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A nice thing with Christmas is that it reminds us to say thanks. Thanks for the Child that was born. Thanks for family, friends, and colleagues. Thanks for countless blessings.

The year 2005 is near its end. It has been a good year for us. The "children" are growing and starting more and more on their independent paths through life. Paths that nobody else have walked before them. New life experiences. Independent choices.

Ingrid (15) is in her last year at elementary school (10th grade). She is a happy girl, with many good friends. She tries to attend as many summer camps as she possibly can! Her favourite hobby is reading and make all sorts of things with her hands. Ingrid was responsible for the top family event this year: Ingrid's confirmation in May. Nice ceremony. Beautiful weather. Friends and family together. Just splendid! Together with her brother, Ingrid is leader of one of our Church's groups for confirmants: the hiking and camping group.

Magnar (18) spends most of his time in front of his computer. He is becoming a software developer, just like dad. On his spare time, he develops web sites for small companies in the area. Now he is working on the customer support pages for dad's company, Dynaplan. In August Magnar and his good friend, Øystein, sailed together with Øystein's uncle from along the coast of Spain from Valencia to Gibraltar. A memorable experience.

Solbjørg (21) and Magnar share the same favorite hobby: dancing. They are members of BSI Dancing, the dancing group for Bergen students. Solbjørg has started studying Medicine in Bergen. She also takes courses in her favourite science: physics. At some point she must make a choice between the two directions, or maybe she will find a path where she can combine physics and medicine? Solbjørg keeps up her out-door activites. The picture to the left is from Rallarvegen, a steep mountain trail that is perfect for bicycling.

Astrid is now teaching first grade, and loves every minute! She claims that she looks forward to every day on work. And that's not because she longs to get away from home! She still plays soccer with the confirmants every week, in addition to a group for smaller children. In February Astrid and Magne had a nice trip to Köln. February was also the month when Astrid's sister Torunn got married to Arne Geir. In May Astrid and Magne went another trip to "see the World". This time Rome. Yet another wonderful experience.

(Have to make a break here, as it is time for our annual Christmas bath in the ocean. At least there is not a snow storm outside this year...)

Puh... Survived! (Picture to the left: Warming our feet over the fire after a swim in the ocean...)

Magne has been busy with his PhD and long hours to build up his new company. He is lucky to have good companions. Together they make good progress on a new "super spreadsheet" software. On his spare time Magne is occupied with all kinds of voluntary work; editor of Church Newsletter, Chair of Church Council, computer group for confirmants. His newest "toy" is a racer bicycle. He tries to get one, two, or even four hours on his bike every day. Somewhat less in winter, when roads are sometimes slippery. Magne too likes to make things. To the right Ingrid and he make a new room in the basement.

May the peace and joy of Christmas reach in to all of our friends. Enjoy the "hugging season", when it is OK to say hello to everybody, give people we hardly know a hug, share gifts and greetings, be thankful for the past, and filled with hope for the future.

We wish you all the best for the Christmas holidays and for the Year 2006.

- Magne, Astrid, Solbjørg Makalani, Magnar and Ingrid.