Merry Christmas 2009 - Christmas letter

Dear family: Please review the following letter and make any corrections or changes that you wish before I mail it out. (aren't I nice to give you a preview?)

Dear family and friends:

Another year has passed, and with it, many events in the Reed Family. We are still enjoying our adventure in Mexico City (these events have not included being kidnapped, mugged, or caught in a drug shoot-out.) In fact, most of the exciting happenings have been in the states or other countries with our children. Read on if you're interested in the highlights.

Bethany and Brandon, during a wild ride to the hospital, welcomed a third beautiful daughter, Leah Bluebonnet, to their family (see the three girls in photo bottom left.) She joins big sisters Mabel (3) and Annie (1). Bethany is still practicing Ob/Gyn in Katy, Texas, and is a wonderful mom!

Ryan and Brianna were thrilled to add Asher Ryan (their first, and a boy!) to their family (see photo left upper corner.) He was born on tax day, April 15. Yikes, is there a career in accounting in his future? Ryan completed his second triathlon this past year with Asher and Brianna cheering him on.

Brittany is enjoying life in Washington, D.C. She is a physics teacher at Bullis Academy and she and Ashley travel the world.(photo center right) This summer's adventure took them to Dubai and Rome. I'm jealous! Brittany has become quite the athlete, completing a mud run, the 197 mile "Ragnar Run" (group effort), and a junk food half-marathon.

Ashley (also photo center left) is still working with an economic consulting firm in Dallas, but will be transferring to Menlo Park, California early next year. She made a great score on the GRE and is considering graduate school in her future. In addition to her escapades with Brittany, she joined us for a long weekend in Huatulco, Mexico.

Carrie and Shawn had their third child, Graham Rodney, who joined Caroline (3) and Devin (2). Carrie has been busy with the kids while Shawn has been interviewing for positions in Orthopedic Surgery residencies. We're hoping they stay close. They're hoping for the best program.

Lindsey and Brandon lost their newlywed status by becoming parents of Violet Alena. Lindsey is enjoying her journey into motherhood while she completes her last class at BYU for her degree in Spanish. In April, Brandon will graduate with a double major in Geology and Engineering. Then they'll be off to graduate school.

As you can see, we have had quite a prosperous year, now with eight grandchildren. Mike's company goes on and off the market almost as often as the power goes off in Mexico City (actually, a bit of an exaggeration, since that is usually several times a day.) Hence, we live life day to day and are enjoying being together and visiting our wonderful family. What could be better than that?