What happened to summer?

Well, it still feels like summer outside, but with the undergrads having returned and the streets full of traffic again, we know that the Fall semester has begun already. It was a rather busy summer for both of us (and sorry for the lack of posts!!) and now we are both transitioning into finishing up our dissertations. I finally have a tentative date set for my defense (hooray!), so now that I can breathe at least slightly easier I thought I would post some updates.

Austin and I both had some fun travel adventures this summer (see my other blog for more details), with him going to Japan for work and a conference in June, while I went to Serbia and the UK for work and a conference planning/site visit in August. We both had a fantastic time and it was good to catch up with old and new friends abroad.

Amidst the busy summer, I am sorry to say that my grandpa Anderson passed away. While it is very sad to have him gone, we were able to attend his funeral (which was really nicely done and it was great to be surrounded by family at this event) and Austin and I both have many happy memories with him. He was an incredible person and our family was lucky to have him! I took a photo of his Marine Corps honors and I continue to be impressed with all of the things he did in his life and in how much he loved us all.

I only had a short amount of time back in Omaha but was happy to have spent some of it with good friends and to see close family as well. I plan on coming back in November to catch up with folks some more so I look forward to seeing everyone on my next trip back :)

And so begins the final big push towards December! Looking forward to finishing up this dissertation, getting some tolerable weather again, and some time to celebrate with family and friends :) And hopefully I can do better at keeping this updated this fall!

                                      

A familiar friend greeted me upon my return home :)