Dear Friends,

 

Just a quick note to wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

I know this is a day late but I did actually start this email yesterday and didn't quite get it finished.  It is the thought that counts!

 

We spent Christmas in Melbourne with my family, and had a lovely time at my sisters new home in Warburton. 

 

2003 has been a good year for us, and some of the highlights for us were a trip to USA and Canada in January with the whole Ellis tribe (about 23 of us).  Kids loved Disney Land and Maddison learned to ski during our time at Whistler. 

 

We also had a great holiday at Port Macquarie.  Camped right on the break water and watched dolphins cruising past the front of our tent every morning. 

 

Steve has managed to survive a merger at work, and he is now employed by PeopleSoft.  Still enjoying his job, but recently it has been quiet in Sydney requiring him to travel quite frequently to both Brisbane and Adelaide in order to keep busy.  He also completed certification exams for PeopleSoft consulting.

 

Tania remains busy as a full time mum, and maintains that Steve is just one more kid to look after.  She also has remained busy with leadership at church running a leaders cell group, working with women's ministry team and running the Access II service jointly with Steve (But she does most of the work!)

 

Maddison finished Kindergarten this year and we were very proud of her when she received the Citizenship award at her speech night.  She is loving school and doing very well.  She also completed her first grade in classical ballet with a distinction.  She also did very well in athletics and swimming this year coming home with three gold medals in running from the interschool athletics carnival, and a third place in the interschool swimming carnival.

 

Brooklyn is now three and a half, and still just a little tot.  Her personality is really starting to shine as she is now talking incessantly!  She is dying to start ballet like her big sister, and her number one love in life remains lipstick and high heel shoes.  What a girl!  She will be remaining at home with Tania for one more year before starting school.

 

So as Christmas has come and gone for 2003 we just want you to know that you have been on our minds.  We want to take this wonderful time of the year to thank you for your friendship and regardless of whether you are our next door neighbour or if we live on opposite ends of the planet, regardless of whether we get to catch up regularly or haven't seen you in a long time, you hold a special place in our lives.  We wish you the very best for 2004, and look forward to catching up with you soon.  Have a Chantastic Christmas and New Year!!!!

 

Love and Hugs,

 

From the Chan clan 

 

 

Read our 2002 Christmas Letter