Today Wanita called in sick and Yvonne took a vacation day. So it was a Wednesday with me and Jody and 40ish kids. And eventually Shaila called in Kayleigh for reinforcement. It was kind of ridiculous, and I am beyond exhausted. I had to send Joey home right away for biting Josh 3 times on the arm. And leaving marks. And nearly everybody else got hurt or in trouble right away. Ashton argued with me approximately 60 times. By that I mean, I worked for 5 hours, and it was definitely more than 10 times per hour. We combined classes all day and it was a mess on iceberg lettuce. And during circle time, I said quietly but not inaudibly, "If you can hear me and would like to be first to get snack raise your hand..." Three people raised their hands. Out of 40. Quinn, and the two girls sitting directly in front of me. Out of 40.

And that was my day. I hope France is fantastico! Or fantastiment or whatever is French for great.

Hi Beth!

I hadn't been checking for awhile - you get around girl! (In a good way)Nothing new with me - I have been really busy with my new job.

I hope you're doing some Christmas shopping while you're abroad. I checked, and the Christmas markets in Germany mostly open the week of Nov. 24. Be sure to have some warm, spiced wine in a boot mug if you go! Each town has a different boot. I have a few boots in the cupboard from my first trip to Dusseldorf

As Bob mentioned, we are all looking forward to the election - mostly to get it over with! The ads are rediculous! And I don't even answer my home phone. The economy is a scary thing and will be for awhile, but I think people's nerves wil calm down once we have a new leader, one way or the other. I have mailed in my ballot! I hope you get yours in time!

Continue enjoying your adventures. I am with everyone else regarding the map/buddy thing. You need to have at least one or the other when you're in a strange place. And no more walking the streets at night alone! That's all I am saying on the topic beause I don't want you to start leaving stuff out

Did you know your Great-grandpa Vandeuren immigrated to America from Belgium? Through Ellis Island. I don't remember the name of his little Belgian town, but Grandma Ruf might. We spent a bus layover (i.e. 3 hours) in Brussels 20 years ago - there was a smurf festival going on and all these little blue people running around the governement square. Good waffles though. And we went to the Delft factory. I bought a Delft vase and a shot glass with the little peeing boy on it...

When we're alone I will share MY Amsterdam Red Light District story with you

Good times and Good health to you! Looking forward to hearing about more of your adventures soon!

PS: I found the little smiley menu!

Also, nobody wants a pigeon for a pet. Gross.

Come home!

Happy 21st birthday to Kevin!

Barcelona sounds fun; especially the beach and the flamenco show. A 75 degree sunny dat at the beach sounds great! I think I would be overloaded on too much Gaudi and Picasso, but would be happy about the tapas!!

Maddie says you are absolutely not permitted to bring home a pet chipmunk. So sorry!

Sounds like you have a very busy and interesting travel schedule. Don't forget to put Giverny on the list. I think you can get there by bus and back in one day. It is Monet's workshop and gardens. One of the nicest spots in France.

Keep up the great work on your blogs. We all enjoy them very much

Grandpa Ruf

Yay the colors of Spain!

Spain sounds like my favorite so far. Yay tapas! And people who vair much care about dancing. And cool buildings. I got my official ballot yesterday, so that is exciting! By that I mean, my mom got it at some point and decided to give it to me yesterday.

Today me and Zach are carving punkins and watching Halloween movies! Hurrah! And possibly even going to the punkin patch to pick them out.

I wish you were home to have late night hangouts to hash out life over board games! But actually this time period is going a lot quicker than I thought. But I spose that's always how it is. I took down one of the word-walls in my room. Because I got a new bedspread that had too busy of a print. But actually now I decided that I don't like the bedspread enough to keep it, and now wish I didn't take my wall down. But I'm sure I'll fill it up somehow soon enough.

Fun Question Time! Describe the colors of France. In example, I'd say the colors of Redmond are gray, light blue, greens of all shades, white. And for comparison, colors of Hawaii might be dark green, bright blue, orange, tan, and the colors of Washington mountains might be dark gray, dark blue, white. So, the colors of the sky/ground/surroundings/buildings/etc. Excluding fall foliage colors.

Ha ha, I love Grandma's comment! I think we all pretty much feel that way about this trip of yours.....

I also find it very amusing how fascinated everyone is with the specifics of the croissants....

Hope you survived your 12 hour train ride and are enjoying sunny Barcelona. It was great talking to you yesterday, you sound wonderful.

Love, Mom xxoo

I'm speechless!

Love the pics. Love the narrative. What a life!! How many people live with this family? How is your french coming along? Grandpa

Your family is very entertaining.

It's great that there was a 3rd croissant option that I didn't even think of!

Now that I know the time difference I will probly try to call you tomorrow or Monday. But I figure you'll be busy doing Barcelona things in the meantime. Also, I am much more jealous about Barcelona than I am about Paris and Amsterdam. So take lots of pictures.