Lots of pictures to make up for my tardiness :)

So, I've been pretty bad lately about blogging - sorry. These last two weeks have been crazy and I still have about two more weeks until the craziness calms down for a while. Early Decision applications are due by October 13th and I have 37 letters of recommendation to write between now and then. There have been several 12 hour days around these parts :) The good news is that today is Sunday, and I slept in until 11:00 and am now feeling bright, shiny, relaxed and ready to blog. Yeah!
These pictures are from last weekend. A bunch of us (Derek, Jenn, Pete, and I, as well as some new people: Ani, Scott, and their baby, Christopher - AKA "Smurfy", Chad, Kelly, and their baby, Conner, and Aaron) all went to Bansko for the weekend. We had a great time just relaxing, walking around town, and shopping.
Now on to the pictures: The first picture is of Pete in a beautiful, traditional Bulgarian hat ... don't you all want me to bring you one home? Just kidding ... Although, we did pick up a few gifts at the outdoor market.
The next picture is of Pete and Aaron. Aaron is the new dorm coordinator at ACS. He is from Washington state (he went to Western) and has been a fire jumper for the last few years. He's here this year to work with kids and see if he wants to get his teaching credential. Cool guy. He comes over to our house to hang out a lot.
The next picture is of Pete and Smurfy (Christopher). He got the name Smurfy because they brought him home from the hospital in a blue outfit with a white hat, so he looked like a Smurf. Pete is in love with Smurfy. This is a big step for Pete who, until Smurfy came along, was scared to hold a little one. Thanks to Smurfy, Pete is now ready to be an uncle in January! (Not to mention I think Pete looks pretty cute holding a little shmoo!) :)
The next picture is of Kelly and Conner. Conner is the other baby around town. He is a cute, little, 1 and 1/2 year old. He is such a sweetheart. Totally into exploring and his mom and dad give him the freedom to do so. It's great!
The next pictures are of our walk back to the hotel when we first ran into a group of goats and then into a few cows walking down the street. Is it weird that that kind of stuff doesn't even phase me anymore? Ahhh ... Bulgaria. They are totally ready for the EU (said with a slight smirk).
When you are not passing cows and goats in Bulgaria, there is a good chance you will come across a wedding I like this better than the cows. It's fun because the bride, groom, and wedding party dance down the street to music. The band follows them wherever they go and people join in the celebration. It's great.
The second to last picture is of Scott, Ani, and Smurfy. Ani is actually Bulgarian, but you would never be able to tell because she speaks English perfectly and without an accent. She went to high school in the U.S. She and Scott met through the Fulbright program. He came here to Bulgaria, and she went back to the U.S. to get her Masters degree. They are great and we have a lot of fun with them.
The final picture is of me dancing like a geek at one of the restaurants we went to. Our waitress took my hand and pulled me up to the floor to dance ... then she left me ... so I pretty much was by myself dancing in the middle of the restaurant. Seriously ... And, no one would join me. They just sat in their chairs and took pictures. Some friends :)
Well, that's about all for now. I'm sure I will stop in between letters and blog a time or two this week.
Oh ... CONGRATULATIONS to Sean and Belma on their new baby girl, Ayda! Welcome to the world little one! May you have nothing but blessings in this life!