As we approach Thanksgiving and prepare for the upcoming holiday season, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on where we are as a family and share the latest chapter of our journey with you. The past few months have been a mix of growth, change, and challenges, but we are grateful for every step of the process.

Everlee, now 4 years old, is thriving in her second year of preschool. She’s growing more independent every day, and it’s been an absolute joy to witness her blossoming curiosity and spunky personality. With her 5th birthday just around the corner, we’re excited to celebrate this milestone and continue watching her develop into the amazing young girl she is becoming.

Andy, our energetic little guy, just celebrated his first birthday. He’s officially walking—and running—and is keeping us on our toes. His newfound mobility means he’s exploring the world in a whole new way, and it’s been a delight to see him grow from a baby into a little toddler with an adventurous spirit.

We were fortunate to have Charlie with us for Halloween, though we won’t see her again until Easter. As we alternate holidays with her, we cherish the time we have together and are currently in the process of getting her a new phone, as she recently lost hers. The travel back and forth to visit her in Iowa has given us a lot of great stories over the years, and we’re excited to continue making memories with her, no matter the distance.

DJ has been working diligently in his job, staying focused and busy. His work schedule has kept him occupied, but we continue to appreciate the stability it provides. Despite his demanding work hours, he makes time for the things that energize him—whether it’s spending time outdoors or finding moments to unwind and connect with our family.

As for me, I’m preparing for the busy season of my seasonal tax preparer job. This time of year always brings a rush of activity, but it allows me to balance my work life with family life and stay engaged with our community. We are also gearing up for Christmas, and while we’re working within a tight budget, we’ve learned to get creative in making the holiday season special and meaningful for our family. This year, we are embracing the challenge of simplifying where we can, focusing on the moments that matter most, and cherishing time spent together.

As we navigate these daily responsibilities, we’re committed to staying grounded in the values that truly define us: faith, family, and the pursuit of our dreams. Our faith remains the cornerstone of our lives, providing the strength, direction, and purpose we need to face both the joys and the challenges of life. We believe deeply in the importance of nurturing our relationships with one another—strengthening our bond as a couple, as parents, and as a family. At the same time, we remain focused on the dreams that drive us forward, knowing that with patience and persistence, the future will unfold in its own time.

We are learning to embrace this season of our lives, finding beauty in the little moments, and trusting that the path we’re walking will lead us to the future we’re working toward. It’s a journey that continues to unfold, and we are so thankful to have this opportunity to share it with all of you.

As we move into this holiday season, we are filled with gratitude for the lessons we’ve learned and the growth we’ve experienced. We look forward to what lies ahead and are excited to continue sharing our story with you.

With love and gratitude,

The Knapton Family