Who wore it better? Emily Peterson or Malia Obama?
(From the official Obama holiday photo)
PS - I'm pretty sure we got this dress from the same store in Washington DC. The Obamas have good taste, what can I say?
The R & E Times
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Who Wore it Better?
From People! Style Watch:
Who wore it better? Emily Peterson or Malia Obama?
(From the official Obama holiday photo)
PS - I'm pretty sure we got this dress from the same store in Washington DC. The Obamas have good taste, what can I say?
Who wore it better? Emily Peterson or Malia Obama?
(From the official Obama holiday photo)
PS - I'm pretty sure we got this dress from the same store in Washington DC. The Obamas have good taste, what can I say?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
A new addition...
May I (Richard blogging here) now introduce you to the newest member of our family... Constance...
I have been taking Octavia (our scooter) to the Metro on an almost daily basis for over a year, but my parents suggested it was probably time to upgrade the safety of my commute. So, now I am safely ensconced in a couple of tons of steel; I am enveloped in a cocoon of leather. Our thanks for the car and for Barry driving it out to us!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Richard's Doppelganger
Richard is famous!
From the December Ensign (p. 5):
Is it just me, or does this look just like him??
From the December Ensign (p. 5):
Is it just me, or does this look just like him??
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thanksgiving Trip Nov 23-26
Chard and I had an excellent Thanksgiving in upstate New York with the Bylunds. We ate pie, ran races, saw waterfalls, ate pie, went to the temple, saw the home of "The Office," ate pie and hiked. Did I mention the pie?
We left late Wednesday to avoid holiday traffic and made it just shy of 3 am. Thursday morning we put on our running gear and headed out to the Webster Turkey Trot Four Four (it is called the four four because it is 4.4 miles long). The weather was unseasonably warm and we had a blast - minus the very muddy ending.
That night we had a amazing dinner provided by Emily B. and learned some fun new games (you can always count on Kevin and Emily to have the best games around!).
Friday, at the request of Richard, we drove up to Niagara Falls. It was fun but VERY windy!! There was constant wind at at least 50 mph, with gusts stronger than that. Richard was very excited to cross seeing the falls off his bucket list.
Saturday morning we did an early morning session at the temple, walked through the Sacred Grove with the Bylunds and then left for our meandering trip back home. On the way, we stopped at Watkins Glen, Cornell University and Scranton, PA (Steamtown Mall) - home of The Office! 'Twas very exciting.
We made it home safe and sound in JUST under 1100 miles for the trip.
Now we get to stay put for a few weeks before we head out to Utah. We will spend the next little bit finishing final papers and tests (Richard's LAST TESTS EVER!!!) of the semester before we get to relax. Happy Thanksgiving!
We left late Wednesday to avoid holiday traffic and made it just shy of 3 am. Thursday morning we put on our running gear and headed out to the Webster Turkey Trot Four Four (it is called the four four because it is 4.4 miles long). The weather was unseasonably warm and we had a blast - minus the very muddy ending.
That night we had a amazing dinner provided by Emily B. and learned some fun new games (you can always count on Kevin and Emily to have the best games around!).
Friday, at the request of Richard, we drove up to Niagara Falls. It was fun but VERY windy!! There was constant wind at at least 50 mph, with gusts stronger than that. Richard was very excited to cross seeing the falls off his bucket list.
Saturday morning we did an early morning session at the temple, walked through the Sacred Grove with the Bylunds and then left for our meandering trip back home. On the way, we stopped at Watkins Glen, Cornell University and Scranton, PA (Steamtown Mall) - home of The Office! 'Twas very exciting.
We made it home safe and sound in JUST under 1100 miles for the trip.
Now we get to stay put for a few weeks before we head out to Utah. We will spend the next little bit finishing final papers and tests (Richard's LAST TESTS EVER!!!) of the semester before we get to relax. Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Dallas Trip, Oct. 28-31
Last weekend, we had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Hills in Texas. It was a great time! Best of all, I actually took pictures on this trip, as I now have an iPhone, yahoo! AND I recently (as in 10 minutes ago) learned how to create photo collages on Picasa. So, ladies and gents, for your weekend entertainment, heeeeeeeeere's Dallas!
We got in on Friday, and immediately prepared ourselves emotionally for the big game. Aaron's sister Hannah and her husband Josh were also in town from BYU cheering on the Cougs. At dinner, there was one taquito left, and we decided that whoever guessed the closest to the actual final score would win the coveted prize. These were the guesses:
Hannah: 28-24 BYU
Josh K.: 31-28 BYU
Rich: 31-21 TCU
Emily: 42-28 TCU
Jenny: 32-20 BYU
Aaron: 37-27 BYU
Kylee: 10-7 BYU
Spencer: 10-5 BYU
Joshua: 3-2 BYU (his actual guess was 2-1 BYU, but I helped him a little)
If you look up the score, you can see who won the taquito (I'll give you a hint... TCU won the game).
Saturday, we wiped our tears from the loss and headed out to a great carnival at an elementary school in Denton. Richard and I enjoyed sneaking some of the boys' Halloween treats and playing superheroes v. bad guys. (I'll try not to feel bad that I was invariably cast as a bad guy.)
After a much-needed nap and some playtime around the house, the kids suited up again for some more candy grabbin' at the church. Courtney was an adorable snuggly dalmatian, Joshua was Captain America and Spencer was Wolverine. Richard donned his best Cowboy garb, with a horse sidekick provided by the Hills. Doesn't he look dashing?
After a restful Sunday, (including dinner with Sara Zimmerman nee Zendejas and her husband), we celebrated Halloween day by carving pumpkins. I love all of the three boys' faces in these pictures. I guess the giddy joy of carving pumpkins is something that you never grow out of!
Before we left, Jenny and Aaron taught us a fun new game called Quiddler (by the makers of Set)! We love word games, so this was right up our alley. Then they gave us our very own game as a birthday present to take back to DC with us. We are excited to break it in this weekend!
Now, we are once again back in Fairfax mourning the loss of the nice weather (did I mention it SNOWED here while we were gone in OCTOBER?) and the cute antics of the Hill kids. Check ya later, Dallas!
We got in on Friday, and immediately prepared ourselves emotionally for the big game. Aaron's sister Hannah and her husband Josh were also in town from BYU cheering on the Cougs. At dinner, there was one taquito left, and we decided that whoever guessed the closest to the actual final score would win the coveted prize. These were the guesses:
Hannah: 28-24 BYU
Josh K.: 31-28 BYU
Rich: 31-21 TCU
Emily: 42-28 TCU
Jenny: 32-20 BYU
Aaron: 37-27 BYU
Kylee: 10-7 BYU
Spencer: 10-5 BYU
Joshua: 3-2 BYU (his actual guess was 2-1 BYU, but I helped him a little)
If you look up the score, you can see who won the taquito (I'll give you a hint... TCU won the game).
Saturday, we wiped our tears from the loss and headed out to a great carnival at an elementary school in Denton. Richard and I enjoyed sneaking some of the boys' Halloween treats and playing superheroes v. bad guys. (I'll try not to feel bad that I was invariably cast as a bad guy.)
After a much-needed nap and some playtime around the house, the kids suited up again for some more candy grabbin' at the church. Courtney was an adorable snuggly dalmatian, Joshua was Captain America and Spencer was Wolverine. Richard donned his best Cowboy garb, with a horse sidekick provided by the Hills. Doesn't he look dashing?
After a restful Sunday, (including dinner with Sara Zimmerman nee Zendejas and her husband), we celebrated Halloween day by carving pumpkins. I love all of the three boys' faces in these pictures. I guess the giddy joy of carving pumpkins is something that you never grow out of!
Before we left, Jenny and Aaron taught us a fun new game called Quiddler (by the makers of Set)! We love word games, so this was right up our alley. Then they gave us our very own game as a birthday present to take back to DC with us. We are excited to break it in this weekend!
Now, we are once again back in Fairfax mourning the loss of the nice weather (did I mention it SNOWED here while we were gone in OCTOBER?) and the cute antics of the Hill kids. Check ya later, Dallas!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Quarter of a Century
Last week, I celebrated my 25th birthday! When I woke up on that fateful day, I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth, and I swear I saw I gray hair. I haven't been able to find it since, but it freaked me out a little.
Anyway, this year I thought... why just have a birthDAY when you can have a birthMONTH? So the celebrations are happening all month long!
-----
The weekend before my birthday, we went up to a cabin in Maryland with some friends from our old Alexandria ward for Columbus Day weekend. We could NOT have asked for more beautiful weather. The scenery was gorgeous and our "cabin" (it was more like a really large house, but it makes me feel more adventurous if I say cabin) was lovely. Friday night we played games, and Saturday we went on a hike and to a haunted house/alpine slide thing. Full disclosure: I did not actually go through the haunted house as I hate haunted houses, but I had tons of fun watching Baby Izzy while other people in the group went. Sunday, we packed up and got back to DC just in time for church.
------
On my birthday, we had a CGSA Happy Hour on campus. When I showed up, I found out that it was also a birthday party for me, complete with birthday cake. Unfortunately, due to a "fall fitness challenge" I can't eat sugar, so my friend Mollie made me healthy birthday muffins as a great substitute. Love these people; it was so much fun to spend my birthday with them!
------
On Tuesday, Richard took me to my favorite musical of all time, Les Miserables. Shout-out to Katie, as I secretly wished you were there with us the whole time. I cried for probably about 75% of the play (no exaggeration), as it is just so powerful and wonderful. Now, Richard and I randomly burst into songs from the play when we are just sitting around the house.... "RED, the color of desire!.... BLACK, the color of despaaaaiiiir!" In fact, I am listening to the soundtrack on repeat right now. Sooo good. I could see Les Miserables every day and never get sick of it. Did you know they are making it into a movie next year with Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe? I hope they do it justice!
Richard's "revolution face"
---------
Finally, next week, we are headed to Dallas to visit the Hills and go to the BYU/TCU game at the Dallas Cowboys stadium. I hope they play Riley! More on that later.
---------
Anyway, thank you for all the sweet birthday wishes and phone calls. It meant a lot to me.
Sincerely Yours, Elderly Emily
Anyway, this year I thought... why just have a birthDAY when you can have a birthMONTH? So the celebrations are happening all month long!
-----
The weekend before my birthday, we went up to a cabin in Maryland with some friends from our old Alexandria ward for Columbus Day weekend. We could NOT have asked for more beautiful weather. The scenery was gorgeous and our "cabin" (it was more like a really large house, but it makes me feel more adventurous if I say cabin) was lovely. Friday night we played games, and Saturday we went on a hike and to a haunted house/alpine slide thing. Full disclosure: I did not actually go through the haunted house as I hate haunted houses, but I had tons of fun watching Baby Izzy while other people in the group went. Sunday, we packed up and got back to DC just in time for church.
------
On my birthday, we had a CGSA Happy Hour on campus. When I showed up, I found out that it was also a birthday party for me, complete with birthday cake. Unfortunately, due to a "fall fitness challenge" I can't eat sugar, so my friend Mollie made me healthy birthday muffins as a great substitute. Love these people; it was so much fun to spend my birthday with them!
------
On Tuesday, Richard took me to my favorite musical of all time, Les Miserables. Shout-out to Katie, as I secretly wished you were there with us the whole time. I cried for probably about 75% of the play (no exaggeration), as it is just so powerful and wonderful. Now, Richard and I randomly burst into songs from the play when we are just sitting around the house.... "RED, the color of desire!.... BLACK, the color of despaaaaiiiir!" In fact, I am listening to the soundtrack on repeat right now. Sooo good. I could see Les Miserables every day and never get sick of it. Did you know they are making it into a movie next year with Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe? I hope they do it justice!
Richard's "revolution face"
---------
Finally, next week, we are headed to Dallas to visit the Hills and go to the BYU/TCU game at the Dallas Cowboys stadium. I hope they play Riley! More on that later.
---------
Anyway, thank you for all the sweet birthday wishes and phone calls. It meant a lot to me.
Sincerely Yours, Elderly Emily
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Summer 2011
Here are some things that have been keeping us busy since our return from Sweden:
I am now teaching two classes at NOVA and one class at Mason. Monday through Thursday I teach for 6 hours a day (2.5 every morning at Mason and 3.5 hours every afternoon at NOVA). It is, in a word, exhausting. I do love teaching, I just wish I wasn’t doing so much of it. I am continuously amazed at friends who teach (or have taught) K-12 and teach for 6-7 hours a day, Monday-Friday for an entire school year.
Some thoughts on teaching:
(1) I have members from the men's and women's basketball teams in my class at GMU. I'm excited to watch them all play next school year!
(2) Office Hours: why doesn’t anyone ever use them??
(3) Teaching is really difficult, but it’s also really rewarding when students say nice things (e.g. “this class is really fun!” “I’m learning a lot!” etc.). I never realized how nice it is for teachers to hear things like that every once in awhile. It can really change your day around.
(4) I have this innate maternal instinct over all my students (at least half of them, I should add, are older than me). I feel so proud of them when they do well or when they're improving, and I'm always worried that my basketball players will be injured during practice.
--------
The Annual Peterson Summer Book Club is well under way with weekly meetings on Sunday night. So far this summer we have read March by Geraldine Brooks (picked by Rich) and Jane Eyre (picked by me), and we are just finishing I, Claudius by Robert Graves (picked by Richard). I am in charge of picking our next book... any suggestions?
---------
We’ve run a couple of races, including the Lawyers Have Heart 10k in Georgetown, and the Rebel Race run in Frederick, Maryland. We crawled through mud, swam through a pond, climbed over wooden fences, jumped over fire and crawled through some more mud. Richard was interested in the race for the challenge and adventure. I, on the other hand, was more interested in the undoubtedly great pictures we would be able to take after the race was over!
--------
My quilting class is over, even though I’m still trying to finish the binding and machine quilting part of it. Here’s where I’m at now... I’m running into some difficulties. I think I may enlist the help of Richard’s mom (who is a quilter extraordinaire) when we go to Utah next month!
----------
Some other notable June/July outings include: several farewell dinners for friends and co-workers that are leaving us (tear), DC United game with the Holtkamps, summer movies, Settlers of Catan marathons, co-hosting a baby shower, birthday parties, two weddings, parades and fireworks! Summer is so much fun - I don’t want it to end!
I am now teaching two classes at NOVA and one class at Mason. Monday through Thursday I teach for 6 hours a day (2.5 every morning at Mason and 3.5 hours every afternoon at NOVA). It is, in a word, exhausting. I do love teaching, I just wish I wasn’t doing so much of it. I am continuously amazed at friends who teach (or have taught) K-12 and teach for 6-7 hours a day, Monday-Friday for an entire school year.
Some thoughts on teaching:
(1) I have members from the men's and women's basketball teams in my class at GMU. I'm excited to watch them all play next school year!
(2) Office Hours: why doesn’t anyone ever use them??
(3) Teaching is really difficult, but it’s also really rewarding when students say nice things (e.g. “this class is really fun!” “I’m learning a lot!” etc.). I never realized how nice it is for teachers to hear things like that every once in awhile. It can really change your day around.
(4) I have this innate maternal instinct over all my students (at least half of them, I should add, are older than me). I feel so proud of them when they do well or when they're improving, and I'm always worried that my basketball players will be injured during practice.
--------
The Annual Peterson Summer Book Club is well under way with weekly meetings on Sunday night. So far this summer we have read March by Geraldine Brooks (picked by Rich) and Jane Eyre (picked by me), and we are just finishing I, Claudius by Robert Graves (picked by Richard). I am in charge of picking our next book... any suggestions?
---------
We’ve run a couple of races, including the Lawyers Have Heart 10k in Georgetown, and the Rebel Race run in Frederick, Maryland. We crawled through mud, swam through a pond, climbed over wooden fences, jumped over fire and crawled through some more mud. Richard was interested in the race for the challenge and adventure. I, on the other hand, was more interested in the undoubtedly great pictures we would be able to take after the race was over!
--------
My quilting class is over, even though I’m still trying to finish the binding and machine quilting part of it. Here’s where I’m at now... I’m running into some difficulties. I think I may enlist the help of Richard’s mom (who is a quilter extraordinaire) when we go to Utah next month!
----------
Some other notable June/July outings include: several farewell dinners for friends and co-workers that are leaving us (tear), DC United game with the Holtkamps, summer movies, Settlers of Catan marathons, co-hosting a baby shower, birthday parties, two weddings, parades and fireworks! Summer is so much fun - I don’t want it to end!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Scandinavia Trip (In Pictures)
Richard and I just got back from a great trip to Europe! We spent 4 days in Stockholm, 2 days in southern Sweden, and a few days in Copenhagen. I just downloaded 300 photos, but here are the best ones that best describe our trip:
One of the first things we saw were these buses full of students who just graduated. They rode around in trucks with branches and music blasting. It was very interesting!
Me and my mom at the royal palace for the (small) changing of the guard.
Buying dinner from Mom's friend, Esau!
Family Home Evening at the Institute building.
Me and Dad overlooking Sweden at dusk (which is at like 11 pm).
On the metro!
On our Stockholm Archipelago boat tour
I love this picture - it makes me think of a desktop background photo! Maybe I should sell it to Microsoft.
At the Stockholm Temple
The top of City Hall
Mailing a postcard back to the States!
We went to a really cool concert in Stockholm! They played only music from video games (like Super Mario Brothers and Zelda). We had pretty cool seats - right above the orchestra.
The only squirrel in Sweden...
All of the kids were wearing these jackets - it made them look like mini-construction workers!
At the Hard Rock Cafe - they had ABBA stuff!
The ORIGINAL IKEA in Almhult, Sweden.
At the Copenhagen Temple
At the Puckelball Pitch in Malmo (more information here).
We played a lot of Hand and Foot!!
Riding bikes around the University of Lund in southern Sweden.
At the Round Tower in Copenhagen.
EVERYONE bikes at Copenhagen. Check out the "bike rack" at Central Station.
At The Little Mermaid statue.
We went to the Christus Church - it was beautiful!
We rented bikes for a day to fit in. Here's Richard at an awesome cemetery right outside of Copenhagen.
Okay, that's all folks! It was a great trip!
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