Congratulations!

To Anne for passing her qualifying exam! For the non-scientists out there, the qualifying exam is a grueling rite-of-passage for every PhD candidate where they display their knowledge about their research, and prove that they can think on their own two feet. There are two parts: a long paper that essentially outlines everything she wants to do for her thesis, and an oral exam where she discusses that paper with the group of faculty who determine when she graduates. Anne of course passed with flying colors, and is now officially a candidate for the PhD degree!

Whirlwind Holiday

While I headed to Iowa to celebrate the holidays with my dad, Lenny, Kate, and the step-bros, Brian took off for Mobile with Bentley to see his family. After Christmas, we regrouped in Birmingham for a day then caught a flight to Denver to spend a week with my mom, Marto, Kate, Gina and Ray in Winterpark, CO.

We skiied...

We sledded...

We snowshoed...

and rang in the New Year...

before heading home!