Dear All

Its that time of year again and as usual I haven't done what I intended to which was to have my letter written earlier this year. This year like other recent ones before it has flown past and I can't believe that it is December. I can't help thinking that it is a sign that we are getting older but don't feel it and certainly don't care to admit it!!

This year has been yet another busy one for us. Richard is now in Primary 4 at school and this year has a new teacher whom he likes. He is still at Beavers and looking forward to gaining a place at a cub pack when one is available locally. He is still dedicated to Judo to which he goes weekly on a Friday. So far he has not been graded as this is not allowed below the age of eight but he longs to start this process so that he can work his way up to the coveted black belt. We will see as time passes whether he sticks with it but he certainly enjoys it for now. Jonathan was at toddler group but has since August graduated to the dizzy heights of playgroup to which he goes unaccompanied. It is a small group with only about 8 other children and he seems to thoroughly enjoy it. He also goes to a gymnastics class called Tumble tots which he loves. Our Nanny Kirsty, left last month having been with us for 16 months and now we have someone new called Sue. Sue is lovely and the boys took to her immediately. She has a lovely nature and Jonathan talks about her all the time. We were very lucky to find her at just the right time. She comes every day and takes Jonathan to his playgroup two afternoons each week. They also have a generally busy time playing together and meeting Richard from school.

This year as in past years we spent our ski week in February with the rest of the family in the Tirol. The boys skied as usual apart from Jonathan who we hope will try skiing for the first time in '97. Richard is now so confident that I have trouble keeping up with him. A lot of this is of course due to the fact that my father regularly takes him to the large artificial ski slope just behind where we live. He is very lucky to have a grandfather able and willing to do this! Last week things didn't go quite so well.... when my father reached the bottom of the slope he looked back and there was no Richard- unusual as Richard is not usually behind but in front. There was Richard, lying half way down with a staved finger. Luckily he was OK and escorted to the bottom by a teacher. They went off to the casualty department of the children's hospital where an X-ray was taken. Richard was most disappointed to find that his finger was not broken......it would have made a much better story at school!! Not wanting to be outdone by his brother, Jonathan too played a visit to the casualty department. He decided when at the local swimming pool that he did not want to make a second journey down the water slide and instead came back down the ladder facing the wrong way. In doing so he slipped and fell and split open the back of his head!! He had two staples put in but was none the worse and was very proud to point out to everyone that they were 'holding his head together'.

In March a cousin of mine got married and we were invited to their wedding at the Ritz Hotel. David's parents came for the weekend to look after the children and David & I flew down to London to join the rest of my family for the wedding. It was an absolutely lovely affair and the Hotel was absolutely wonderful. That's how the other half lives.... such decadence was wonderful just for one day! It was nice to spend the weekend with the Hilary and her family. We paid them another visit in May but this time with Richard and Jonathan. We were real tourists this time and took a trip down the Thames to Greenwich to see the Cutty Sark. Richard loved it . On the way back we decided to take a trip on the Docklands Light Railway. This was a first for all of is. It took us past the scene of devastation left by the IRA bomb in the Docklands area.....what senseless destruction.

Easter saw us in the Lake District with the caravan. We had the most wonderful weather which is remarkable since our last three visits to this area have been blessed with great weather. We did some lovely walks- familiar and new ones. Of course we also visited some rather good tea shops- such an essential part of the weekend!

Our summer holiday was again spent in Hampshire not far from our campsite last year. We had a lovely time with visits from friends and cousins whilst we were there which was rather nice especially since we don't get to see our cousins too often Our friends Fiona & Stewart also spent a week with us and so the children had lots of company. There were lots of interesting things to do but probably our best day was our visit to Legoland in Windsor. Richard had the time of his life. It really is a wonderful place. well thought out and organised with lots to see for everyone. David & I really enjoyed it too and it was good to see the boys both having such a wonderful time. Richard just wanted to see everything! Unfortunately whilst we were on holiday David hurt his back rather badly and had to lie immobile on his back for a couple of days. This isn't too easy in a caravan but he managed even if he was rather bored. He had physiotherapy which helped but it took a while to go completely. When we returned home the Edinburgh festival was on and we took the boys to a few things including the Chinese Sate Circus- a wonderful acrobatic show. It was enthralling. Even Jonathan sat riveted for two and a half hours!

In November Jonathan celebrated his third birthday. We had a tea party with the family and some friends. He thoroughly enjoyed himself even if he was rather confused by some of the party games. He suddenly seems to be growing up rather quickly as does Richard who is very much the 'big brother'.

This year we have had two very enjoyable visits from friends from St Anthony. First Wendy and then Annie came to stay for a few days. It was just like old times and funny to think that it is almost 11years since we left to come home. We had such a good time catching up on news and hope that we can entice them back for another visit before to long. That of course goes for anyone who wants to visit. We have plenty of room. Just pick up the phone!!

David is hard at work at the surgery which after a major facelift is much nicer to be in. We finally took the plunge and completely redid the whole room: new cabinets and a completely new layout. This involved removing a huge old marble fireplace and a lot of mess. The surgery was closed for two weeks! I am fairly busy at work too but have not travelled abroad so much this year. I have had quite a lot on my plate with a few major projects to undertake.

I think that's probably enough for now or else Xmas will come and go and I will still be writing.

We wish you a happy Xmas and a healthy and happy year ahead.

Our love to you all