Palaces, Cows, and a Ben

Ben spent 7 1/2 weeks in India setting up a research project that will continue throughout the next year in the southern part of the country called Madurai. He only got Sundays off to go explore because everyone there works 6 day weeks. Here are a few pictures of places he was able to visit. He saw palaces, mansions, wildlife preserves with elephants and tigers, the Taj Mahal, cows roaming freely amongst the locals, and even rode an elephant (yep I'm still pretty jealous about that one). He might post some more pictures that are on his computer but here are a few to give you an idea. 

So Ben and I are almost on our way home from our vacations this coming Tuesday with TONS to blog about like... India, mi familia, Disneyland, beaches, family reunion in Texas, and the lovely hurricane we survived while on South Padre Island. Once we're home we'll post post post!

Bouquets and Painting

My last day of school was now over two weeks ago. It was long-awaited and a little sad at the same time. My kids are moving onto junior high so I doubt I'll ever see some of them again. I got five gorgeous bouquets which I displayed while I was still in town and am now drying. Here are two of them. 

The orange dining room is complete - finally.

Sleepless in Seattle (actually I'm sleeping quite well)

Now I'm in Washington visiting my family for a month before vacation in California and Texas with Ben. Most of my family lives within 45 minutes of each other so it's nice to be able to spend so much time with so many of them. My favorite is seeingmy three nieces. There is Hallie (15 months old), Claire (3 years old), and Emma (4 1/2). They live two blocks away from my parents who I'm staying with. 

At the zoo in Seattle.

Hallie pointing to the zebras (which apparently weren't that thrilling since I didn't even attempt to get them in the shot) and turning into a butterfly.

The three girls as cute caterpillars. 

Yep, that's seaweed on my head.

Ballerinas from the deep... Claire on the right wasn't too happy about the "steenky gween stuff."

My sister the mermaid (and mother of the three kids) - I think she'll kill me when she sees this one.
We thought the blue bows added just the right touch...

Emma
Claire
Hallie with the double chin.
Carrie and I at Tolmie State Park on the Puget Sound.
Emma, my mom, and I searching for tiny crabs.

Last Few Days in Chicago

A few weeks ago my parents came to visit me. My dad hadn't been to Chicago in close to 40 years... things have changed a bit I think. Here are a few pictures of their visit.

My mom and I in front of the Field Museum.

My parents on Navy Pier.

Eating at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company...  I know I'm an idiot...

At the Science and Industry Museum.

Cubs game against the Atlanta Braves - Cubs won by a lot (I don't remember how many...)

Going on an architectural boat tour - way pumped about it too!

I haven't posted in SO long, but Ben has my camera in India. I'll have to post some of his pictures he's sent me since he's been over there - that would probably be more entertaining than what I've been up to. I've taken some pictures with my parent's camera but I'm looking for their plug to download the pictures.  I'm in Washington now enjoying the cool 65 degree weather and 0% humidity. I'll try to post pictures soon. So until then... I got this idea from Jenny on what type of flower you are ( I know - WAY random). I've never even heard of my flower before but whatever.

You Are a Canna

"You stand up for what you believe in, even if it gets in the way of what other people think. You are proud of yourself and your accomplishments and you enjoy letting other people know that."

I like the first half of that, but I'm not so sure about the last half...

Try it if you are a little bored.

I'm a bit obsessed with Jane Austen

Apparently I'm Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey. See what Jane Austen heroine you are - Click here.