Rachel: Here is my very first infographic flowchart! Dad wanted some posters for his classroom and asked me to make one about being a “Digital Citizen”. Originally, I planned to find a good one online and tweak it a bit to fit our purposes, but I ended making one completely from scratch. I am really pleased with how it turned out!
So, are you a Digital Citizen?
Yes, it may seem childish, but side walk chalk is nothing less than fun. While I was sitting on my grandparents porch this summer, I thought to myself it would be fun to create some colorful art on the sidewalk. After I finished my creation and showed it to the others, then almost everyone began coloring away.
Jessie decided to draw a bright hot air balloon, inspired by one that had flown over our heads just minutes before. Rachel drew a chalky sunset like the one we had been enjoying every night for the past few days. I, on the other hand, was less creative and stuck with the word love. In the end the pavement leading up to my grandparents house was, to put it simply, very very colorful.
The school year is nearing at an uncontrollably swift pace, and in looking forward I also look back at the memories I shard during the summer of 2013. This particular day, in Dallas TX, was one of my favorites because I had the privilege of spending an entire day snuggling my baby cousins.
The day started with a batch of caramelized french toast made by yours truly, and ended with a sunset as I held a little, sleeping girl in my arms. Everywhere in between, I enjoyed time on the lake’s shore, taking photos, cooking out, and playing with the dog, Snorts (as we have nicknamed her).
I’ve been so blessed with family who love and care for me, I will treasure this day for a long while to come.
Dear Rachel,
As I was on the plane headed back to Tianjin listening to music, I thought to myself how powerful music can be. It can make you cry, laugh, and embarrass yourself more than you thought it ever could. As I sat on my incredibly uncomfortable Hainan Airlines seat, with aching legs and tired eyes I started to think of all the songs out there that reminded me of you. These songs stick in my head, and every time they happen to play I think of you. For example, “There Can Be Miracles” in the Prince of Egypt, this song reminds me of the time we went to KTV (karaoke) with our cousin, Jenna. You and Jessie sang this song together at the top of your lungs (standing on top a table, of course) and had no shame whatsoever. Or “Stay” by Rihanna, this song can almost make me cry even thinking about how you loved listening to it and every time it came on the radio I just had to call you over to listen with me. I am so thankful that God has placed these songs in my life so that every time I’m missing you or just need a little cry I can listen to these songs and think of my sweet big sister.
Below are just a few of many songs that remind me of YOU. (If the player doesn’t work just click HERE or HERE – sorry!).
Note: The player may not work if you are using google chrome as a browser.
Got my hair cut, took a run and made a gif. Looks like I’m heading in new directions.
Update a little later.
Dear Rachel:
I’m missing you already, now that I am back in Tianjin; but I am thankful for the time we had in Austin visiting the University of Texas. Austin Texas is such a interesting city and it was fun experiencing it with you! I hope you enjoy these pictures as much I did!
This snake-cycle (the line of tricycles inside the snake’s ribcage definitely qualifies it to be a snake-cycle) parked in front of the Indian food cart was my favorite piece of decor in Austin.
I also really enjoyed visiting the University of Texas! Both the campus and the facilities were beautiful.
I would definitly gain the “Freshman 15” with all the amazing food around campus!
Plus, I think I can see myself working in the studio…
…or enjoying the beautiful pool!
I am so thankful to the Lord for giving me this special trip with you!
Miss you!
Jessie
There is no such thing as too many “Connecting 4 Meetings” – or maybe its just our excuse to spend time together with some good food! Whichever it may be, Rachel and I planned a “spontaneous” Connecting 4 “barn party” (which actually was to be held in the garage because our grandma doesn’t have a barn). Food Network magazines provided the recipes for our two main dishes: roasted chicken salad and grilled zucchini and feta cheese salad.
I was so proud of grilling my grandma’s fresh zucchinis and actually creating a delicious dish!
In the end we actually ended up on my grandma’s front porch because the garage was so hot… hey – it was still fun!
We had the great privilege of visiting the Ellsworth Air Force Base last week during our trip to the Black Hills. Through Grandpa’s clearance, we were able to enter and discover a little bit about their life as a military family. My Dad was a life guard at the base pool when he was around my age, he told us about what he and his brothers would do for recreation, shopping, etc.
I love the fact that Dad’s childhood was similar to ours in the way that he and his family were also constantly on the move. As a military kid, Dad lived in more than 8 states before he went to college.
While at the Ellsworth AFB, we had the opportunity to see some active B1 Bomber air crafts. What an awesome experience this visit was for us kids.
After our vast assortment of flight itineraries and travel plans, we all (finally) made it to my grandparents house in South Dakota. One of the main reasons that we returned to the US this summer was to celebrate my Grandparents fiftieth anniversary- congratulations Grandma and Grandpa! A couple of days after arriving in SD, my Dad’s two brothers and their families joined us for a family get-together in the Black Hills to celebrate this milestone in the Headrick family.
While in the black hills we drove through the beautiful Custer State Park- spotting buffalo, prairie dogs, and deer on the way. We also enjoyed many river-side picnics, mountain hikes, and campfire s’mores together throughout the weekend on top of visiting Mount Rushmore for the first time.
The night of their anniversary, my Grandpa unpacked his slide projector to show us some photos of his time in Vietnam where he served as a pilot in the Air-force. I’m thinking we have a hidden photographer in the family because his photos were exceptional! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to capture some of the best shots, so these will have to do.
On the six-hour drive up to our cabin at the beginning of the trip, I had the opportunity to listen to Grandpa’s stories of his life as a pilot in the Vietnamese war. I am so honored to have had this chance, hearing about his life at that time is such an honor.
Grandpa sent Megan and I out to pick the last peonies of the season late yesterday afternoon. Unaccustomed as we are to caring for garden-grown flowers in China, I took full advantage of this special opportunity. Snipping away joyously, Megan and I carefully chose the prettiest blooms to gather for dinner’s bouquet.
Since arriving at my grandparents house in the beautiful, Eastern South Dakota region, I’ve noticed how good it feels to live in a place where nature is rich and vibrant. There is a comfort in growing your own fruits and vegetables, which my grandpa faithfully continues to do each spring. I hope that one day when I have my own family, I might be able to do the same.
After peony picking, we gathered in the kitchen for some rhubarb crisp and vanilla ice cream. yum.
