California Travel Log: Part 1

So we took off on Friday for LA, where we're spending a week with Keenan, Nonie and Samuel and hopefully looking into some internship options for the summer. It's been a terrific trip so far!We stopped by for a night in Ivins, where Abe bonded with Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandpa's harpsichord, which he constructed and painted.
See any family resemblance?



Abe and Ariel at the world's biggest thermometer.













Our first night here we watched this cartoon, and this one (among some other classics). Took us back a few years, and we were really on the floor laughing over the Donald Gorilla cartoon. Great comedy.

Yes We Can and the Inaugural Ball

Can you avoid feeling patriotic? Can you help but feel fired up for the American Flag? It seems that optimism, hope, and patriotism have permeated the American air. And we're part of it!

The Inauguration of President Barack Obama moved me to a greater enthusiasm for the future. He played the realist yesterday, an unusual approach for someone celebrating the greatest victory of his life--not to mention for someone often accused of being an idealist. It's true that "the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many." But hearing him call us to "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America" stirred within me a belief that, "Yes, we can."

He's a good man, a tireless worker, an open-minded, thoughtful, composed, family-oriented, civil servant. But as he frequently says, "I'm not making history, you are." He is depending on us for support, both those who voted for him and those who didn't.

Now is a time to trust him. We need politicians to maintain the Constitution and democracy. It is a great blessing to live in a time when the Commander-in-Chief is someone we can trust. As Mom Galli eloquently put it, "I know that we have trouble ahead in our country and around the world, but I believe that, at least for now, we have a president who understands what sort of work, sacrifice, virtue and unity we need. And I believe that he is sincere, and wise. While wickedness will increase before the Millennium, light will also grow brighter. Regardless of what comes, today I saw with spiritual eyes the potential beauty of all the Lord's children united without enmity."

He has much to prove, but he cannot do it without us (though he has already started). He can blaze the trail through policies, initiatives, bills, and firecracker speeches, but we ought to take up the banner behind him and help "restore the vital trust between a people and their government."

"Yes, we can heal this nation," not just he can. Let us support our newly elected president in his call for energy conservation, frugality, hard work, and acceptance of diversity.

Yes we can.

Here are some pictures of the Utah County Inaugural Ball, organized by the dean of the BYU Law School. Live Jazz Band, open art gallery, Obama's speeches read to a jazz combo, and my first time in a limo! Thanks for the invitation Tyler!

All quotes come from President Obama's speeches, with the exception of the Mom Galli one, though he would do well to quote her.

Abraham's Feature Film Debut

A Tribute to The Silver Bullet

I bought this phone used about a year ago when my previous phone died after a night in the snow. It was the cheapest (and oldest) phone available. Shortly after purchasing it, it fell out of a pocket into the snow near Andrew's house, and lay there for 6 weeks. A neighbor found it in front of his house when the snow melted. It still worked perfectly. Everything was in tact.

When Abraham is really inconsolable, the only thing that will calm him down is going through all the ring options in this phone. He especially likes "Christmas Dance."

The phone's so old, and it's been through so much that I keep expecting it to give out, but just yesterday I found it again under my bed after having lost it for seven days. The phone was still on.

They just don't make 'em like they used to.

Anyone else feel a particular affinity to his or her phone?

Handsome Abraham

Well, I know it wasn't Abe's wedding, and Rachel made a lovely bride, but I think I can safely say that Abe was the second most beautiful person there, tired as he was. Some of the above photos were taken during one of Rachel's showers. Thanks Justin, for the great pictures! And Thanks Samuel, for lending Abraham your tux! Congratulations again Micah and Rachel! We love you!

Back in the Game

Happy New Year!

The below picture was taken for a Christmas card that never exactly happened. Keep your mailboxes open for Valentine's Day.

Shoowee! We just finished a few rousing weeks of family parties, cello recitals, weddings, 1/2 birthday parties, trips to Zion Nat'l Park, and Christmas. Here's a reel of highlights:

I finished a first, fast-paced semester in the MPA program. My team, seen here, pulled me through it. They are some of the best people I know.

We left a special plate for Santa this year: a cupcake, three french fries, and my left-over hamburger from Burgers Supreme (same line as Apollo/Crown Burgers). He enjoyed the change from cookies, but wished he'd stopped by our place a little earlier, as the burger had lost some of its savor by the time he got to it. That picture's gross.

We had our own little Marshall Family Christmas a week before the actual Christmas, in part because Ariel was so excited for it, and in part so that we could have our own celebration before heading up to Salt Lake for the holiday. We woke Abe up early to get started, and startled him a bit, but he seemed to have a good time.

I had my last cello recital on the 20th. A bitter-sweet day. I have taught some of these fine young men for over three years. They all did fantastically for the big final sha-bang. I'll miss 'em, but the demanding school schedule does not lend itself well to weekend excursions in Salt Lake.

Over the break Hammie got to hang with his cuz Sammy some more. This is the only real picture we have of the two of them, early on Christmas morning at the Marshall Burrow. The monkey around his neck is a present from Grandma Vella.

Ham and Thomas almost share half-birthdays, different by two days. Abe enjoyed half of a cupcake for his halfy b-day on Christmas Eve. Below is a picture of Thomas's half birthday party.

Over the break we spent some much needed time with our refugee friends, Magalei, Thompson, Hisso, and Malas (Abdi is not pictured above).

Our sister Rachel's wedding served as a beautiful occasion this last December 30th. She married the friendly and talented Micah Fleming. The two will make a great team. Congratulations Piccina! They were sealed by our sealer, Elder George I. Cannon, in a beautiful and stirring sealing. After the sealing a dinner party filled with music, food, and heart-felt remarks capped off the evening. There are assuredly more pictures to come from the event.


After the wedding festivities Mom and Dad Galli, Meredith, Abe, Laurel, Ariel, and I trekked down to the snowy Zion National Park. Very cold, very beautiful. More pictures to come on this one too. The below picture's photo credit goes to Dad Galli. He made it look way cooler than it actually was.


In other news: Abe rules for being the kindest, most patient, sweetest, craziest, happiest, wiggliest, most beautiful six month-old we've ever seen.