The Yees: Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas to our dear friends and family! As we enjoy the twinkle of holiday lights and taste of festive treats, we are so excited about the gift of God for us. God sent his son because he loves us. Christmas is about how Christ came to bring peace and hope to the entire earth and how he will come again. We pray that you are ready and waiting with us!

In spring, our family enjoyed our first long road trip vacation. We drove to NYC and Philly, then to Amish country and Gettysburg. We finished up in Columbus after a visit to the Air Force Museum in Dayton. This trip was great as we saw lots family on both sides and also had some time to ourselves to relax and have fun. Over the summer, we also took the kids out of the country for the first time as we visited Niagara Falls, where they are very eager to return. Josiah can't wait to use his $5 Canadian bill.

Eila started school this fall and is loving her afternoon Kindergarten class at Grant Elementary. In June, Eila was invited to join the competitive Livonia gymnastics team and she had her first meet this month. She also played on her first T-ball team this spring. After all the sports, cleaning her room is very low on her list of priorities. She usually spends her free time reading, drawing, or playing house. Singing and dancing are constants in the house; sometimes Eila plays cars and trains too. One of her highlights for this year was being a flower girl in two weddings!

Cars are the main interest of Josiah, who at 4 years old wants to climb up whatever he can and shoot anything else. He tried out dance, swimming, gymnastics and soccer this year. He is very proud of his soccer trophy. Josiah relished his time as ring bearer in his first wedding this year. Joe is doing "school" at home with mom, but also loves his BSF class, Kids Creek, and MOPPETS where he gets to play with his friends.

Thaddeus, our busy 20-month-old boy, is starting to talk, but has been making his wishes clear throughout the year. Choo-choos and buses are his favorites. He loves to chew on markers, erasers, and anything salty. Balls provide hours of entertainment especially if someone will play with him. He likes to be right in the center of the action and doing exactly what his big siblings are doing. Thad has even tried out some rollerskating and gymnastics. Despite his fearlessness, he only spent about 5 weeks in a cast this year.

Shannon and Brian have both followed Eila's lead and are taking a gymnastics fitness class. We are hosting a small community group from church on Sunday evenings. Brian won a special NASA tour in Texas this spring. One question we often ask at dinner is about highlights or lowpoint for the day. Our lowpoint for the year was the passing of Shannon's grandfathers and we miss them dearly. We had many highlights including celebrating ten years of wedded bliss. Occasionally we host a game night with some friends and colleagues, but usually we pass our evenings at home cooking, reading, and enjoying the tiny doses of peace and quiet. May you enjoy a peaceful Christmas and very happy new year.

Please check out our websites for pictures and stories anytime:
brianyee.org
shannonyee.com
eilarose.com
josiahyee.com
thaddeusyee.com