Exciting Times

Alex, now that 2018 is here things have been "happening" !  One not so good event over the past couple months, but MOSTLY exciting stuff.  Some recent highlights....

1. Shortly before 2018, you turned 21.  Woohoo!   We had dinner at MizuSushi, presents, etc.  But that was only after you and Taylor you celebrated with Gage at Uncle Bucks.  I don't know too many details, and that's just as well.
2. In January you broke your right ankle (tip of your tibia) on your first trip down the bunny slope, skiing with Taylor.  She took you to the Edwardsville urgent care clinic, then we had appointments with Dr. Hernandez who we really liked.  Fortunately, no hard cast - just crutches and a brace/boot that you could walk on before too long.  It was a simple fracture and healed quickly.  But an achy foot and no driving for (a very boring) 5 weeks or so was rough.  By the end of February, you were driving again and off for a long weekend at Slippery Rock.  You've been saying that it's very unlikely you will ever going skiing again....
3. Then a couple days it was back to work at Gerrity's, where your boss very much wants you to continue working in the produce department.  The prior week you gave notice of resigning from Gerritys because of much upcoming travel....  but store management is willing to schedule your hours around the trips.  So no need to quit - great news!
4. WHAT TRAVEL, you say???  Well very soon you are heading abroad for a 10 day visit with Uncle John and Aunt Fran in Qatar.  Leaving from JFK Airport in New York City, connecting in Istanbul, then on to Doha (and back).  It will be Very interesting and a wonderful opportunity to see part of the Middle East - from a geographical, political and historical perspective.  You will have much fun with Noel and Larson too.  The next special highlight is a weekend visit with Uncle Jason and Aunt Maryanne, traveling with Aunt Pam.  Good times!
5. But really what prompted me to (finally!!) write a new post in Carroll Boys was your application to Misericordia University and, as of March 1, receiving a letter of acceptance/scholarship notification.  I am so, so proud of all the work you've done to become an honors student at LCCC, decide that you are very interested in politics and apply for the Government, Law and National Security program.  Fantastic!!  Congratulations Alexander Finley !!!

It makes me think of the fun and excitement of Wyoming Area graduation, so I've re-posted one of my favorite pictures of you in the blog header.   

There is much work to come..... and for now, let's be joyful !!!!