Merry Christmas!!

Whether we see you every day or whether we don't see you as often as we'd like to, we do want to wish you a very Happy Christmas and hope that your New Year is filled with hope and joy! For those who haven't seen us in a little while, we've written below a little summary of the main things that we've been up to in 2006. Do get in touch with us and tell us your news. You can email us at admin(at)edmarsh(dot)co(dot)uk:

January
An eventful month including a trip to the dental hospital after Isaac knocked one of his front teeth out! We were thrilled to discover that we were expecting Marshlet number two. Ed went away for a Highgrove Men's weekend away. It was wonderful to get to know lots of other people better and spend time worshipping, playing pool and walking through railway tunnels!



February
We continue to be very involved in Highgrove Church and it's been great that Deborah has been able to devote a day a week working for Highgrove throughout this year. Ed continues to work as an accountant for KPMG which keeps him very busy!


March
We had a number of exciting family days out in March and April including a trip on a steam train! This was very exciting for Isaac whilst Deborah appreciated the chance to sit down and get off her feet (we'd forgotten how exhausting being pregnant was for her!). Deborah again ran an evening Chinese Banquet for Highgrove Toddlers mums and carers which was a great success!



April
Deborah turned 30 in April and we celebrated by having a few days away on our own in Rome. We had a lovely time and very warm weather. We had lots of meals out, did a lot of walking and sightseeing and went to the Ferrari store!! We missed Isaac but he had plenty of fun at home with Grandma and Grandad.


May
A two week family holiday in Exmouth was fairly dominated by rain but we made the best of it and had a restful time. Grandma and Grandad joined us for a week and we had plenty of ice creams, trips out and sleep! See some photos here, here and here.





June
We enjoyed the scorching weather in June with Isaac spending plenty of time in the garden. Ed was appointed Church Trustee and Treasurer which is yet another way of keeping very busy!!

Ed's mum and dad are well and continue to work in adult education (basic skills) and as Chief Exec of Mullers respectively, amongst many other things!

July
Deborah went away for a Highgrove Women's weekend away and we all went away to celebrate Deborah's mum's 60th birthday. Deborah's mum and dad are mostly well although have been fighting off lots of colds and coughs this year. We've enjoyed lots of visits during the year!




August
August was particularly special in that we celebrated the wedding of Ed's brother Sam and the lovely Ruth. Isaac and his cousin Ethan were paige boys and it was a wonderful day to remember. We are thrilled that Sam and Ruth have bought a house just 7 doors away from us which gives life a sort of 'Ramsey Street' feel which is fantastic!



September
Toby Samuel Marsh was born on 28 September weighing 7lb 15.5oz. All went well with Deborah recovering fairly quickly and Ed managing to stay conscious this time. It was so exciting to introduce Toby to his proud big brother, Isaac.



October
It was a great joy for Ed to be able to extend his paternity leave to a whole 8 weeks during October and November. This made a tremendous difference to family life during the early days of Toby's life. It was brilliant to be able to have tea together every night, have weekly swimming trips and for Ed to be able to help in settling Isaac into his new playgroup.




November
We were saddened by the passing of Ed's Grandad shortly after his 92nd birthday. We are, however, so thankful for Grandad's long, full and rich life and that he died peacefully in the presence of his close family.

We ran another Alpha course at Highgrove this year and it's been a privilege to be involved in the Pray for Portway Community School initiative.


December
Ed's return to work has been a shock to the system and we're looking forward to a little more time together over the Christmas period. Ed's sister Kate and husband Dave are expecting a baby on Christmas Day which could make the festive season a little different this year! It'll be an exciting time! (Update: Olivia Grace was born on 12 December! Photo here).

Lots of love

Ed, Deborah, Isaac and Toby
x x x

Catch up with our family news and photos throughout the year by logging onto www.edmarsh.co.uk.