Isabel's Baptism (Sun 25.02.07)

It was the morning of Isabel's baptism and the young lady was found hanging out with her Grandad.



Shortly before it was time to leave for church, friends James and Jacqui Bean visited with two of their sons Joshua and Zak. Isabel is seen below in her baptism attire with the two boys Joshua and Zak. The young lady looks on nervously, hoping she doesn't cry at the font.



Eyes Right! Isabel is the only member of the party concentrating on the photographer.*




The Corleone family pose for a photo at the font of St George's church in Poynton. Back row from l-r: The Godfather Don Vito Coreleone (aka Ian Hunneybell), together with Godmothers Fiona Houghton, Sam Lackey and Abi Schmit, with parents Kate & Jon holding Isabel.





After the church service it was time to go over to Ciao's for lunch. Below are scenes from the afternoon's gathering.



Sister-in-law Helena's partner David Curtis pictured below with Grandad and Grandma (& in the background Helena, Abi and Neil).



The Bean Clan in the foreground with the Leightons and the Richards Trios discussing antenatal classes in the background.



Jason looks pleased with Mary's ability to balance a candle under her bottom lip!



Kids on the loose!



(l-r) Cousins Colleen & Ailsa along with Allan & Jenny interview Grandma.



Godparents Ian and Sam sharing a joke, flanked by Kate and Andy Page.



The youngest guest. 17-day old Angus Close takes it all in his stride with mum Ali.



Siobhan and partner Aussie Ben are gobsmacked by Ali Close's tale; whilst in the background, Jim Truscott kindly assists the cameraman with some reflective light (sorry Jim!).



Omar discussing life in Northants with Chris & Anita Bean, whilst Jacqui thinks about where she recognises Omar from.



Kate giving the Truscott clan their final warning!



More scenes.



The Godfather and The Beans (Chris and Anita with daughter Olivia and son Alex).



Old school mate Omar Williams with young Isabel.



Four-man wall. The 'ITFC Four' (l-r) Jon, Stephen Olley, David Bull and Ian Hunneybell.



David Bull sharing a joke with Max Kennedy as brother Louis polishes off dessert.





Dan Grindey selling balloons.



Omar & Michael discuss Merseyside derbies.





George Olley on the run from his mum Tracy.





After the party it was back home and Godfather Ian finally got a chance to be left holding the baby.



Tears before bedtime. Isabel was told that her big day was finally over and that it was time to visit the dreaded cot! Granny, Godfather and Mum all attempt (without success) to console the young lady.



* Thanks to Jason Erb for supplying photos numbered 3 and 5.

Lunch with the Aussies (Sun 04.02.07)

Stephanie Castro from Melbourne and her Aussie recruiting sidekick Catherine came over to the UK in early February on another raiding mission for UK-based nurses.

Signing up nurses and shipping them off to Australia is hungry work, so a trip to the Legh Arms in Prestury for Sunday lunch was in order. Aussie mate Ben Sullivan also came along for some tucker.





The group pose for a photo at the table - (from l-r) Stephanie, Catherine, Ben, Isabel & Kate.



After lunch Stephanie explained to Isabel that England would never win the Ashes again.

Bernard & Rachel's wedding w/e (27 & 28.01.07)

One week on from Lisa's wedding reception and it was the turn of Kate's colleagues - Bernard & Rachel - to tie the knot at Manchester Town Hall.

The morning of the wedding and Isabel is a happy camper after taking Dad's place in the bed.



The Craigs stayed in Manchester for the w/e at the Beetham Tower and below are a few photos of Isabel enjoying the high life (@ 22-storeys):

Afternoon cat nap after reading the papers.



Hold all calls.



Isabel helping mum with her main course decision.



Exhausted after a tiring day, Isable Craig 'parks up' next to Grace Warburton in Manchester Town Hall, to catch a short nap before the pram ride back to Deansgate.



The next morning, Isabel is awake and waiting for her friend George Houghton to make an appearance.



Upon arrival, George is so excited his socks fall off. Mum Fiona seen below putting them back on with dad Stu restraining the boy.



A view west from the 22nd floor.



P.S. Two weddings in eight days and forgot to take the camera to both, hence no brides or grooms caught on film!!

Lisa's Wedding (Sat 20.01.07)

The first event was colleague Lisa's wedding reception in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday 20 January. Bride & Groom (Lisa & Lee) tied the knot in Mexico.

The event was preceded by umpteen hen parties, lunches and dinners, so the event was not short of build-up.

Unfortunately, I forgot the camera, so only a couple of pics obtained of this event.

The Erbs and the Craigs pose for the camera. January was a time for abstinence from alcohol in the Erb household, so it was left to Isabel to make up for it!



Also on our table was Phil Bennett, looking transfixed at the demonic Andy Carmichael. Birthday-boy Jim Truscott and his wife Debs (far left) dare not look!

2007: The Blogless Year?

The tens of people who visit this Blog may have noticed a distinct lack of posts since the turn of the year. It's been eight weeks since the last report and photos, so above are a few to make up for the drought.

The main events in January for the Craigs were two wedding receptions and the start of five Thursday evening baptism meetings with Rev Rob McLaren at Poynton Vicarage.