Antietam

Elijah and I drove down to Sharpsburg, MD today to check out the Antietam Battlefield. It was not as much of a tourist trap like Gettysburg is, but was definitely worth the trip. Whereas Gettysburg was fought over 3 days, this battle lasted only 1 day, with more casualties in a day then America has ever seen.

Ballet of Jackie

Here is Jackie putting together everything she learned for her performance. Rumor has it she helped out with the choreography. The teacher asked for ideas, and Jackie was the only one that suggested anything.

Another Catchin Up Post

Here is a video from awhile ago - from Easter. Elijah shares the story of Easter and then gives quite an unexpected spin at the end - you'll have to see it for yourself, I don't know whether to call it blasphemy or proper celebration. You decide.

Elijah and Nicole Hangin Out in the Hammack

The wonderful photography in the last three pictures are courtesy of E. Mau.

Now that I have finished my first year of school, I have come back to the real world and have been able to spend some time with the family. Wednesday Jackie had a program at school where she sang 'Yakety Yak' and 'Rockin Robbin.' That night both Jackie and Elijah had their year end program at Awana where they both received awards for finishing their books this year. On Sunday Jackie had her Ballet Performance for the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Below are some pictures and video from Awana and the Ballet. Enjoy.


Jackie - Awana year end awards

Elijah Awana year end awards
Jackie and Nicole warming up at Jackie's Ballet Performance



Video of Jackie and Nicole warming up at Jackie's Ballet Performance on Sunday. They had one of the parents come up to see how hard it was for the children. (I'm sure Nicole will be delighted that I was able to share this with all of you!)





This is one of the many little moves the children showed everybody at their performance.

Umm, I made it.

I am now officially done with my first year of law school. Crazy! Now starts the write-on competition for the law journals, so I am not completely done yet. Maybe now I can return to reality for a bit, re-introduce myself to my kids, show them that I am not the scary man with a book attached to his nose.

not another apology post

It has been awhile since my last post. I've been busy. School this semester has been more of a challenger than last semester. It may be because of the extra class, it may be the subjects, it may be the professors; I'm not quite sure, but it has been time consuming. After this week, I'll feel pretty relieved as our last paper for writing class is due on Monday. This week I haven't been able to keep ahead as usual because I have spent so much time on my paper. Last weekend I spent all Saturday and Sunday working on it, and every night since, until about midnight. It is not that the assignment is long, or hard, it is just that we are required to be very concise. Every word counts and every word has a specific meaning; a thesaurus only goes so far.

For those of you out there that don't know, I received the Internship that I wanted, but I am not sure where exactly they will be placing me. I will be in Scottsdale, AZ for 3 weeks, but the rest of the time could be anywhere from Harrisburg to London. Hopefully I will find out soon.

Pictures

Here are some pictures. My brother David was down in Emmitsburg, MD for a couple of weeks for some hazmat training at the Fire Academy and we were able to spend some time together and even make it to Gettysburg for a day.


Uncle David reading!

Jackie trying on her Dad's glasses.

David and I at the Irish Brigade Monument in Gettysburg.


David at the Firefighters monument at Gettysburg. He is saying 'hurry up, my hands are freezing!' - It was one cold, windy day at Gettysburg. David and I would run out take a picture and then hurry back into the car with Nicole and the kids.

Back in Session

I've been back in school now for about two weeks. Everything is going well so far. It took a little bit to get back into the frame of mind after the long break. This semester I am taking Constitutional Law, Property, Contracts, Criminal Procedure, and Legal Writing. I am enjoying all of my professors so far. Take a look at their profiles: Odom, Feldman, Keller and Place. My Legal Writing professor is the same as last semester, Chong.

Winter Wonderland

I am currently in Durango, CO. I got to talking to my old IT guy, Dean, at my old job and he needed a bit of help and before I knew what was happening I was on a plane to Albuquerque. The drive to Durango was beautiful, how quick you forget just how awesome the mountains and open spaces are out west. It will be a quick trip, I am heading back on Saturday. Then I will have one day to finish up any last minute reading and assignments for the start of the next semester on Monday. Tomorrow Mom and Dad are meeting me in Durango to spend some time, it just worked out with Dad's schedule, so I am excited about seeing them again.