Xmas 2001

Due to unanticipated circumstances (leaves on the line or new baby or something like that) we've failed to send you all a Christmas card. However we've sent you this New Year's card instead. The reason for this delay is that we had a significant piece of news that we wanted to be sure of before emitting this missive - we're moving! More of that later.

First and more importantly we are proud to announce the birth of our daughter Isabel in November after a surprisingly easy delivery. She weighed in at 7lbs 11oz and has been growing enormously ever since. She is currently charming us with her smiles and goos! You can see pictures of Isabel on the Internet at www.craig-wood.com/nick/isabel

Edmund has shot up in the last year and is almost as tall as Amy now. He seems somehow built on a different scale to Isabel - we just can't believe that 4 years ago we were holding him in our arms! He is a very sociable chap and loves having his friends round to play with his trains. He is currently obsessed with collecting the entire Thomas the Tank engine family.

Amy has settled into school much better this year giving us a happy kiss at the school door and running in. She still loves being at home though, drawing lots of pictures, making things and cuddling her little sister.

Loveday has finished her year studying architecture which she enjoyed very much but found very hard with two children - a new baby has made continuing completely impossible for the time being. Most of Loveday's time is taken up with looking after Isabel right now - hopefully the baby will become a little less demanding soon.

Nick has gone back to not having a real job - the software he's been working on for many years is now doing very well and his company needs all of his attention now.

The picture on the back of this letter shows the highlights of 2001 for us. In the top left quadrant there are pictures taken at Felicity and Grant's wedding. Middle top are pictures of Isabel and family (plus the Impish Ed). Top right is Loveday at South Bank University and her college work. Bottom right and middle is our holiday in Mallorca. And finally bottom left you'll see our new house (with Amy the Ballerina and Holly Mad Dog making an unexpected appearance).

Speaking of the new house... In May we first looked at Fairholme. It is located in one of our favourite parts of Guildford - near the river and near the centre of town - set in 0.3 acre of very private garden. Its taken a long time and much heartache but now we have managed to sell our house and buy Fairholme. In a surprise twist the current owners of Fairholme are buying our house! We'll be swapping houses on the 7th February.