Where does the time go?

I'm sitting here staring at the calendar thinking that July is already over. I am preparing to head to Student Council camp on Sunday. We take five kids with us and spend the whole week waiting for it to be over. It's not that bad, but it takes a whole week away from my vacation. I will be super tired. When I get back from that, I fly out the next day to visit family in Pennsylvania. I love going to visit my family. Pennsylvania is just beautiful. There is definitely something very cozy about it, maybe it's just being with my family. I didn't grow up being able to see them much because they were so far away, so it's great being all together when we can. It's going to be a girl's only trip. I'm flying up with my mom, sister, and niece. I'm stoked! I guess that's why I'm dreading camp; I wish I were already in Penn. I will post pictures after camp and Penn. Outtie!!

Music

P.S.-If the music with the pics bothers you, you can turn it off by clicking the little icon in the bottom left corner of the picture box. :)

Alaska!

We sailed on Holland America's ship, the Noordam, to Alaska from Seattle. Seattle was vacation enough, but Alaska made the trip remarkably memorable. We did so much on our seven day cruise.

Our first stop was in Juneau. We gawked at the Mendenhall Glacier and then devoured some salmon at the Alaskan Salmon Bake. Our next stop was Sitka, Alaska. Jared and I didn't do any excursions, but we traipsed through the town and had the best fish and chips at a quaint restaurant, Victoria's.

Then we moved on to Ketchikan, Alaska. There Jared and I were absolutely amazed with the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Those men are real athletes. It was quite impressive. After the show we toured Totem Bight State Park, home of numerous totem poles. Totem poles are such a work of art. It's amazing how stories are told through those poles.

Our last stop was in Victoria, British Columbia. A small winery supplied our entertainment while in Victoria. We tasted four wines and then took a quick tour around Victoria. We were able to see the famous Empress Hotel and the beautiful parliament building. The harbor area was buzzing with entertainment and boats coming in and out. I have compiled a slide show of some of our pictures from our cruise. It's not all of the pictures I took, but it will give you a good idea of each place. Enjoy!

We're Back!

Seattle and Alaska were amazing. The rolling mountains topped with snow and the crisp, cool air was so refreshing. Stepping off of the plane in Houston when we got back was excruciating because of the hot, muggy weather.

We spent three days in Seattle at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. It was beautiful. It was located downtown, so we could walk to everything which saved us some money. The first day we got there, we went to visit the Space Needle. We took the monorail from downtown. The view from the top of the Space Needle was breath-taking. It was really peaceful being up there and a little chilly.

The next day we spent our time at Pike's Place. The produce and fresh fish were so enticing. Jared and I could live in Seattle for that reason and that reason only. The size of the dungeness crabs and crab legs were unbelievable. The fresh flower bouquets were only ten dollars. Those same bouquets here would cost at least fifty-sixty dollars. We even saw the little restaurant where a scene was filmed in Sleepless in Seattle. The aisle in Pike's Place is not that wide, so it did get a little crowded, even on a Thursday. If you go really early in the morning, about 7:30 am, there is a little breathing room.

Restaurant from Sleepless in Seattle

I have way too many pictures to even think about loading on this page. I figured I would share just a few. If you ever get a chance to visit Seattle, venture to Pike's Place, ride the monorail to the Space Needle, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, and eat at Boka.

Missing You!

Jared and I are leaving for Seattle/Alaska tomorrow. Today we dropped off our two "sons", Bailey and Simon. This afternoon it was so quiet around the house that we felt lost. It's amazing how much life two dogs can bring to two people. Bailey has such personality; I have never known a dog like him before. He is such a cuddler and loves sleeping with me and Jared. Simon is such a big baby. He would sit in our laps if we let him. We never realized how much we would miss them. I always thought people were crazy when they went on and on about their animals, but now being an avid dog lover, I finally understand. Our dogs are our sons, and we would not be the same without them. We are looking forward to getting home and having our boys back!

Freedom!

Today was the last day of school, for teachers anyway. I am so excited to be done for a few months. I am looking forward to the many different things that Jared and I have planned for the summer. Our first adventure will be heading to Alaska by ship. We are really excited. I have never been on a cruise before. I will post blogs with pictures when we get back. We leave next Thursday for Seattle to board our cruise. I'll let you know how it is. Salmon anyone? :)

Three Days Left!

I am so ready for school to be out. This week can't end fast enough. I vaguely remember being in eight grade, but I never remember being this rambunctious. It's crazy how much energy these kids have. At the end of the day I just come home and unwind from the insanity. Right now I'm vegging watching American Idol. Changing topics for a moment, what is up with Paula Abdul? I recently read that she broke her nose this past weekend trying not to trip over her chihuahua. What a nut!! Anyway, countdown to sanity is on!