A couple of catch-ups

Max Allen was born on December 21 in Paraparaumu to Marie and Roy Allen, Margaret and Frank Irvine's second daughter, and her husband.

Margaret reports that: Max weighed 8lb 3ozs and is a great sleeper and eater.

Celia and I won a mystery trip that turned out to be to Wellington, and we went there a couple of weekends ago. While we were there we took the train out to Paraparaumu and caught up with my aunt. (I got a free ride, now being the owner of a Gold Card.)

We almost didn't see she as she'd gone out shopping with Frank, one of her son-in-laws (the husband of Margaret). However, just as we were leaving, thinking we'd missed her completely, she came round the corner in the car with Frank, and we went back to the house and spent some time with her, including looking at some old photos of the family. Some were familiar to me from another photo album of the period, but others were totally new.

Ben Nicholas Allen

Well, it's been a bit of time since we last put any news on here, but at least the news that's just come is very exciting. Margaret Irvine wrote to me today:

Yesterday, August 27 , saw another addition to the family tree. Ben Nicholas Allen, son of Marie and Roy Allen and first great-grandchild in the Ryan family was born in Wellington, weight 6 lb 15 ounces, aspect simply beautiful. The photo was taken when he was eight minutes old. The wee boy is a special gift and we are thrilled he is safe and well. Named in part for his great granddad (dec.) Desmond Nicholas Ryan.
Michael, can you see that this wee chap takes his rightful (if,so far, very small place, on the family tree?
If his proud Dad has his way expect to see Ben playing for the Wellington Phoenix in 2028.