P.S. We’re also on facebook!