Sunday, March 29, 2009

29 March 2009 - Homebodies

After two consecutive weeks of international travel, this week was comparatively low key. Joanne got back to quilting.She decided that humanitarian aid was a good cause, but that it would be OK to make some quilts for the kids. This is the one she made for Madeline...And Madeline liked it.I hope you all had a great week.

Matt

22 March 2009 - Cancun

Joanne went to Cancun with Aunt Jennifer for spring break.
This is at a site on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan peninsula called Xel Ha (pronounced 'shell ha'). I've never been there, but Joanne and Jennifer highly recommend it now that they've visited. You've got to love the color of that water, and they said the inner tubing and snorkeling was fantastic.

Further down the coast from Xel Ha are the Mayan ruins at Tulum. Joanne and I had been here about five years ago. Joanne says they've updated it a lot and improved the accessibility to the sites.
This pyramid is at Chichen Itza (pronounced 'cheechin eat-sah'). This area, also in the Yucatan peninsula but inland, is one of the most extensive Mayan ruins sites in the world.
This is a detailed shot of a snake head carving at Chichen Itza. The snake body is the edge of the steps. Joanne's tour guide told them that at solstice time in the spring and fall, the sun hits the steps just right to make it look like the snake bodies are slithering. Joanne and Jennifer missed the solstice by about a week.On their last night in town, they went out for a dinner show. These are some of the dancers who were involved.
As you can see, they had a great trip, and most importantly, got home safe.

Matt

Sunday, March 15, 2009

15 March 2009 - Week in Argentina

Buenos Aires has a pink house, but also, a replica Washington Monument. They call it the obelisk, it is a monument commemorating the 100 year anniversary of the city.
My favorite restaurant in Buenos Aires, both because of its name, and because of the $8 top sirloin.
A cool colonial era clipper ship -- now transformed into a maritime museum on the waterfront in Buenos Aires.
I took time out one evening to attend a football match -- River Plate v. Arsenal. Good fun.A look back at the city from a boat carrying me from Argentina to Uruguay. A welcome sign on my arrival for a day in Uruguay. Colonia is an 18th century settlement with cobblestone streets and European architecture, very cool. It was a nice day out before returning to the states.The flags of South America, near a beach in Colonia.I wasn't able to attend the temple while in Argentina, but I did get to see it. It is very near the airport, about 15 minutes outside the city.Overall, it was a great trip to South America. The conference was a success, I made several very good contacts while there and learned a lot. The sightseeing was an added bonus. Keep tuned next week, for pictures by Joanne from Mexico.

Matt

8 March 2009 - Off to Argentina

On the 6th of March, I headed south to Buenos Aires to speak at the International Conference on Engineering and Computing Education. The event was hosted by Buenos Aires Technical Institute (Instituto de Tecnologia de Buenos Aires, or ITBA for short).The street where I stayed was called Avenida Florida, a pedestrian only street with all the fancy shopping Buenos Aires had to offer. Lots of live music and dancing in the evenings.Why I love South America. Well, one of many reasons.
In the U.S., we have the White House; in Argentina, we have the Pink House. This is where their president lives. The university was just a block or two away from the heart of the federal government for the country. I went walk about every day, exploring the city.
This is the flag pole at the president's house.

Matt

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

1 March 2009 - Madeline's Birthday

Madeline turned 5 on Tuesday, February 24. This week was all about her and she loved it.



This was the birthday cake that the girls helped to decorate on Madeline's birthday.

She was very proud of her new stuffed dog (please stop giving my children stuffed animals), and her new Pooh Bear dress.
The princess crown pinata was tougher than expected. This cake was for the friend party on Saturday. Joanne felt that this was the prettier of the two.Madeline was so excited to have feety pajamas that fit.
Thanks to all who called, emailed, and sent gifts. You are all very kind.

Matt