Ellie enjoyed visiting her 9th state, and playing in the beach once again. She was so spoiled staying at the Ritz Carleton on Key Biscayne for Ian's conference, she says she is never going to allow cheap hotels again. She loved the swimming pools, but wasn't as big of a fan of the ocean.

Right outside the Ritz


Playing with Cousin Brooke on the beach

Buried in the sand!

Having fun in the pool!

A Funny Take

Well my finals are done!  I can't believe Christmas break is already here.  I am very excited.  

One of the issues that comes up VERY often in vet med is Animal Rights.  There is massive confusion about this topic in the media and quite frankly it would be really bad for the profession.  I found this comical view of the matter on The Onion (a pseudo-news source) which really pokes some pretty good fun at the whole issue.  I thought I would put it on the blog for a good chuckle.  I am just so giddy to be done with finals...

Should Animals Be Doing More For The Animal Rights Movement?

The White Coat Ceremony

Here are James, Ster and Rooter right after James received his White Coat in veterinary school. Now it's no more classes and onto the clinic work for a year and a half.



The Christensens, Finlays from Akron and Margaret and Ian all came to help celebrate with James at the White Coat Ceremony.



We took a short trip up to Frankenmuth to see the World's Largest Christmas store and to visit the Silent Night Chapel.



Rooter with her Mom, two Grandmas and even a Great Grandma.

Southern California Mormon Choir

Last Saturday night we had the opportunity to hear the Southern California Mormon Choir perform their Christmas concert. The performance was amazing. Brad just recently auditioned for the group and made it in. He has a great voice and really looks like he enjoys performing. This was the first of many performances and travel opportunities Brad will have with the choir.

Ohio Thanksgiving

We enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at Gram and Gramp's place in Ohio. We were sad that they couldn't be there, but it was nice to have a spot were the Eastern Finlays could get together. We ate way too much but that was nice for left overs the next day.



While traveling to Amish Country we stopped by the Smuckers factory. They now own Pilsbury so Roots had her picture taken with the ultimate dough boy.



In Amish Country we put Roots in a little kettle to keep her out of trouble. She had a great time as did we!



Just before the BYU vs. Utah game started we visited Kirtland Ohio. This is the city of much of the history of the LDS Church. We had a great time there, although it was pretty chilly.