We had some challenges getting our Christmas card/ newsletter together this year. Mainly, we couldn't get the whole family together in one spot with someone who could take our picture for the card. We even planned on going up to St. George for pictures taken by a family member, but it was rainy and cold and Mike ended up not coming with us because he had to finish a paper. Finally we got my camera out and figured out how to use the timer mode. We have never used it before but it actually turned out. Cord thought it was hillarious to watch me run into the picture and then we all watched the blinking light go faster until the flash went off. He was laughing through the whole "shoot". We got pictures good enough to put together a decent card. I also wanted to document our newsletter for when I print my book next year. So ignore this post if you have already received a letter, but you can enjoy some of the pics from our shoot. :)
Can you believe it's been almost three years since we started this whole law school adventure? Time flies fast on this end. We moved to Henderson Nevada in February this year when Mike was able to transfer to UNLV to finish his degree and get us closer to home. It was tough to leave our new friends behind but we have enjoyed finding new adventures here in the Las Vegas area. This summer we also enjoyed a trip down to San Diego and a week spent in a cabin at Brianhead with family!
I'm working at a St. Rose Dominican Hospital - San Martin campus- in the ICU. I'm still on the old night shift, taking care of critically ill patients and those who have just had heart surgery. I have loved being closer to home and we have made frequent weekend trips up to St. George. I am surprised how much I miss Mass. and cherish that experience. In my free time I try to get caught up on my scrapbooks or update my blog. The highlight of my year was when I got to sneak away and attend a scrapbook convention with a good friend (without the kids!). Mike and I team teach the 7 yr olds in Primary. They are a fun group of kids.
Chelsea (15) started her freshman year at Coronado High School. She says the best part is her after school seminary class. She also enjoys her photography class and has been playing a little on the guitar. She decided to take the piano back up this year and she is progressing quickly. She was just called to serve as the Mia Maid class president, putting her natural leadership skills to work. She constantly reminds us that in May she is eligible to get her drivers permit. (Are we really that old?)
Brianna (13) is living in a "world of dance". We found her a dance studio where she enjoys taking ballet and jazz lessons. Her goal is to get on pointe this next year. She also ventured out and tried out for her middle school dance team. She was thrilled when she find out she made it! We look forward to watching her perform at some of the schools sporting events. She makes friends easily and has adjusted quite well with the move. She was also called to serve as the 1st councilor in her Beehive class.
Mason (11) is having a great year in 5th grade. He is pulling straight A's and was the student of the week for the value of "self-control". We're still adjusting to the year-round school schedule. The 5th grade is taking a trip to Sea World in May and will get to sleep next to the shark tanks. He just earned his Webelos badge and his Arrow of Light! Yeah! And for the second year in a row he won the pine wood derby. This year his car set a new track record.
My baby, Cord, just turned 3. WOW! He is always on the go and loves to be outside. He has a language all his own and jabbers all day. We just have no idea what he is saying. He is in a little "pre-sunbeam" class at church where they are learning to sit in primary. We are surprised at how well he does and is so cute when he tries to do the actions to the songs. He loves going to church! He also loves being mom's shadow or hanging out with his big brother. He enjoys reading books, playing with cars/trains, and especially tossing the ball.
Then, there's the instigator, the one who started this whole move from one end of the country to the other and back again. With graduation in May, we have just one more semester to go. Michael is doing great! When he transferred from Western New England College in Mass. he was in the top 10% of his class and since the transfer has been able to make the Deans List each semester. Last year he was inducted into The Society of Advocates and was appointed as the Saltman Liaison (to the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution). This semester, as part of his Saltman duties he was the Director of the in-house ABA Client Counseling Competition and will also oversee the in-house ABA Negotiation Competition next semester. In November, he traveled to Provo and represented UNLV at the ABA Regional Negotiation Competition. Most recently, he proposed to the director of the Saltman Center that they host an annual fund-raiser for the Center, and is now working with the Dean to put on the Inaugural Saltman 5K Fun Run, which will be held in March on UNLV's campus. In between this and his studies he works at a law office down-town. He'll start applying for permanent jobs next month, who knows where we'll be at this time next year? Alaska?
We hope this holiday season finds you and your family well. We are hoping you find peace, joy, and happiness in the upcoming new year!
Love - Mckelleb Family
