Before and After Submission

Julia submitted her dissertation! Here she is just before the 2 p.m. deadline... and then after, happily FaceTiming. She couldn't recall the last time she showered or ate, but her spirits were high. Love that girl! Now, she has to complete the poster and presentation for September 9. Then, she'll come home September 11--and we cannot wait! Congratulations, Julia. You did it!

Minor celebrity sighting in Foggy Bottom--Jordan Savusa from, The Second City's America: It's Complicated! Great show, great hair.

Down to the Dissertation Wire

The deadline is Thursday and this girl is surviving! I've read the draft and it is impressive. Julia is doing good work not only for herself but also for the planet. We are so proud of her dedication and passion.

On the home front, Steven found out he passed one of his exams that was completed while en route to Greece. I got my hair chopped. And, we had a nice family dinner with mom, Lisa, and Kathryn--2.2 lbs of sirloin steak (Wagshal's)! Quiet was especially happy to bug and to beg Kathryn all night. Also big news, Kathryn, although allergic to tree nuts, she can eat French macarons without any reaction. We tested it!

Birthdays Abroad

Julia celebrated her birthday with Benjamin in Leeds, UK. I celebrated mine in Santorini with Steven, Lisa, Tony, Don, and Laura.

The highlight of Athens was the Acropolis and the guided tour. In Santorini, our favorite was the hike from Fira to Oia. The sunsets were amazing. Steven successfully completed both of his final exams.

We are so looking forward to Jules coming home--and she can't wait to be done as well!

July Hustle

The struggle is real. Julia is pressing on to meet her deadline for her dissertation. KUDOS, she did really well on her website part of the project. Steven is prepping for his last two finals at the University of Nottingham. I've never been more thankful to be done and not in school (officially).

Independently Celebrating

Julia went back to Leeds, UK, and enjoyed a BBQ with her American girlfriends. I love the shot of her with her crockpot en route. She went grocery shopping and is back into a library routine. The road to her dissertation continues.

We went to Deep Creek Lake with the Sarrges, Mom, Chad, Laura, and Emmie. We deep fried another Wagshal's turkey--16 pounds of goodness. Short celebration, but nice to reconnect, relax, and rejuvenate.

Back in the Hood

Julia was home for a week and it was wonderful--packed full of family, friends, and activities. In between, she managed to work on her dissertation and also was checked for food allergies (all negative). Benjamin and Caitlyn came for a few days. We all saw Hello Dolly! at the Kennedy Center, had dinner with the Mindels, celebrated Hunter's 17th birthday, and saw Second City's America: It's Complicated. Miss Jules already, but so proud of all the hard work and effort she is putting forth to complete this research master's degree. Her Antarctica passion is contagious!