My year in review

It's always good to reflect on the year that's gone before you. Since starting my own business 2 years ago, this has been the quickest year.

It's always good to reflect on the year that's gone before you. Since starting my own business 2 years ago, I have to say that this has been the quickest year.

I guess that's because it's been a pretty busy year for the Grant family overall.

This time last year, a pregnant Sarah, the kids and I were in New Zealand sat on Mt. Maunganui main beach awaiting fireworks to see in the New Year. The kids had fallen asleep by the time they had started and we had to wake them up.

We got this great shot of the family (which is now out of date by 3 people).

I celebrated my 30th and my wee sister's 18th by jumping out of a plane at 12,000 feet.

We celebrated Rebecca's 5th birthday where she got to ride a pony for the first time (that's going to cost me in the future).

We bought a new (well new to us) car, a 10 year old Volvo XC90, to cope with the rigours of our growing family. As it stands, we have room for 1 more:

We rejoiced in the safe arrival of our first niece of 2013 - my sister Leigh and husband Frank's little Millie.

We rejoiced (again) in the safe arrival of our Rachel adding another beautiful daughter for Sarah and I to love and care for.

As we moved into summer Hannah turned 4 and was a bit miffed that she didn't get a birthday party when Rebecca got one for her 5th :)

I had an epic weekend that involved hearing President Clinton give a keynote speech in Edinburgh at the Scottish Business Awards (props to Steven Moffat for that) before driving up to Aviemore for my best friend David's stag weekend.

July saw me as one of the best men for my David's wedding - such a great day, even in ridiculous heat.

August saw another wedding, this time Sarah's cousin Jen was marrying Rob in Milton Keynes. Of course, being close to London gave us a great excuse to go and visit the Queen the day before:

Rebecca had her first day at school and has continued to astound with her work rate and aptitude for learning:

October saw me head to the west coast of the US for the first time for the annual ExpressionEngine US Conference. I even sat in the green end for a football match for the first time for what I would argue to be the best atmosphere I've experienced. I also got to hang out with friends like Marcus, Iain, Damien, Paul and many more.

Sarah's brother David and his lovely wife Julie saw little Rubie arrive in October as well (I really think I'm destined to be surrounded by beautiful girls).

On my return, I had a nice project in the shape of Paul McCartney's website waiting for me which is looking likely to run well into 2014.

Into November and Sarah and I made it official that 2014 will see another Grant baby in May.

I got to see one of my favourite bands in Texas (poor picture really) at Edinburgh's Usher Hall (I sang there once y'know):

Books read

I set out to read more books this year and it was a success in part. I read (but may not have finished some of) the following:

I would love to say that in 2014 I could try read a book every month but I can't see that being realistic. If I could read 6 books in full, I'd be happy with that.

Looking to 2014

I'm not one for making great plans for a year ahead but I'm looking forward to:

  • My first trip to Florida the 2nd week in January
  • Paul McCartney's site launch in January/February
  • Learning more about photography thanks to the Glasgow Photo Walk by my pal Ashley
  • Exploring options to extend our house (or move if we're able)
  • Arrival of child number 4
  • Rachel's first birthday (this could happen before the arrival of number 4 of course)
  • Hannah's 5th birthday
  • Hannah starting primary school
  • Celebrating 8 years of marriage to Sarah

It's been a cracking year for our family, a good year for business and I count myself very blessed to have such good friends and family in our lives.

I hope you all have a top 2013 and prosperous year ahead.