It's that time of year when we get to brag about everyone in our annual Christmas letter. if you want to read more, click on
Dear Friends and Family,
As we look out the window at a snow covered scene, we are reminded that it is once again time for the annual McClelland Christmas letter (even though we are a couple of days late). Of course, Mary Anne reminded Charles two weeks ago to get started on it, but better late than never! Here’s a bit of what has been happening with our family (for more, see our blogs or e-mail us!):
Charles: Gradually ramping down on his professional work and lately has only had occasional courses to teach. His reduced workload has opened up the opportunity to do other things including cruise line lecturing (first lecture experience was last month on a 19 night Holland America Cruise through the Panama Canal). Mary Anne and Charles are pictured in front of the Bridge of the Americas in Panama. E-mail: mcclellands8@yahoo.com, Blog: mcclellands8.blogspot.com
Mary Anne: Also working less these days. In addition to the Panama Canal Cruise, she and Charles enjoyed a Southern Caribbean cruise out of Puerto Rico last January. In July, she biked the entire C&O Canal bike path and, with Charles, 110 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Between several trips to visit elderly parents, bike trips, youth conference, girls’ camp, trips to visit kids, some business trips for Charles, and the cruises, Charles and Mary Anne were away from home about 25% of the year. 
Dan: Has transferred his records to a Mid Singles magnet ward where he serves as 2nd Counselor in the Sunday School Presidency. Here’s Dan (far right) on Smith Rock with Charles, Mary Anne, and Matt and Emily’s children. 
Matt and Emily: Matt Continues to practice dermatology in Bend, Oregon. Dan, Mary Anne, and Charles had a wonderful visit with the family in August climbing mountains, rafting down a river, swimming in a mountain lake, hiking in a lava tube cave, etc. Here is the family at Tumalo Falls. Blog: Emilatt.blogspot.com
Sara and Chris: Are really enjoying their little girl who is showing signs of being as independent as her mother was. Sara works at CSC, Chris at SRA. Blog: Hiltners.blogspot.com, private, so e-mail Sara at saralita@yahoo.com to view.
Eddie and Andrea: Continue to live in Columbus, Ohio, where they welcomed a baby boy last summer. Eddie continues to work for PWC while Andrea manages the two boys at home. Blog: McClellands.blogspot.com
Dave: Had an exciting year, taking time off from his Mechanical Engineering graduate studies at BYU to backpack through Europe this summer with friends. Dave is in the center in this Abbey Road picture. 
Chris and Christie: Chris has settled into his job in Salt Lake City with the Regional FBI office, while Christie is now teaching for the Alpine School District (having graduated from BYU this month).
We hope that each of you will be blessed with the righteous desires of your heart this Christmas and in the year to come.
THE McCLELLANDS
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Christmas 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
We're Living in a Marshmallow World
Most of the time, Northern VA enjoys relatively mild winters with very little snowfall, especially in December. Every few years we get dumped on, but it's usually around President's Day. So this one is for the record books, officially the largest snowfall for December on record--16.5" at National airport (always on the low side since it's warmer by the river), 18" at Dulles, and 21" at BWI. Supposedly we got more in our part of town so I'm guessing we got at least 20".
Here are some more pictures:
Oosterdam Cruise (continued)--Mexico & San Diego
OK, this is the third port in a row that is a totally isolated industrial port. This one does not have any redeeming qualities we can discover. There are only 5 ships' tours available, none of which have gotten good reviews.
There are some interesting looking beach areas very close to the port, but none can be reached easily.
So we go into the port building to see if there are any independent tours worth doing (there are not), catch up on e-mail and watch some native dancing, then get back on the ship.
What a difference a day makes. Huatulco is everything Puerto Chiapas is not--the dock right in town and beautiful, clear water. But, it is Sunday, so no beach for us. But, we have done our homework and can to walk to the local branch of the LDS church in La Crucecita with some friends from the ship.
Next time we'll go to Playa La Entrega and the beach right next to the dock.
What a lovely port!
Another fabulous port with many opportunities for sightseeing and lovely beaches. First thing on the agenda is a trip to Isla La Roqueta which we reach by launch from Caleta beach, shown below.
While at the island, we snorkel and take a hike to the lighthouse. The view from the top is fantastic!
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While snorkeling, we come across this huge, ugly puffer fish that is being fed from the tour boats.
Back on the mainland, we make a quick trip to see the famous cliff divers. The show is mostly strutting and not much diving.
The city is lovely at night.
The plan for the morning is a trip to Playa las Gatas for snorkeling. Though the snorkeling is not the best ever, the water is about 90 degrees and heavenly.
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Town is fun as well with shopping and lovely views. This is such a great port, but unfortunately is not on many cruise ship itineraries:(
Our final port of call, Cabo is definitely the most visually dramatic port, with gorgeous clear blue green water and stark cliffs. We seem to have established a pattern--get off the ship, get on a little boat and ride out to a snorkeling place. So, we run the gauntlet of salesman selling spots on the myriad glass bottom boats heading out to Lover's Beach and Land's End. We end up paying $10 each for the water taxi ride and a tour around the point. The glass bottom affords a view of the underwater life that goes by as we make our way to the point.
Once at Lover's Beach, part of the excitement is getting on and off the boat. Some enterprising locals earn a good living helping passengers disembark for tips.
The snorkeling is better than expected with lots of fish and very clear water. The main hazard is all of the boats coming and going.
Hopefully we'll be back.
It's time to go home when the pool has become a giant bird bath.
It's been fun, but time to get back to the rat race. Sadly, with Thanksgiving next week there is no time to linger in San Diego. So, we walk across the street and take a bus to the airport. Hopefully we'll get to do this again.
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