Deanna Buder

            A little about me…I grew up in Arizona, which is very hot; an average summer day is at least 100 degrees! I actually lived right by the Peoria Sports Complex where the Mariners have spring training. My parents still live in Arizona and my mom is a fifth grade teacher as well. This year our class will be pen pals with her students in Peoria!

            My husband, James, and I have been married for 6 years. James is a lawyer with the state Attorney General’s Office.  We have a 2 year old chocolate Labrador Retriever named Izzy. She was a surprise birthday present from James. Izzy was the best surprise gift I’ve ever received!

            This summer I flew to Iowa with my family and rode my bike about 450 miles across the state. It took us a week to cycle from the Missouri River on the western border to the Mississippi River on the eastern border. I really enjoy bicycling so you might see my bike at school when I commute to work.

  This is Izzy on her second birthday!

    In Florence

          James and I also went on a Mediterranean cruise this summer. We visited England, Italy, France, Spain, Gibraltar, and Portugal. It was an amazing opportunity to see the historical sites and experience the culture.

It 's now time to begin a new year and a wonderful journey together!