Hi everyone! We’re not doing Christmas cards this year – instead you will have got here by electronic means. Welcome!

It’s been a big year and very hard to summarise. As restrictions have relaxed we’ve been slowly rediscovering the ability to get around and spend time with folks, but we haven’t been able to do that as much as we would have liked – hopefully in 2023 there will be more of that.

The highlight of the year (illustrated above) was our trip to New Zealand over the northern summer. Despite it being winter in NZ the temperature was the same when we arrived in Auckland as when we left Scotland! We had a great time revisiting many places we’d been before, seeing a few new ones, but most especially catching up with many friends and family who we hadn’t seen for ages (we were already overdue a visit when the pandemic hit, and we booked this just as soon as the NZ border opened up). It was so good to remake connections and see what everyone has been up to. Like our children, so many others are growing up and leaving home which is a big change!

On that note – Aidan (2nd year uni, doing Geography and Computing Science) has moved out of home into a very nice flat not too far from the university! It was a bit fraught getting to that point given the extreme lack of accommodation, but he was able to move in in November. He’s very much enjoying the new freedom and settling in well.

Megan is in the final year of secondary school, doing sciences and music, and deciding what to study at uni next year – we had a busy autumn term visiting many of the universities in Scotland for their open days. She has also just got her first job!

Carolyn’s business is developing well and she is very much enjoying it. Keith’s work has been very intense and intellectually stretching, but he’s absolutely loved it. We’ve both done a new thing this year for us, joining a gym and getting a personal trainer. It’s been surprisingly good fun to get stronger and more balanced, though Keith in particular has painfully discovered many muscles he never knew he had!

This Christmas season we are enjoying being with some of our family, but we’re very aware of those who are far away or without those they love at this time. We pray for God’s comfort and blessing, and hope for a better world ahead.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, and all the best for the year ahead!

Lots of love,

Keith, Carolyn, Aidan, and Megan xo.

Our address and contact numbers remain the same – please get in touch if you need them. You can email us on kandcw@lochan.org.

SATURDAY: On Saturday we went to a very nice cottage where we were staying for a week. Once we arrived it was quite late so we went to chippy for dinner. I got a cheese burger with chips, Aidan got haddock and chips, Dad had haggis burger and Mum had a chicken burger. Then once we enjoyed a delicious dinner we went to bed.

SUNDAY: Today after we got up we had a lazy morning and we all played  some games and did some crafts. Later on we did go to a lovely beach in Garlieston. We went on a very nice long walk and Aidan and I touched some sea anenomies. They felt very wierd but really cool. Then once we got back we had a delicious dinner of fajitas. While we had dinner we were watching Strictly Come Dancing Results Show. After dinner we went to bed.

MONDAY: Today was my 11th Birthday and once we got up Aidan and I played a game of Quirkle and I won by 9 points! Then we went through to mum and dad’s room to open my birthday presents. Once we did that we went to a Chocolate Factory which was awesome. First we got lunch and then we actually got to make the chocolates. First we made these model chocolates of anything we liked out of Bunny, Frog, Train and Duck. Aidan and I both did trains and I did one half white chocolate and the other half milk chocolate. Then while we were letting them harden we decorated a chocolate bar. First we swirled the white chocolate together with the milk chocolate. Then we decorated  them sweets. After that we let them harden as well and we decorated some marshmallows and when we were doing that Aidan said it looked like I was making something for a fancy resteraunt! After that we got everything back and put them in our bags. Then once we did that we played outside for a while then we went back to the cottage. For dinner we had chicken curry. Then we played a game of cluedo. After that we went to bed.

TUESDAY: Today we went on a 16mile bike ride which was a lot of fun but very tiring. On the cycle we first went on a cycle through the forest. Then we cycled to the beach and had lunch. After that we continued on our cycle and we went to Sorbie Tower which was very interesting. It also looked very detailed. then we cycled back to the cottage and had a delicious dinner of pork and noodles. After dinner we then played a game of banana grams. Then we went to bed.

WEDNESDAY: Today once we got up we went to some book shops which was lots of fun. Aidan got a candlemaking book and I got a night sky postcard and a book called IceBound Summer. Then we went home for lunch and we had squash soup and delicious bread. Then we went back out to go South. First we went to the Harbour. While we werre in the Harbour we went to a White Tower and got a very nice view. After that we went to St Ninnians beach which was absolutely beautiful.While we were there we went to St Ninnians cave which was rather small but vey pretty. Later on we went home.

THURSDAY: Today we went to a Gem Rock Museum. It was loads of fun. Once we got there we saw a lot of different crystals and gems. It was all very interesting but my favourite was the Rainbow Obsidion from Mexico. It was very fascinating to see all the tiny crystals inside the Amethsyst and in the Agate. After that we went into the Proffeser’s study and watched a very interesting 10 minute film. Then we went into a crystal cave. While we were in there I saw a piece of Amethyst just 4cm short of my hieght! Then we went into the gift shop and I got 4 things. I got: A piece of beautiful Citrine ( yellow gem ) a small piece of Peacock Ore, a small piece of Rose Quartz from the USA and some regular Quartz also from the USA. Aidan got an incredible piece of Peacock Ore which had lots of beautiful colours in it like blues and greens and a gorgeous pink! Later on after lunch we went on a lovely walk through a beautiful forest. We saw so many beautiful views. Then we went home and had a delicious dinner.

FRIDAY: Today we went to the most southernly point in Scotland (we went to the hard to access one though – there were easier points claiming the title)! It was lots of fun and there were loads of incredible views. The reason why we went to the hard to access one is because we were going to the most southernly geocache in Scotland. We were walking along a cliff edge but there was a pretty big gap in between us and the cliffs edge, so we were quite safe. We saw a spectacular view though. Sadly we didn’t get the geocache because it was a bit too dangerous to get it. After we got back from that we went to the gift shop. Aidan got a model puffin with a sailor’s hat on, and I got a really pretty keyring which made it looked like it had a rainbow on it even though it didn’t. After that we went to a place called Stranraer. It was lots of fun seeing the town which looked beautiful. It was also right next to a beach which was really cool. Then we went back to Sorbie (the place we were staying in) and went out for dinner at a place called The Pheasant. It is an Italian resteraunt. It was absolutely delicious the food we had. Aidan had salmon for his starter Dad and I had a Faggatini which was a pastry box with sausage meat and broccoli inside. Mum had lots of cured meats. Then for the main Mum and I had flat gnocchi in a blue cheese sauce. Aidan had Taglatelli Carbonara and Dad had Pork Saltimbocca which is pork with salami on top which tasted incredible. After that we went back to the cottage.

SATURDAY: Today once we got up we packed the car and before we left the owner of the cottage came by and gave us some pancakes and tablet. After that we went back home.

Today we went on a plane to Ireland.

Here is a picture of the plane.

It was about 1 hour long. Once we arrived we got picked up by our friend Josh. Then we went to bed. The next day we went to the park with all the other kids. It was really fun, we played all sorts of different games. Then we went home for lunch. Later on we went up a lovely hill and got lots of incredible views then we got some ice cream. After  that we went back to there house for dinner. For dinner we had Cheese burgers. Then we all got ready for bed.

On Monday we went into Dublin and first we went onto the Open Roof Bus Tour which was very interesting. Later on we went for lunch and I had Thai curry with noodles – which was delicious. Then we went to a very nice park. Later on we went to the Guiness Museum which was pretty interesting especially when we saw the massive amount of Barley and a water fall.

Then we continued to explore. Later, on the way back on the bus, we played the seven second challenge. Then for dinner we had chille con carne.

On Tuesday morning Amy, Daniel, Aidan and I all built a fort to sleep in. Later on we went for a walk along the pier. Which was really fun and we caught lots of water type pokemon. Then we got some really flufy ice cream. Later on we went to the park. So Amy, Daniel and I all went straight to the basket swing and we basically spent the entire time on it! Then we took the bus back and we all played seven second challenge again. Then for dinner we had a green Thai curry with noodles. Then for pudding we had caramel ice cream which was delicious. Later on we watched Star Wars 6. After that Aidan and Daniel slept in the fort.

Then on Wednesday morning we said our goodbyes because we where travelling to Belfast. First we went to a Science Museum with Dad’s friends from NZ. Later on at the gift shop I bought a Pin art thing. Later on we went to a place for afternoon tea with them. Then we went to the train station. Thankfully we got to our train on time but we had not had dinner. So we ended up buying dinner on the train. Aidan and I both had a cheese and bacon toastie. Once we arrived, we went to the Premier Inn. Then mum and dad went to Tesco to buy us some supper. 

Then on Thursday we went on an Open Top Bus Tour. This is one of the buildings we saw.(There has been a bit of editing in this we did not use an old fashioned camera).

Then we got of at stop number 4 to go to the Titanic Museum which was really interesting. Here is some pictures. (This is the outside of the Titanic Museum)

                                                                                      (This is the Titanic Sign thing)
Then we had a delicious lunch. Later on we hopped back on the bus and continued the city tour which was really interesting. Like there was a really long wall with lots of art that might be destroyed in 6 years. Then we went to a very nice restraunt for dinner. We all had pizza.

Then on Friday morning we went to a market and I got some stamps. Then for lunch we had savoury crepes. Then we went  went back to Josh and Mel’s for dinner. Later on Josh and Mel went out for a dessert. While Mum and Dad looked after us all.

Then on Saturday we had a lazy morning. Later on we made some delicious bramble tarts with hand whipped cream. After that we went on a lovely walk to the beach. Aidan, Noah, Cassia and I all went and swam I the sea. It was so much fun. Then we went back home for a delicious dinner. Then a bramble tart with the cream. Later on weed all said goodbye given we had to go really early in the morning. 

(Sunday) Today we got up at 5.15 because our flight was at 7.45. A taxi came for us to take us to the airport which is about 1 hour away. Once we got to the airport we got breakfast. I had a pain aux chocolat and Aidan had a croissant

After that we had to go to our gate to board or plane. Then we had a safe flight home.                                                                                                                                                                    

This weekend we went to Aviemore with Grandma & Grandpa. On Friday when we arrived it was very late. For supper Aidan & I had cheese & crackers which was very nice. Then the next day I woke up at 9:00 & Aidan woke up at 8:45. For breakfast we had toast. Later we went on a very nice walk thhrough the woods, it was really fun. We got to see lots of lovely views. Then for lunch Grandma, Grandpa, Mum & Dad sat on a bench & we found some roots to sit on with a lovely view over the loch. For lunch I had a cheese & salami & Aidan had a tuna mayo wrap. Then we went to get ice cream: Dad & I had a double caramel ice cream & Aidan & Mum had a cornetto each. Then we got back to our lodge to relax & Aidan & Grandpa played a game of chess. Then for dinner we had steak pie & chicken pie. Then after dinner we went on another walk down to the river. It was a lot different from last time. Then Grandma, Grandpa and Mum went to the Wood Shed ( The Bar ) while dad took Aidan & I home. Later Grandpa came home because Mum & Grandma wanted some girly time. Then on Sunday Aidan & I got out of bed by 9:00. For brunch we had bacon, eggs & toast. Then we packed up & left the lodge. Later on we all went to a cafe for early afternoon tea. I had a lint chocolate cake with cream, Aidan had carrot cake & Mum & Dad had a Chocolate Dream cake.Then once we finished we bought some plants then went home.

On Monday and Tuesday I had my dancing display it was lots of fun though very tiring. My first dance was my graded tap dance. Here it’s a picture of my costume.

Then I had my jazz dance. It was a really fun jumpy dance. The song I was doing it to was called Cowboy! I really liked the costume even though it was itchy. Here’s a picture of the costume.

In part two my ballet dance was the second dance on. I was doing it to Swedish Rhapsody. I loved my costume even though the bottom half of the tutu was really itchy even wearing ballet tights! Here’s a picture of the costume.

Then my final dance was my other tap dance. The song I was doing it to was called USA. I really liked this costume. It was my favorite costume. Here’s a picture of the costume.

Then there was the finally. We had to stand on stage for ages. This was my favorite over all outfit though because it was really comfy. Here’s a picture of it.

This is the last term of school & we are all really excited for school to be over. Our topic right now is the Olympics. We are all really enjoying it. At one point we were told that we were going to be learning Spanish given the Olympics are being held in Rio. We haven’t started learning Spanish yet though. For our homework we were told to make an Olympic themed bard game. Mine is a cross between Monopoly & Questioner. It has lots of easy & hard questions in it but its played like Monopoly. It is really fun & I have almost finished it. I’m really happy I’ve nearly finished it because its 1 less thing I have to do.

Everyone can’t wait for the final assembly of the year! Its because that’s when all the P6’s find out who are going to be the new school captains are as well as vice captains, house captains, events captain & ambassador. When Aidan was in P7 he was an ambassador. Ambassadors help out at open afternoons & lots of other stuff as well. I can’t wait to take all the stuff home that I’ve made this year! We also get to meet our new teacher soon!

This year we’ve got lots of plans for our Summer Holidays. First we are going to Wales, it is the first time in years that we have went. Then we are going to Liverpool to visit some friends & see the place. Then we are going camping somewhere near Braemar for 3 nights. Then we are going to Dublin in Ireland to visit Josh, Mel & kids. Then later after we get back from Ireland Aidan & I will be going to holiday club. Then we will be going back to school after holiday club is over. I imagine we will be very tired after all of that.