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.

Top of the mornin' to ya

We made it. Allison's family is fabulous for putting all of us up. We're one big happy family. Kit, Cody, Allison, her sister, Lydia, David and I are all staying at her house. It's really lovely. The weather has been perfect. So far we've walked around Galway, eaten and slept. We've also hit up the Irish pubs. We woke up at 12:30 Irish time and 6:30 home time. I'll post pictures and stuff later.

Current news

I am thoroughly enjoying my summer. So far it's been a blur of barbeques, sleeping in, catching up on all those things I always intend to do but never get around to and getting ready for Ireland. Here is a picture of my lovely flower garden and our old desk with a new paint job courtesy of Kit! I know, It's pretty great. If you free, give me a call or send me an email. I can definitely fit you in. ;)

Woot

I have 5 days left of school! I honestly cannot believe I made it. Hopefully next year is easier, more effective and less crazy. Pictured above and my kids science fair projects. We totally should have won. I was very, very proud of them. 1 out of my 5 kids went up at least one grade level in math and reading, and 3 went up 2 grade levels! What's exciting is that I'll probably have most of them next year, so we can build on that progress.
Also pictured above is crime scene photos from a carpet vandalism that occurred at approximately 1 am last night. A half consumed G2 ink pen is the suspected weapon and the suspect is a 6 year old terrier mix. He was found with blue paws and was so covered in ink that we had to hose him down. Pretty incriminating evidence if I say so myself.

Check out David in the latest issue of 225 magazine

The view from the Street Article

Recent Events

I had a great time at home. My mom and I took Ashur and Jed to the aquarium outside of Tulsa. It was actually really fun. I also ate a lot of good food and celebrated an early birthday with my folks. I have 20 school days left before Summer 2009! As you probably know, David and I are headed to the Emerald Isle from June 6th through the 24th. I absolutely cannot wait. We are also probably coming to a venue near you sometime this summer. So far this year I have adequately mastered being a special education teacher, grown a flower garden, and finally taught Rocky how to walk on a leash (I AM THE ALPHA DOG). David was successfully passed on to Thesis. Next year he will spend most of his time creating a large array of work for a big show sometime in April or May of next year. Here is his latest piece. He's calling it family tree right now, but he will probably change it. Also, here are tons of pictures of my family in Siloam.

P.S. As many of you probably remember, my aunt Polly went missing when I was in Nepal in 2007. This week we learned, the police arrested her daughter in her murder, and they found her remains. My family is upset, but relieved to know what finally happened to her. Keep them in your thoughts.