It's been a long time...so this is a LONG post...

Once again, not having internet access at my apartment has made it difficult for me to update my blog. The last time that I had internet access on a regular basis was the last time I posted. Yikes! While I have internet at work, this year has been so busy that I rarely get to spend time doing anything during the day that is related to my personal life (even email!). For that matter, I rarely get to sit down at work these days. Nevertheless, I LOVE teaching third grade. I love my kids this year, and I am having a great time so far. I think third grade might be my calling for teaching. The kids are still sweet but are also competent enough to think on their own. They grow so much during third grade, and I think I have a great advantage knowing where they need to be when they leave third grade and head to fourth.

With that said, I have a ton of stuff to write about on here to catch up for the past couple months. I'll start with the beginning of August and try to catch up chronologically.

During the first week in August, I flew to Chicago to visit Alison and Chris. I stayed in Chi-town for a WHOLE week. It was really nice to have so much time to relax and hang out, but it went by way more quickly than I expected. Before I knew it, I was heading back to North Carolina and preparing for a new school year! Here are some of the photos from Chicago...

At Al & Chris' new official El station near their condo...

In the El--wha what??!!

At Sopo--the land of good music and good drinks...

Sangria? Yes, please!

The classic best-friend-in-law shot!

Aww, Chris doesn't have a buddy ... yet ...

And he's tired of us girls taking pictures! ;)

But then Wurm saved the day! Yeah Wurm!

"We love waiting for brunch!"

Not really...we're actually REALLY hungry (not constipated).

This is what you do to pass the time while waiting for your brunch table...

We are done and full and ready to shop!

Here we are, looking beautiful with our wavy/curly hair...

And someone got a new watch! BLING!

SCOOTERS!!! The best custard in the land. mmmmmmm delicious!!

I was really sad to leave Chicago. :( Luckily, I already know that Alison is coming to visit in November!! :)

So what else have I been doing? Well, I worked at the Ox and Rabbit when I returned from Chicago. It was my last weekend EVER working there. I will no longer be working on the weekends at the Ox and Rabbit, and even though I was sad to leave, I know that it's probably the best thing for me in the long run. New opportunities are opening up and will open up now that my weekends are "free." Not that my weekends have necessarily been all that free as a result of not working on Saturdays at the Ox and Rabbit. Of course, if you know me, you know I have a hard time relaxing on the weekends unless I'm sick or have a migraine, which is usually when my body forces me to take some down time to relax.

Over Labor day weekend my brother came to visit--it was a surprise visit for his birthday orchestrated by his wonderful girlfriend Natalie (with a little help from me). She surprised him with a trip to Atlanta to see his friends and then up to NC to see his sisters and mom. It was REALLY great to see both Natalie and Josh!! It was a short visit, which I wish had been longer, but it was good quality time. Here are a select few pics from their visit...

Cookout at Marika's house on Saturday night...

Outside on the porch enjoying the beautiful weather...

Josheeeeee!

Marika needed her head lamp to cook on the grill.

COOKING!

Josh and Natalie

Walking around the Durham American Tobacco Campus on Sunday...

Our family LOVES taking pictures!

Natalie looking beautiful and chic.

Thanks for always helping me improve my composition Josh!

Marika looking beautiful as well...

Caught in the moment...

Josh wore his Tower shirt and I wore my Bull shirt (all courtesy of Durham City Goods!) to celebrate the event.

Don't they look just like siblings?!

Italy or Durham?

Thanks for letting me take your shots ladies!

Marika and Natalie were passing the time chatting while Josh and I were taking photos.

Happy Birthday Josh and Marika!

Out to dinner at Watts Grocery for the Birthday Siblings...

Fruit Tart and presents (guess who wrapped that one?!) :)

Josh modeling Bill's gift...

Cards and gifts...

We're so glad you came to visit for your birthday Joshee! (Thanks for making it happen Natalie!)

After Josh and Natalie left, I had a short week (4 days) at school before another busy weekend. I took pictures for Meg and Loren for Kate's 3rd birthday party. It was really fun, great photo practice for me, and a wonderful time spent with the Wehmeyers! Here are a few photos (out of the 600 I took) of Kate's birthday--"Fancy Nancy" theme, cupcakes on a stick (handmade by Meg), a little birthday cake for Kate (also homemade), dressed up friends, crown making, pizza lunch, lots of gifts, and finally Kate painting in her underwear (with one of the gifts I got her) after everyone left.