September Catch Up

It's hard for me to blog because nothing is as exciting as being in Paris, so I keep waiting for something great to happen so I can blog, today I decided to get all these pictures off my camera and I decided I did actually have things to blog about, so, now you're going to get lots of updates.  Let's start with school:

I'm almost done! I still can't believe I almost have my degree, and at the same time I can't believe it's taking so long!  I actually really like school.  Especially the beginning of the school year: new supplies, new friends, new classes (but mostly new supplies).  I love it. Because he knew I loved it so much, Jonathan got me a first day of September present:

full of school supplies and yummy treats, and the longest lasting flowers ever.  (seriously, they lasted almost 3 weeks)

I'm only taking 4 classes this semester, which is less than normal for me, but they are pretty difficult classes, so I still feel overloaded.  I've got 1 french class and 3 art histories:  Paris and Berlin during the Interwar period (my favorite), Mesoamerican arts (it's combined with an anthropology class which makes it pretty interesting), and a Early Italian art class (It's a graduate seminar, so.. a lot of work).  I'm still working at the Library about 20 hours a week, it's the perfect job, I set my hours and get to watch tv while I work.  Evidence that I work:  

I only have Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday classes, which means I get a 4 day weekend every weekend.  I love it, I just wish I was better at being productive (in all honesty, I'm updating the blog now because I don't want to write a paper).  All in all, school is going well and I can't complain too much.

Moving right along.. last weekend we went to OHIO! I'm going to be pretty honest, I really love Cincinnati.  I love the family there, but I also really really love the city.  It's probably one of my favorites.  We got to spend Friday afternoon to Monday evening there, and we had a blast.

The real reason we went was to participate in the Air Force half marathon in Dayton.  Jonathan's brother Andrew and his sister Sarah were running their first full marathons so several of the family members decided to run half marathons and cheer those two on.  Jonathan, Jenny, and I all ran the half and had a really good time. 

Jonathan stayed with Jenny so she'd have a running partner for her first half marathon, but I ran ahead because I was timing for my full in November.  I got in at 1:52, which I am pretty excited about, I just hope and I can keep up a good pace for the full.  Jonathan and Jenny came in at 2:12, I think, which is awesome for Jenny's first one!

 As I was waiting for the others to come across the line I watched this guy propose to his girlfriend as she crossed the line, she said yes, although I think she was more interested in getting some water than getting the ring.

The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying the family.  All of Jonathan's siblings were there, and all but one spouse and kids.  Jonathan and I are not accustomed to sleeping through the noise of kids, so we ended up waking up at the same time the kids did, which is way too early.  Here is Jonathan entertaining the kids one morning:

 Lucy and baby Henry:

 

 Karen and Henry (he was a big hit, how could you not like that sweet face:)

On Monday before we left the Bludorn's helped me celebrate my birthday.  Sarah and I actually have the same birthday, but she was going to be around on the actual day so she saved her celebration for then.  Karen took us out for mani-pedis, which were perfect.  I've decided they are a must after a race like this, my feet loved it.  

 Then Karen made me my very first Ziggy cake! It's kind of a big deal! I'm told I can now call myself a real Bludorn.

 We stopped at Montgomery Inn for lunch on the way to the airport.  Jonathan loved every minute of it.  I did too, it was delicious.  Why are all the best restaurants in Cincinnati?

 This picture is fuzzy, but this is everyone at Montgomery Inn.  (Matt and Emmy and the kids had to leave the day before, they missed out!)

 And here's my cake! We ate it at the restaurant.

 It was an excellent weekend and the perfect way to escape Lubbock for a couple of days.

Also, as a side note, I really kind of love when I get to board, or get off, a plane from the ground.  It makes me feel famous.  

 This is Jonathan in the Memphis airport.  He was born here (in the city, not the airport), and he feels like it gives him some street cred.

And finally, my birthday! Jonathan is always so good to me.  In the morning he brought me a Bordeaux cake, which was actually just a piece of See's Bordeaux with a candle in it.  But it was perfect.  I love milk Bordeaux.   

 Then, after a full day of working/school for both of us, I came home to this:

 A girl at his work offered to make it for me, and she did a great job! It was delicious!

 And then he got me:

 Legos! Don't laugh though, I actually love it.  It's a lego Guggenheim museum, and it's really cool.  We built it yesterday and I love it.

Then, we went to Clay cafe and decorated some clay pieces.  Jonathan decorated a serving platter (the kind with the bowl in the middle), and I made a plaque with one of my favorite scriptures on it.  They just called yesterday to say our pieces were done, so I'm excited to get them!

 Oh, and here's the finished Lego Guggenheim. 

Anyway, that's my wrap up of September, only the best month of any year.  October should be full of babies (friend's, not mine), candy, paper writing, lots of running, and a couple parties.  Can't wait.