tonight i got to hang out with some girlfriends; homemade pizza, gingerbread cookies, makeovers and a movie. thanks bethany for hosting!

today we joined in some birthday singing for mom. too bad no birthday cake for us though. ain’t the internet great?

joe’s archaeology professor david schloen and family graciously invited us, along with other near eastern study phd students, to their home in the suburbs for a friday night dinner. afterwards we all huddled around a crackling fire and indulged in some s’mores. gooey!

before heading back to chicago, we had some sushi with the wongs…except tayden who had cheerios, and then celebrated the chinese mid-autumn festival over some ribs, homemade pesto, and of course moon cake. there was, by the way, a very bright and beautiful full moon.

yesterday was louisa and jp’s big day, and i was lucky to be the matron of honour. after an early 5:30am wake up time, we got busy with the beautifying process. the bride was so beautiful! the couple even custom made a special bench to match the graphic from their wedding invitation. after a lot read more »

look, if helen says “use a hairdryer”, then i will by all means use a hairdryer. it has something to do with blanching the basil…though i forget exactly why you need to. i’m just hoping to partake in the end-product.