International Festival

It's not the one in St. Paul, but it's still pretty good. Lots of great food, entertainment, and activities. Klara is sporting her 'Sami' crown here after our trip through the kids activities. She was skeptical of the photographer, but otherwise she and Nora had a great time. In fact Nora was off running with several of her second grade buddies, so she didn't make the picture. The festival is a weekend in April every year, so if you're looking for a cheaper version of the big event, just drive on down!

Teach Much?

This is two of my students at a banquet for the graduate student research conference. These two plus two of my other students were honored there. Ahmet is this year's recipient of the outstanding graduate student award in English (take that creative writers!)
Note the lovely lanyard with my keys! I am way too school marmish!

Prom Night!

We just got back from the grand march at West High. Mona and her date made quite a splash, especially with prom-goer in training: Nora, who wore her black velvet with the rhinestones for the occasion, accented by red high heels from the dress up box, but we nixed those before we got to the school).

Making Dumplings with Ling and Chong

It wasn't hard to tell which dumplings were made by experts and which were made by amateurs!

Easter Bunnies

Our friends/neighbors/colleagues Candace and Rick came for Easter dinner. Candace and Klara get ready to behead this bunny that Candace cooked up!

Signs of Spring?

I'm not sure if a dead ladybug counts, but Klara gives it a thumbs up.

Happy Birthday you, you! or should I say "me, me"?

Since I was away at a conference on my birthday, we celebrated on the weekend with a Cold Stone ice cream cake - red velvet with strawberry ice cream. I have to admit, for a store bought cake it was pretty good. Notice "Pretty Kitty" in the foreground; this is Klara's gift to me. The best thing she knows is kitties, so I take this as a most meaningful gift. Every time Klara happens upon Pretty Kitty, she brings her over for me to love on. We have decided, however, that Pretty Kitty can sleep with Klara. Nora on the other hand is more like me - practical. She remembered that I needed a new pair of sweatpants so she saved me the trouble of having to shop for them myself. How sweet are they?