We are looking forward to a relaxing Christmas and New Years after a very busy December at our two churches and at work too. This year I left the afterschool club job for a temporary position as the maternity cover for the Youth and Children’s Officer for the Diocese of Edinburgh. It’s been an excellent experience filled with new and exciting challenges every week. I’ve learned quite a bit and met some lovely people in our Diocese as well as visitors from other Dioceses around the world too.
At the end of February, Paul and I had the great joy of visiting my family in the states once more. This time, during Fawcett birthday season – so we managed to be there for Aunt Barb’s birthday and also to celebrate my birthday and dad’s birthday too. On our visit home, we took a road trip to Maryland to meet Pat and Patrick Costello – two wonderful banjo players who share their love for this music online daily through free banjo lessons. As Paul had learned to play from watching them online, it was a great joy to see him finally meet them in person. We were treated to excellent hospitality by both Pat and Patrick along with Pat’s wife Miss Trudy.
For my birthday, Paul and our family chipped in to get me a digital SLR camera! I’ve had loads of fun this year trying my hand at digital photography. Paul has enjoyed the new gadget as well and has become quite the nature photographer too!
In the spring, we helped as leaders on the Easter Vigil and a youth retreat for St. Philip’s youth group. Once again the Breakfast Club and our co-leaders David, Carol and Lesley continue to inspire us.
In May we traveled home to Boston for Bethany and Jeff’s wedding. It was excellent to be back to see all our great Boston friends, especially Lisa, Matt and Melissa. We realised just how much we miss
Boston and are sure that when we eventually move back to the states, it will be to Boston. One of the highlights of the trip home was meeting Tommy, Matt and Melissa’s baby boy. He was quite impresssed with Broon’s banjo playing, repeatedly saying “Yay Broon!” We enjoyed a fun a trip to Cabot’s with the Sagendorphs. For me, it was especially wonderful to be able to visit with my best friend Lisa and we hope it won’t be too long before we see her again.
In July, we made the big move! We moved out of Edinburgh to a nearby seaside town called Musselburgh (although we officially live in Fisherrow apparently…). We are renting a flat for just the two of us and it’s lovely.
We celebrated our three year wedding anniversary on the 26th of August. Paul treated me to a lovely meal at the Glasshouse in Musselburgh and we finished off with ice cream from S. Luca. (So thankful to be living closer to our favourite ice cream parlour now!)
Yay Broon!
In November, Mom and Dad crossed the ocean for a visit to Musselburgh to stay with us. It was so nice to be with them again and to have time to see mor
e of Edinburgh. The highlights were definitely sharing High Tea at the Balmoral Hotel, climbing Arthur’s Seat with Dad and sharing in an early Thanksgiving meal with the Broons. During this week, we also were thrilled to celebrate Paul’s Baptism day. There was a quiet service at St. Philip’s followed by drinks at the Dalrieda with family and a couple friends.
We’re looking forward to seeing what 2010 brings and hope to catch up with you soon. Many blessings for you and your family this year. With Love, from Mish and Broon.
