Al & Ang's in Christmas 2003

As usual, Christmas this year was very busy, but also, amazingly gave us a chance to relax and catch our breath a little. The week before Christmas was full of parties - HG, Youth Alpha and both Al & Ang's work all had parties, some of the photos you can see below.

Over the Christmas week, we spent most of the time with Angela's parents, but also managed to visit Al's family on Christmas Eve, and for a few days after Christmas.

On the 29th, we travelled the short distance down to Knebworth to join in the happy occasion of Nathan & Ruth's wedding.

Last Week Before the Holiday

HG Christmas Party 2003 - Just before the Christmas break we met up with some friends from church, for our Home Group Christmas Party 2003. Click here to see some photos.

Youth Alpha Christmas Party 2003 - All term Ang has been leading a group for some of the youth group at church called Youth Alpha. In the last week before Christmas, she organised a Christmas party for them. To find out what Time & Ang are doing in the picture below, click here!

Al's Work Christmas Party 2003 - The last Friday before Christmas, saw Al celebrating the upcoming 1 week holiday with his work mates at their annual Christmas Party! Click here to see some photos. Al, 03-01-2004

Al & Ang's Christmas in the North

Christmas holidays for us started off on Saturday the 20th of December when we made the trip up the A1, across the M62 and up the M61 to Kirkham near Preston to be with Angela's parents. After driving through torrential rain and no visibility fog to get there. When we arrived, Andrew, Angela's brother, and his family were visiting - so we got to see our two little nephews!

Above: Our Christmas tree in Cambridge, before we packed all the presents into the car!

Below: Angela's family (apart from Andrew) with me!

On the Sunday we made the short journey up the M6 to Lancaster were we attended the morning service at our old church, St. Thomas'. It was great to catch up with old friends, although most of them either weren't there, or have moved on to pastures new! We had a nice pub lunch in Lancaster, did a bit of shopping (but didn't buy anything), and then went to see Angela's sister sing at the Cathedral's Carols by Candelight.

Soppy Bit - Afterwards we walked up to the Ashton Memorial, where we had our wedding reception - but it was also the place that Ang and held hands for the first time, exactly 5 years ago - and the first time Angela had ever seen a shooting star!!

Above & Below: A view over Lancaster from the Ashton Memorial - 5 years ago to the day, we held hands for the first time, AND Ang saw her first ever shooting star! How cool is that?!

Monday saw us enjoying a pub lunch with Angela's parents, and then off to Preston where we watched the new Lord of the Rings film - The Return of the King. It was a great film, though seemed to drag at the end - especially once the battle had ended. Numb bumbs all round!

On Christmas Eve , we travelled down to Manchester to spend some time with my parents and grandparents. It felt like Christmas had come early because we all opened presents for each other! How cool!? It was good to catch up with the family and enjoy a nice meal with them. In the evening we went around to Andrew's house and got to know our little nephew's a bit better - Jacob & Tom - who were intent on causing havoc!! Especially with the Christmas tree decorations!

Above: Cerys & Justin (Al's sis & husband) try to figure out the puzzle found in a Christmas wrapper!

Below: Al's Grandparents (L), dinner at the table (R).

Above: Christmas had come early as we all opened our presents on Boxing Day!

Below: Al's grandparents open the Christmas presents.

Ang opened her rather groovy picture on Christmas Day and since then I've been in the good books! She bought me a wireless xbox controller , a 6-in-1 memory card reader , a USB pen drive and a cool book called by Bill Bryson called A Brief History of Nearly Everything . We also got a groovy game from my sister called Cranium - which is well worth playing! Apparently its the Game of the Year!

Below: Al with his wireless xbox controller (L), and Ang with her new painting (R).

In the evening we travelled south to Southport were we spent a very relaxing evening with Angela's sister, Helen. We even managed to watch World Idol - an international competition show casing 12 winners of Pop Idol from around the world!! How exciting!!

Below: Ang with her sister Helen, in Helen's flat in Southport.

On Boxing Day leaving Helen about mid-day we visited my parents again in Manchester, and stayed with them until Sunday afternoon. During our time in Manchester we were able to catch up with old friends, as well as do a touch of shopping in Manchester city centre - but as usual, we didn't buy anything!

Ruth & Nathan Get Married

Also Worth a Browse:

Al & Ang's Christmas from 2002

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