Another year has almost past. It's been a good year for us all in all. We have a larger family, an ever increasing and over-ambitious project list and ever decreasing time.
The major news this year was the birth of Liam Philip on the 6th of August, 6 days early but weighing a good 3.72Kg.
As I write this Liam is somewhat "chunky" and full of life. Une is a really proud and loving big brother. Mari is somewhat jealous because all of Une's cuddles now go to Liam.
Une, now 3 1/2 is still enjoying barnehage (kindergarden) and developing in all the ways young boys do. We both really enjoy spending time with him. Daddy and Une even sit down for a game of chess now and again when they are not building Brio railway or Duplo.
We've had lots of visitors this year and are looking forward more in during Christmas and New year. Here's a picture taken during Une's godparents John and Jean's yearly visit.
The major project this year has been a new bedroom for Une. We decided that the largest bedroom in the house (formally know as the games room) was way too big to house a three year old so we have split it in 2. This, needless to say was not simply a case of building a new internal wall. We had to move the fuse box, close up one window, open up 2 others, install new ceiling joists and much more. The final result is fantastic and even though the other half of the room, the hall way and the loft are not finished we can already see how it will change the house for the better.
Mari, who is trying desperately to work on her PhD despite being on parental leave, finished her Masters in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public health early in the year recieving a distinction. She enjoyed the University of London's graduation ceremony in March and was one of a handful of overseas students to recieved an audience with Princess Anne.
I am still enjoying working at Flowtite. I have not had any long overseas trips this year, but have had quite a few short trips to Germany, Spain, Austria, Poland and Turkey. I have also been doing more mounting biking and cycled 3 races this year. Uncle Stephen (my younger brother) even flew over to join me for one of them, the 54km Sandefjordrittet, having the cheek to beat my 2hrs 36mins by 1 1/2 minutes. I find this a really enjoyable way to stay fit and in 2012 I plan to do the 93km long "Birkebeinerittet". This is Norways most famous mountain bike race with around 20,000 cylist taking part.
Mari will go back to work in February when we will begin 50/50 parental leave. We will continue this until the end of the summer when Liam should be guaranteed a Kindergarden place, hopefully in the same kindergarden as Une.
Peggy is getting older as are our 4 bengals but they are all well. They keep us on our toes and provide plenty of entertainment for both the boys.
We wish a very Merry Christmas to all our friends and family and a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous 2012!
Love
Andy, Mari, Une and Liam.
