HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

We just wanted to take the opportunity to say a very Happy Christmas to you and that we hope you have a restful and peaceful time over this period. We've included a little summary of our year saying a little of what we've been up to in 2005 and what we're looking forward to in 2006. Do email us (info(AT)edmarsh.co.uk) - we'd love to hear your news.

January
At the start of the New Year, we celebrated Isaac’s first birthday. He had a very exciting day culminating with his first taste of chocolate cake – the first day of a fondness that has continued throughout the year! The next day, he had a party at church where he was joined by six little friends to play with toys and eat jelly and ice cream.

February
A popular activity throughout the year has been visits to Bristol Zoo. Isaac and Deborah go about once a week and Ed joins them when he can on Saturdays, Sundays and days off! The zoo is a lot of fun and offers Isaac the opportunity to learn and refine new animal impressions. Penguins and Gorillas have proved the most popular impressions!



March
Deborah helps to run a Mums and Toddlers group at church and we had our first big social evening event with a Chinese banquet for all the mums. The company was lovely and the food fantastic. The meal was made even more authentic (although slower) by everyone using chopsticks.

April
Isaac had been experimenting with walking since the start of the year but he was really starting to motor by April. Tentative waddling soon turned into trotting which soon turned into running. And that’s when the fun really began…





May
Ed and Deborah had a great time away on their own in the Lake District to celebrate Deb’s birthday. Isaac also had a lovely holiday at Grandma and Grandad’s house in Manchester at the same time although Grandma and Grandad did need a holiday afterwards themselves!

June
We were joined by both sets of grandparents at different points for our annual holiday in Exmouth. We had great weather and spent most of the time on the beach building sandcastles (and knocking them down!). In this photo, Isaac is leading Deb for yet another visit to the sea shore to collect shells and try to convince her to go all the way in for a swim.

July
Ed continues to work for KPMG and officially qualified as a Chartered Accountant in the year. Whilst it’s been great to have an exam-free year, there is a lot more responsibility now at work and longer hours. However, the work has been satisfying with interesting clients and assignments.

August
We celebrated Ed’s Grandpa’s 90th Birthday with a family meal out in Portishead. Isaac had great fun, especially because his cousin Ethan was there to run around with. As you can tell from this photo and the one below, it was hard to get them to stay still even for a moment!

September
We had a rather ill summer with Ed’s little swimming pool accident and Deborah’s tonsillitis (click here for the full story!). So our holiday in the South of France was very welcome. We had a fantastic time with Kate, Dave and Ethan (Ed’s sister and family), despite the torrential thunderstorms for the first few days. The weather then became glorious and we had many happy days on the beach and in the sea. We also visited St Tropez and Monte Carlo – Ed was particularly excited to have the chance to drive around the famous Grand Prix street circuit!

October
Deborah was made redundant in September and, even though it was a shock at first, it has allowed her to give some time to church – something we had been longing to do for quite some time. Isaac continues to spend one day a week with Ed’s mum to free Deborah up to do this which is a real blessing to us and a lot of fun for Isaac. Ed's Mum and Dad continue to lead very full but also very fruitful lives - they have also been so generous to us with their time and energy.

November
In November, our church (Highgrove Church) started running an Alpha Course for six Tuesday evenings. This has been a really exciting opportunity for people in the church but also about 15 guests to find out more about the Christian faith and have a chance to ask questions and explore further the big questions in life. The meals have been fantastic too!

December
Deborah’s Grandma also celebrated her 90th birthday and we took the opportunity for a long weekend in Manchester to attend her party. Deb’s Mum and Dad are – on the whole – keeping well and are both now fully retired and enjoying it. We've really valued their willingness to jump in the car and drive 3 hours to come look after Deb and Isaac when Deb's been very poorly a couple of times this year.


Looking ahead to 2006

We’re really excited about Sam (Ed’s brother) and Ruth getting married in August 2006. It’s been fantastic having Sam live nearby and them both coming to Highgrove Church during the year.

Deb celebrates her 30th birthday in April (although she may try to delete this sentence!)

Deb's Mum celebrates her 60th birthday in July!

Our friends Stew and Sarah are expecting their second child in the New Year!

Have a fantastic start to the New Year.

Lots of love

Ed, Deborah and Isaac x x x

http://edmarsh.blogspot.com/ - our blogsite for news and photos throughout the year.