Visiting favourite friends in Yorkshire

Family news from 2012

Samuel & Reuben

Terry & his dad

Despite my promises my blogging habit didn't really get going again this year, too much work and hours in front of the PC probably doesn't help. The boys on the other hand seem to relish being in front of screens of all types ... computer, Xbox, PlayStation  DS, TVs, they are true boys of our time with their passion for games and online fun. Fortunately they are sensible and know to keep safe so so far all is OK. Our year has included some good times out and about visiting with family and friends. The summer family holiday was a real family affair sending a week in Sheringham with Granddad  cousins and one of the boy's aunts. We all enjoyed Sheringham, it is very charming and a great place to relax. Our house overlooked the beach directly the only drawback being the constant sound of waves! A sound I love. The dog loved being able to look straight out the window to the beach and see everyone passing by so it was fun for her too. The boys enjoyed playing cards with Granddad in the evenings and I got lots of lovely long walks on the beach and time to just chill out which was great.

Samuel

This year Reuben started senior school, so a momentous moment to finally be finished with school plays and concerts. He excelled himself in the last moment taking a starring role in the end of year school play and even singing solos - it was really unexpected and surprised everyone! As a result Reuben scooped the Music Award for his outstanding performance. However, I think it will be a long time before we see that talent out in public again, in the meantime we'll just have to eves drop on his melodies coming out of the bedroom. He's a shy person at heart, but with determination.

Samuel goes high!

 Samuel's highlight this year has probably been his first chance to go clay pigeon shooting. He took to it like a duck to water, hitting the very first clay and only missing 5 in his hour long adventure. He's always had great spacial awareness and is keen to do more ... perhaps we've found his special talent and maybe one day we'll see him competing in the Olympics (... I'd better start saving now the airfares!) Terry has been working hard all year long for the charity. It is long hours and many trips around the UK and a few abroad. Most Sunday's he's out preaching and is doing an amazing work winning people's hearts and prayer support for the mission of bring justice to the oppressed and widowed. He's managed to keep up his golf handicap and also gone back to playing Squash though his first few matches were quite hard going he's starting to win a few so pleased to be getting back to form.

Reuben water skiing

Jazmine

Reuben's birtday

Samuel, David & Reuben 

Reuben & Jack

I've continued with my drumming with the Psalm Drummers and in July hosted a 24 hour worship and praise event with the drummers. It was crazy as the day started early with the Olympic torch coming to town which Samuel and I went to see and then after a full day of work it was off to begin the 24 hours ... so the real day was more than 36 hours for me and a number of others. I can recommend it though, pushing through and having a lot of fun .. 2am still being my favourite time to be up and praising. The year ends with a floury of work. Craig has moved his factory up to Essex now so it is good to have him around and also to be involved with his business too as well as my own. I've had a good team in the office working for me this year and they have done a great job which makes my life so much easier. So on to 2013 ... what will it bring? Well at least one trip if not more to Italy to see my favourite places in Basilicata ... if you haven't been there put it on your agenda, it is stunning and most unspoilt. The hospitality is amazing and I've made some lovely friends there over the years that we have worked for the Tourist Board. A great perk of the job!

Jack, Alice, Reuben, Mum,
Samuel visiting the Cutty Sark

There goes Mum (Reuben front)

This year was also a very watery one with lots of adventures out and about on the water. I bought my first wind surfing board and spent most of the time falling off ... well perhaps next year I'll manage to stay upright for more than 10 seconds.

I managed to slip away for a few days to visit Avril in Belfast for her 50th birthday. It was great to catch up with her and also to see Mary (nee Beattie) for a few days. What a treat.

Avril's birthday in Belfast with Mary (right)

Mum, Mike, Michelle, Jack, Samuel,
Alice & Craig in London (left to right)

Wishing you a great 2013 from all of us here!