Just a taste of Europe.

After a long 31 hours of being in airports, due to weather, delayed and CANCELLED flights, Mike and I are finally home from our trip to Europe. We had a fantastic time. Here are a few pictures from our trip:

This was taken in a small walled city called Rothenburg. This was such a neat city because it is still surrounded by a wall built during medieval times. (Please don't mind the pony tail and white sweatshirt, you will be seeing both throughout the pictures. It was much colder on our trip than was expected and that was the only item of clothing that could keep me warm.)If you know the movie Sound Of Music you might recognize where this picture was taken. This picture was taken at the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg, Austria. Remember in the movie Sound of Music where the kids are singing "Doe a Deer" with Maria, running through gardens and jumping up stairs? This is where it was filmed!!!!

There are so many castles throughout Europe! We took a boat cruise along the Rhine River that has castles all along the way. This castle was in Burg Eltz, which was actually not along the Rhine River, but hidden deep with in the hills. This was one of my favorite castles we saw.

The best part about our trip to Europe was seeing Mike's parents who are serving a mission in Germany! It has almost been a year and a half since we have seen his parents. We were able to spend some quality time with them while we were in Germany. It was very neat to see the kinds of things they are doing while serving their mission and to meet some of the young adults they are working with. Thanks Steve and Carol for a wonderful trip!

Now that we have been home from Europe for less than 24 hours, we are loading up our car to drive to Utah, which is where we will be living July and August! I'm looking forward to seeing many of you while we are in Utah. See you soon!

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen.....

We're off to Germany, Austria and Switzerland!

For Kentla

As I was bawling watching the today show segment about fathers this morning, I was thinking of my dad and all he has done for my family. So this post is specifically for Kentla. I’m thankful to have such a considerate, patient, loving dad. I’m so grateful for the example he has set for me to follow. Here are just a few things I’ve learned from my dad:

1. When to travel, Kentla knows best! Arrive at the airport early and always expedite your passport!

2. If you stick your mind to something and discipline yourself, you can do anything. (My dad has lost over 80 pounds because of this lesson!)

3. Faith is all about being patient and persevering, even when life is difficult. (My dad was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the muscles of the body. Because of this disease my dad has suffered many painful days. His faith and perseverance has been an inspiration to me.)

4. Having a sense of humor. My dad is such a hot dog but he does have a good sense of humor.

5. Expressing yourself. My dad is an emotional man who has never been shy with his feelings. He has helped my sisters and me to express the way we feel in healthy ways.

6. Plan ahead and prepare early. My dad likes to know what is going on so that he can always be prepared. He has taught me being prepared is much more important, than scrambling at the last minute.

7. To work hard. My dad wakes up each day to go to work without a complaint. Every Saturday he is working out in the yard all day long! He has taught me the importance of working hard and getting things done.

8. Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to. My dad is a good example of doing things that he may not necessarily want to do, without complaining about it.

9. How to love. My dad loves each of us unconditionally. He has always been there for me, no matter what, with open arms.

10. To be generous. My dad is one of the most giving people I know. He would do anything for his family and friends, and is always willing to help someone in need.

Happy Father’s Day Kentla! I love you so much! I’m so grateful to be your daughter and can’t wait to see you this summer! Thanks for all you do.

A close call

After many sleepless nights, meals uneaten, hour long phone calls, lines galore and a 12 hour day, I finally have my passport! Which means in less than 48 hours I'm on my way with Mike to Germany, Austria and Switzerland!

A word to the wise: TURN IN YOUR PASSPORT EARLY AND BE SURE TO EXPEDITE IT!!! (And by early I mean six months early. No joke.)

School's out for SUMMER!!!!

Today was my last day of school. School was only an hour today. So silly to send children to school for such a short time! Regardless of such an absurd schedule, I must say I love my job. I am sometimes impatient, and often tired, but being a teacher is so rewarding. I have loved my kids this year. They are nice, well behaved, and so funny. Here are some of the funny things that have happened this year.

1. I have seen the BC of one of my students everyday this year!

2. One of my students tried to fix a hole in his pants by taping it. Kids are so creative.

3. After smelling his armpits one of my students commented, "WOW! That's disgusting. I smell the way my dad smells after he's done working." I love the honesty.

4. Another student then smelled his armpits and said, "I only like the way mine smell, but nobody else's." Once again love the honesty.

5. Busting kids pick their nose each day, even when they think no one is looking.

6. One of my students wears a retainer. I have received spit in the face many times when having a conversation with this particular student. So gross.

These are just a few of the funny things that have happened this year. It has been a wonderful experience teaching second grade this school year. I love my school and colleagues. But the best thing about my job is..... I HAVE SUMMERS OFF!!!!! Summer officially begins for me tomorrow and I can't wait!

Cicada Hunting

Today Laura and I went Cicada hunting. I was driving between hospitals earlier this week and found a forest preserve filled with the unusual bugs. Since we have been more than disappointed with the showing of the "17-year phenomenon" around our house we went to find some Cicadas. We got some good pictures that we thought would be nice to share. Enjoy

This is a picture of the holes left behind after their emergence from under ground.

This is a picture of what they look like just after leaving the ground (right side) and just after they break out of the nymph stage shell (left side)

There were so many shells from the nymph stage stuck all over the leaves. They were everywhere!

Laura was worried that one would fly down her shirt so she had to put on the hood for protection.

We were gone for a long time and sometimes you need a snack

Like a kid with candy

Last night was the eight grade graduation for the students who attend the school where I teach. (The school is a k-8 school) Some of you know Jasmine Jordan (Michael Jordan's daughter) goes to my school. It just so happens she was in eigth grade this year, which meant she was graduating. I went to graduation last night for the sole purpose to see Michael Jordan. I know, I'm so lame, but I just wanted to see him!!! I was sitting in my seat when one of my friends whispered to me, "Here he comes." In walks Michael Jordan himself!!! He is huge, and very attractive. I had butterflies in my stomach I was so excited. I was trying not to stare, but I must say it was neat to see him in real life. At the end of graduation our principal asked that all the staff members attending graduation line up in the center isle to shake hands with all the graduates. All the teachers get up and start lining up in the isle, guess who stood 2 feet away from Michael Jordan? ME!!! I literally could have reached out and touched him. Of course I didn't talk to him, but I did get a good look at him, and he is quite good looking and still looks quite young. PS he still chomps on his gum like he did when he was playing basketball. I know this is all so silly of me to be so excited about this. I was like a kid with candy, I was so giddy and excited to see him.