Back in the States Catch-Up

I have already been back in the states for three weeks. It is hard to believe it has been that long! So here is a little update on what has been going on:

• First I will start with the last few pictures from London. After our last day of class, I went to walk the tower bridge. While I had seen the bridge many times while in London, I hadn't actually walked across it yet.

My room as I was leaving, with all of my luggage. I was sad to leave, but glad to get back home at the same time.

• I flew to Iowa the week I got back from London to see my family and to get Parker. It was great to see the fam while I was home and celebrate my parents' wedding anniversary with them.

I am really glad I can teach/encourage Avery and Madelyn good things while I am home!

Look at how big this boy is getting...I can't believe this is my same nephew!

Avery and Madelyn in the fire truck.

Checking out the airplane.

Avery flying the airplane.

Madelyn driving the fire truck.

Avery playing the Operation game.

Madelyn playing (very seriously) with the animals.

Can you say: monkey see, monkey do? I am not even sure what the girls are doing here, but it is along the lines of Avery was doing it so Madelyn needed to do it too.

We spent one afternoon with Avery and Madelyn at the Children's Museum in LaCrosse. It was a lot of fun to play with the girls at the museum.

• I lucked out and was able to see my friend Val while I was home. Val travels a lot for her job and I am always happy when she is near Decorah while I am home. It was great to catch up and enjoy some Whippy Dip together!

• While I was in London, I really missed having my sewing machine and my craft supplies. Since I have been back in Athens I have been bitten by the craft bug. Here are some of my recent projects:

I made two projects for Baby Britton (my friends Randi and Jon's new little girl). I hope Britton likes the wreath on her door and her taggie blanket.

I made a tote for the shelves in my office...it is even collapsible in case I fill up the space on the shelves with books and papers!

I even made a new set of place mats for myself. I definitely needed them.

• I spent most of last week in meetings and trainings getting ready for classes to start. This was the first week of classes at UGA...and my first week with my new job. In case you hadn't heard, I was hired as a Lecturer in my department for this year. So this year I am switching from a full-time student and part-time employee to a full-time teacher and part-time student. It should be an interesting year, I am teaching three classes this semester with 285 students. I think I will stay busy...