Natalie

When I moved to Turkey two and a half years ago, my good friend Natalie said she was definitely going to come visit. She cut it close - coming during my last month in country - but her visit was fun and memorable just the same! I was in school most of the time she was here, but she was able to make a day trip to Ephesus with a group and spent a day in the city exploring by herself. We took advantage of the weekends and she was even able to come to school with me one day. It was great to have another friend see my life here and it was great to have time with Natalie. We have been friends since 1st grade, and I thank the Father for his faithfulness to us in our friendship. A few highlights of her time here: I was glad to get in one last trip to Rumeli Hisari - such a beautiful view of the Bosphorus!

Dinner at Marco Pasa with some girlfriends - so glad Natalie got to meet my "girls" here. We went out for karaoke afterwards :)

Natalie reading Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing (we both LOVED the Fudge books by Judy Blume growing up) to my third graders.

Playing chain tag :)

Natalie was able to share at Elementary Assembly while she was here. What a blessing to me and the kids. Here she is showing the kids a few Yoga streches.

Spirit Week

A few weeks ago, Meghan (my good friend and the 4th grade teacher) and I realized we hadn't had a Spirit Week all year. So after okaying it with the principal, we decided it was time. Last week was the perfect opportunity, especially since it was a 3 day week with Field Day on Thursday! We started brain storming the normal Spirit Week ideas - Hat Day, Backwards Day, PJ Day, Stripes, Hoedown (more common in the South). Since we teach at an international school, we thought it would be fun to do a Culture Day and have the kids wear traditional clothing from their home culture - plus I knew the Koreans had some cool outfits and I really wanted to see them! Monday was Hat Day, but we forgot to take pictures. Tuesday was Culture Day!!!

Sunni (from SC), Meghan (from Alaska), and Jules (from NC)Wednesday was Pajama Day. I seriously LOVED wearing my PJs and bedroom slippers to school. And yes I did sleep in the same pajamas the night before...it was so nice to just wake up and not have to think about what the wear. I did change, though, before heading out in the city to meet my friend at the Grand Bazaar!

Daniel and Suzanne's Wedding

I had the awesome opportunity to go home during Spring Break for my brother's wedding!! It was such a great week with family and I am so thankful I was able to be around for it. I spent the first part of the week in Rose Hill helping mom, and then headed to Raleigh on Wednesday. Wednesday night Daniel, LB, and I went out - we had such a great time being together. LB and I think our brother is the funniest person ever, so we always enjoy laughing at him together!

Thursday I got to help Suzanne with a few things and then the girls went to get our nails done. Friday was the Bridesmaids Luncheon, Rehearsal, and Rehearsal Dinner. In between the Luncheon and Rehearsal we had to go by Vaughn Towers to set up for the Rehearsal Dinner. It was fun to help mom and dad. Every time I have been involved in a wedding - it has been from the perspective of the bride, so it was neat to see all that the groom's side has to do!

Wedding Day was good - we started early with hair, make up, pictures, etc. Daniel and Suzanne didn't see each other until Suzanne walked down the aisle, so it was a little tricky/fun to keep them apart all afternoon. Reception was over the top. Seriously I had such a great time - it was little bit overwhelming having so many friends and family there that I love so much. I constantly felt torn between catching up with people and dancing!!! The DJ was awesome and I had so many great dance partners. Oh and it was probably the prettiest reception I have ever been too - between the tent, flowers, and weather it was breath taking. It was such a special day for our family, and I am thrilled to have a new sister! Welcome to the family, Suzanne :) Check out facebook for more pictures.