If you have not used the Internet before, now is the time to review your decision. There must be something more useful you could be doing unless you are the sort of person who needs a life-style consultant. If not, try our Xmas news..

As usual, an up and down sort of year - up for some and down for others. Some moments had us crying with laughter and others just, well, crying.

Leo has proceeded to his third year effortlessly in the sense that he didn't make much effort but seems to be doing OK although as with all young males, it is impossible to tell what is going through their head, if anything. He still has the same place to live in although one of them moved out this summer to be replaced by a young German female student so there is now a rumour that the bathroom has been cleaned, although those of us who attempted to use it earlier in the year would probably have selected the napalm option. The vampire is still there so there is always a tiny frisson of excitement when you visit. Daylight hours are best. Leo is a delight to be with. He has a great sense of humour and now that he has reached the towering age of 22, he can sort his own work ethic out. His girlfriend Carolina is also a delight so we look forward greatly to their visits. The current favourite for both of them for next year is a Masters to avoid the evil day when they have to work for as long as possible. Mum and Dad can identify with that having spent years trying to avoid the same thing.

Leo practising for his third year at Liverpool. .

Felix had a wonderful year. In spite of his difficulties, he worked steadily and managed 3As and a B in the AS levels whatever they are. He is now trying to emulate this in the A2 exams whatever they are. He has had a few interviews at some good places so we hope he will get sorted out OK. This year his athletics career really moved up a gear when he became the British U18 javelin champion whupping all comers by 3 metres and now throws it almost as far as Dad managed 3 years older. His habit of consuming the odd 12 rashers of bacon for breakfast seems to be helping and his arms are now positively frightening but thankfully mostly symmetric. His art has matured in all sorts of exciting ways and architecture looks like the chosen way forward.

Felix pops another one into orbit in the Senior Boys Javelin in the English Schools in July which he won. This splendid photograph was taken by the official photographer.

Isabelle also had a good year. Her flute and piano have both matured and she has become an excellent performer. Early in December, she and Dad played a guitar and flute duet in the Kingston festival. Unfortunately, two Korean piano geniuses also elected to play in their section but the Hatton family managed a creditable second place. Boys seem to be a common topic of conversation but she retains a generally calm approach to life's little challenges. She has had an excellent year in athletics allowing her to channel her exceptional strength into areas other than whupping boys at arm-wrestling until they beg for mercy.

Issy in a thoughtful mood on holiday.

Gillian once again found her athletics duties very demanding but by a supreme effort of will cast aside a large number of superfluous pounds and feels much the better for it. She is still trying to get the house in order after the large extension last year but progress is gradual due to the large number of other things which seem to arise at the same time. Soon she may decide to publish her letters to schools on behalf of our offspring. 18 volumes should be enough.

Gillian in a quiet moment amidst the turmoil of getting ready for Xmas.

Les had a terrible year. In April, a 7 year old girl ran out in front of his car from behind a parked van giving him no chance to avoid her or stop. Her injuries were grievous but thanks to the prompt and immensely capable attention of a paediatrician who happened to be passing, she survived and has thankfully made a startling recovery although she remains blind in one eye and deaf in one ear. In spite of being exonerated of any blame, he was an emotional wreck for much of the year although everybody has been wonderfully supportive. Meeting the parents recently has helped enormously but he continues to take life a day at a time There are no words to describe the feelings.

In a happier moment at the British Vets Athletic Championships in the summer renewing old acquaintances. Here the Javelin medallists desperately try to look 20 years younger, failing miserably.

Felix and Nannie. Nannie's left arm is now 3 inches longer than the other from the weight of Mills and Boon books in her handbag.

Nannie reached 80 this year and seems to be doing fine. Her mild eccentricities keep everybody amused and she will again be spending Xmas with us. As this missive is being prepared, Leo is planning to drive her down from Manchester and wondering if she will notice the pair of socks stuffed in his ears.

Thomas, our missing tortoise of last year, still has not shown up sadly. We think he may have overslept. Nowadays, they are 'chipped' in that they have a microchip concealed under their skin giving details of ownership so we still live in hope although Kerby, our Tortoisaurus Rex has continued to misbehave the whole year with his unusual combination of extreme sex-drive and poor eye-sight so nothing is safe. Our other tortoise Trampolina hides for much of the time whilst Kerby humps his way round the garden and we guess Thomas might not want to come back. We have had a wonderful year with a family of baby foxes who simply romped around us in the garden for the whole summer, stealing Gillian's shoes off her feet and trying to avoid Kerby's uncertain affections.

We hope you are well and here's wishing you a very merry Christmas and Happy new Year. 8-)