Holiday Greetings Family and Friends,

Again, it’s been a busy year here at the Fox home. We’ve had a year filled with milestones and unforgettable memories. The kids are growing up fast- Ashton will turn five in February, Kiera turned three in September and Owen will turn two at the end of the month.

This year Ashton began to walk! On April 20^th, 2011- just a couple of months after his fourth birthday he left his walker in the dust and began to walk independently. It was a momentous day for us! Years of struggle and heartache were left behind with his walker. In September he began preschool and has never looked back. He is excelling and enjoying every minute of his new found independence. He really enjoys school and has so many friends! It’s been a tremendous year for him and we’re so proud of all that he has achieved.

Kiera is a very busy three year old! She is always busy creating and playing, she seldom sits still. Kiera enjoys the outdoors as much as we do! She spent nearly every day this summer playing in her pool, running around in the yard, on her swing set, in my garden or out in the garage helping Daddy fix things. The winter weather has only slowed her down enough to put boots, a jacket and hat on! She’s very bright, has outstanding communication skills and her personality is so sweet. She certainly is my little helper. She’s constantly underfoot and willing to help out any way she can. She adores her brothers and helps them out often.  Her and Dixie (our dog) continue to be an inseparable duo.

Owen has had a steady year. Every week we invite his physical therapist and his speech therapist to our home to help us with new tips, tricks and ideas for building on his abilities. Owen is slowly and steadily meeting his toddler milestones- while he is not walking independently yet, he is very active and cruises around the tables, couches and behind his walking toys. Owen is always all smiles and continues to develop his vocabulary.  In early July during his routine eye exams we found that he needed glasses. We were very lucky to find Miraflex brand eyewear for children-  his glasses have been tested by bumps, tosses & torture and they still have not needed a single repair! Medically we are letting Owen grow-up! Our craniofacial surgical team doesn’t see any need for surgery for another year- and we’re happy with that!  We’ve switched all of his endocrine medical needs to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. The move was a little stressful, but now we are able to combine appointments for the boys and reduce the hours spent on the road. Our trips are now only three to four times a year!

The little ones have easily filled the days for us over the last year and we’re not complaining. We are getting better at being outnumbered! It’s a lot of planning and prepping to get all three of the kids out of the house, but we do! We were able to get the kids in the boat a few times this year; we visited the animal park and attended many family gatherings. Most days we’re lucky and can round up some extra help- and we are very thankful for those who volunteer!! Shelby and I were fortunate to get a few days off in July! We were able to hand over the reins to Grandma and Grandpa Fox so we could travel our favorite fishing spots in Canada. It was a wonderful trip and the weather was perfect! ..oh, and I caught ALL the big fish of the trip!

It’s been a great year and we’re thankful for all of the memories we’ve made and look forward to the year ahead. These last few years our time and focus has been on our children and the extra effort it takes to raise our unique family. We’ve neglected some of our personal and social relationships as a result. We want you to know we are thankful for your prayers, well wishes, love and friendship in 2011. We couldn’t do it without you.

May you have a blessed Holiday Season and Happy New Year! Love & Hugs Always,

Sarah & Shelby Fox Family