Julia went to Minneapolis for Ally's bridal shower. She attended a Mardi Gras party with Sam and Hannah. Jules also spent time with Gigi, Sanath, Wes, Tatiana, Chase (the dog), Sarah, Matt, Anne, Nathan, Reilly, and Jerry. She has so many wonderful friends there. She's coming to DC tomorrow!!!
On the home front, we are pet-sitting Abbey (the dog) and Indy (not pictured).
Julia did it! She sorted out all her belongings. Some items were donated to friends and Goodwill, some went into storage, some went into her car and then back to DC, and some went all the way to Fairbanks, Alaska. It was bittersweet to enjoy her last steak night with Sam and Hannah (and Charlie the dog) and to see her friends again (one last time for now!). We really enjoyed spending time with Benjamin and attending the MN State Fair. There were some yummy bites--turkey leg, pork chop on a stick, deep-fried buckeye, fawaffle (a falafel waffle), deep-fried apple pie w/cinnamon ice cream, roasted corn, and alligator sausage on a stick.
Saying goodbye was tough. She is coming back east for Nick's wedding in October. Thankfully, she made it to Fairbanks safely. Pictured below is her office building on the University of Alaska campus.
Ally and Sanath took Julia's dresser. She met Tatiana for breakfast, boxed up all of Benjamin's records, and made "cowboy caviar" for a bonfire with friends at Chase and Sarah's. And one last hurrah in the hammocks with Matt and Anne. This is her last week in St. Paul.
On the home front, we had a family dinner to see Kathryn before her move back to Syracuse. Yummy pulled pork--so good!
Julia did it! Her PhD defense presentation was amazing. She's officially confirmed by a unanimous committee vote. We're so proud of her and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her, family (Meme, Carrie, Elizabeth, Emma), and friends. Thank you to everyone who joined online! It was very touching to see the overwhelming support, love, and people showing up for her. Our hearts are full.
