From Banana Bread to British Breakfast

Julia made banana bread, ate out a lot, and ended with making a classic British inspired breakfast. LOL Given the lighter academic load, it is clear that she is enjoying this semester more than any other previous one. We're glad; she deserves that and has worked hard. Caitlyn and Julia celebrated three years of their radio show, Alt Expose with Ruth and Rose. Thanks for playing my request, "Faithfully" by Journey! Sweet post-celebration at Buckeye Donuts. Some of her standby favorite restaurants included Union Cafe, Blue Danube, Skully's Music Diner, and Hot Chicken Takeover. 

Busy with Buckeye Blackout and Boyfriend

This girl has more activities going on than I can track! Whether it is a ladies brunch at the Union Cafe, out with Benjamin, or a Buckeye Blackout event at Kafe Kerouac, Jules has one packed (social) schedule. She still makes time to go grocery shopping at Aldi's, which I appreciate.

Steven is back from his very long 11 days in the UK. All is right with the world in DC.

Back to the Grind, Grad News, Hines

Big news for Julia--she was sent an offer letter from King's College London! She was also accepted into the program at Swansea University. Her first choice based on a program is probably University of Leeds; however, it is hard to turn down King's College and living in London. Right? Choices...choices.

Julia is in full swing with the semester, taking a bunch of unique and fun courses such as kickboxing, science of caffeine, food safety, and a couple of others. She is also active with Buckeye Blackout, cooking, and a certain special someone named Benjamin. Lia and Maya stopped in for brunch at Katalina's on their way back to Wash U. She also enjoyed Pierogi Mountain at Cafe Bourbon Street (recently featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives), and the Blue Danube.

Steven and I bought inline skates and plenty of safety pads to try this spring. Laura and Clarkson came for Martin Luther King weekend. We went ring shopping with mom; she found a beautiful option. It was nice to be together as a family--especially when there is steak, shrimp, and Buckeyes.

Cookie Decorating and Grad School News

As always, the time went too quickly. It was a great break from school and work. We had the annual cookie decorating party--so much fun to see the Holton crew back together. They are such nice young women. Thanks to Meme for the plethora of decorations. I didn't mind leaving up all of the Christmas adornments post-New Years. It was kind of nice, actually. Julia spent some time with Jessie as well.

This is Julia's last semester. She already exceeds the required 120 credits; in fact, she will be graduating with 138 credits. Why did we push for so many AP classes?!?!?!

The most exciting news was Julia's acceptance into the masters of research in climate and atmospheric science program at the University of Leeds and the masters of science in environment and climate at the University of Liverpool. She has options...but almost assuredly she will be across the pond in grad school next year. Congrats, Julia! We're so proud of you!

 

Christmas to New Years

Julia's roommate Sarah came to Washington, DC, for some fun between Christmas and New Years. They explored U Street, SW Waterfront, Georgetown, and came home with a Jumble Berry pie from Pie Sisters, this was a big hit. We went to see Capitol Steps, which was hilarious. We highly recommend it--equally funny for Democrats, Independents, and Republicans! Steven took the girls to a Capitals hockey game and they won. They had great seats. The cat puzzle is DONE, with only three pieces missing that we believe Peanut Butter has run off with somewhere. We rang in the new year with a delicious Delmonico steak from Wagshal's (thanks, Pam!). The Holton crew (and Lia's boyfriend, Mike) came over for pre-new year's fun. Happy New Year! We are so excited to see what 2018 holds for all of us!