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.