Happy New Year 2011!

New Years 2010 was a fun, relaxed affair that included lots of games and a long country walk with the dogs. The idea that this countryside was covered in white seems a long time ago, as the thaw has come and the hills are green again.

This is Lindsay with Sarah and Catherine on the walk the next day - looking a little sleepy after a late night of chatting and catching up. Andy generously gave up his bed so that the girls could catch up - don't worry, he slept great on the couch with no-one stealing the duvet in the middle of the night!

Hannah's Nail Salon

Father Christmas gave Hannah green sparkly nail polish in her stocking, and she generously let us paint our nails with it. She also came up with the cool idea of alternating green and red to get into the festive spirit. All the girls loved it! Jill (second from left) also created a really cool pub quiz for the night, and we had a great time competing in teams for the ultimate prize...a pack of Smarties! We then had mulled wine and watched on TV the fireworks over the Thames, with Big Ben ringing in the New Year.

Uncle Sandwich

We've had a great time with the whole WP family staying together and this picture is only a glimpse of one of the uncle sandwiches that Alex and Andy find themselves in daily. Sadly, the Bath WPs and Alex had to return to their respective homes today, closing out almost two weeks together. It has been a really special time for us personally as we prepare to cross the pond; but all of us are preparing for a 2011 with significant changes afoot and it was precious to be together at the start of this new year.

Adam studying his Poch cards

In particular, we've played several rounds of Poch. It's a game that deftly combines both luck and skill - and makes for some great laughs. Lucile impressed us all with her Poch abilities and took the bank home on the first night. Here in a rare still moment..., you can see Adam skillfully multitasking by deciding whether he will "poch" (bet) whilst chewing on his sandwich.

Overlooking Coln St Aldwyns (Thanks to Tash for the photo!)

As we start this next year, we hope you've had a moment to reflect on the blessings of 2010, and all that awaits you personally in this next year. Here is to a 2011 that strengthens and binds us with its challenges, surprises us with its goodness, and leaves us grateful for God's grace.