Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas to our family and friends! We hope that you are enjoying a lovely Christmas season with all the joy of being with family and remembering our Savior. 

It has been a significant year at the Rees House. We started out the year with the news that we were expecting a baby in early October! Everyone survived my pregnant crazies (it was an effort for the entire house) and we waiting with excited anticipation for our new little one to arrive. Eleonore Anne was born on September 30th and we fondly call her Ellie. She is bright sunshine in our house and we are so excited that she joined our family.

When I think about where Rowan was at the beginning of the year, it amazes me to think of his progress. He started the year in the middle of his final year at his preschool class for the hearing impaired. His teacher, Mrs. G, was doing her best to help him to make progress with his speech. His language has really blossomed this year (thanks to her work as well as Rowan's) and he is finishing the year as an advanced kindergartner whose speech has improved significantly. He just delighted my family last night by singing "Stars Were Gleaming" and it was amazing to watch my "deaf" child sing all the words and most of the notes.

Davin continues to progress as well. Ever on the move, he had a great year playing soccer and learning to ride his bike. His academics are improving and he ever delights us with his sweet giving nature and quirky humor. He is working on the second grade, is fascinated with football (and all things sports), loves to experiment with colors, and has had to tell at least one girl not to give him a hug.

Duke Energy is still keeping the lights on and keeping Chris employed, so it has been a good year. He has fun playing with big numbers and impacting the progress of energy innovation, with the occasional business trip and meeting. He has stayed true to his sports passion and continues to play basketball with dedication as well as cheer for several teams. We showed our dedication with a road trip to Virginia to watch BYU's tragic demise at the hands of UVa and we are thinking of a trip to Orlando next fall when BYU plays there (anyone want to meet us there?!!). In his spare time, he dedicates himself to his church responsibilities and taking care of those in need.

As for me, I expanded and shrunk this year. The expansion happened with a new baby, more love, and hopefully a little more wisdom. My time seems to have shrunk as well as the number of hours that I sleep. However, I must be sleepwalking or constantly dreaming because I can't help but be happy and filled with gratitude for my family.

May you be blessed this season! With love,

Katie, Chris, Davin, Rowan, and Ellie