Happy Halloween

Here are some long awaited Halloween pictures. Sorry I never post. I have a new blog, but my life has been so busy, it's been hard to post there this week too. I will catch up soon. I promise.

Check this out!

http://imateacherwhatsyoursuperpower.blogspot.com/

Smoky Mountains

Gorgeous...

Cabin and Aquarium

Here are some pictures of our cabin and the Aquarium in Gatlinburg. Click here to see the swanky cabin. I would highly recommend this place. The view was beautiful, the accommodations were top notch, it's 10 miles from the craziness of Gatlinburg (ie. pancake house, airbrush place, fudge shop, mini golf, another pancake house, etc.) and it was pet friendly so we got to bring Rocky and Boomer. We've had a blast eating tenessee cookin', white water rafting, mini golfing and playing rummikub. Tomorrow we're headed to Baton Rouge, a little sad. It has been so great to spend time with our families. I'm headed back to Little Rock about July 22nd or 23rd and then to both family reunions before school starts. I had a dream/nightmare last night that school started, and none of my kids showed up. I had to move my classroom three time and Brad Pitt was the librarian. Interpret that...

White Water Rafting

It was a struggle, but we finally got Dave to go white water rafting with us, and I swear he is actually smiling in some of the pictures.

Glorious Branson, Mo

David and I got back from Ireland safe and sound, hung with the Carpenter clan and headed straight to Siloam Springs, and then promptly to Silver Dollar City in Branson. It was amazingly awesome. We all got one of those old timey tin-type pictures made; the kids were adorable, and I got to ride all of the roller coasters with my dad. Also, my dad totally screamed "I loooooove thiiiiiis!" on Wildfire when it went upside down. It was pretty spectacular, until I got off of it the second time and wanted to throw up. It was wonderful to be with the whole family, and to visit a place that reminds me so much of my childhood. I haven't been there in probably 15 years. Here are some pictures!

P.S. We just got to the Smoky Mountains a few hours ago with David's folks. I know, quit hating on us for our ridiculous summer-vacation-amazingness.

pictures from David, Allison, and Allie's masks

Cliffs of Moher

For David's birthday we headed out to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Here are the pictures.

Dublin, publin, clublin

It was a beautiful day in Dublin. I got a new passport and walked around town. Here are some pictures.

So far so good

We've been having a wonderful time. Allison's mom, Norah, is the sweetest host we could ask for. She keeps feeding us and checking on everything. Like a complete dope, I've lost my passport. It must have fallen out of our carryon on the last plane, but the airline and the airport haven't found it. I get to spend the day in Dublin on Tuesday getting a new one. It's not so bad; I needed to change my name on it anyway. Galway is really nice. David's been busy collecting materials for the exhibition, and I've been helping so far. Today I'm going to spend the day in the cute little shops in the city. The Aran Islands are close, so we're going to take a trip out there soon. The weather is absolutely perfect. It's about 60-70 degrees with a cool breeze. Here are some pictures for your enjoyment.