Aunt Dee Visits

Deanna flew in from Russia for a few days last week and enjoyed time in American stores and seeing Matthew. They shared some tickle times- Aunt Dee loves to tickle!- just like Deanna used to with Doug. As an older sister, she once tickled Doug until he got hives, so she is an expert!

The Skywalk

Houghton recently added a 3rd story to their library for the religion and philosophy department and then built a skywalk between it and NAB (aka the Chamberlain Center). Some of us felt this was a bit over the top since we had to walk through the elements when we were in college- uphill both ways of course and it was always snowing....Science people still have to walk outside to get anywhere.

President Mullen

Doug and I attended the inauguration of Dr. Shirley Mullen as president of Houghton College way back at the beginning of October. It was a fun day seeing professors and a few Houghtonites our age....Of course the chocolate fountain made everything better! Andrew, a photo of the infamous/famous skywalk will follow.

Finally...

Doug had his first day of work last week after 2 years of school! Here he takes some notes for something before he leaves. He has 5 12 hr. shifts this week so it will be a long week, but then it will be 4 one week and 3 the next.

Rough night

Male mallards, as we previously mentioned, lose their pretty head feathers to look like girls after the mating season, but then regain their colors in the fall. This poor guy is in transition and looks a little rough.

More fun for the whole family

Sibling love

Kina got a harness for her birthday so she is now allowed to go outside as well. She tried to hide in our plant to get away from Daru, but Daru still got her with kisses.

feliz cumpleanos

My dad turned the palindromic age of 55 on Sunday and we got to be there to celebrate. Later, he celebrated the victory of the Arizona Cardinals over the undefeated Steelers in his new easy chair.

Abby Repeat

I like this picture of Abby too.

Wedding fun

Matthew changed clothes for the reception to enjoy the beach at the house. I am not sure he played on the beach that much but he had a great time dancing and even took a nap there too!

The Bride and Groom

Renee and Bryan had a beautiful day for their wedding, although it was colder than I had expected. They had an indoor wedding and an outdoor reception at Renee's parents' house by the lake. Apparently Renee used to swim back and forth to see Bryan.

Flowergirl and Hubcap

Two weeks ago, we attended Doug's cousin's wedding in IL. His first cousin once removed, Abby, (my dad grew up in WV so I actually understand how to figure out all those cousin relationships- I have met some of my own fourth cousins and double second cousins.....) was one of the flowergirls.

Sunrise, Sunset

Okay this is a sunset on the way home from DC.

Literally Hanging Out

Allen and Danielle, urban dwellers that they are, found us free parking right beside our hotel. Little did they know, it would also be a source of entertainment and the backdrop for our urban shots.

Teachable Moment

Andrew teaches Noah, Allen and Danielle's nephew, a few tricks of the trade.

The whole crew

All of the baby shower attendees gathered for a picture under the tree in the front yard of the Hollenbach home. Andrew is not in the picture because he took it and I think Nathan, Allen's brother, used some excuse to get out of it as well.

Allen prepares for battle

Allen was given a daddy's diaper tool belt for all of his late night and early morning diaper changes. He was disappointed it didn't come with nose clips.

Baby Hollenbach where are you?

Today is Danielle's due date and there has been no word on the baby....
Here Michael tries to avoid being in a picture at the baby shower. Mindy and Danielle did not plan to have matching outfits (I don't think).

Panera

We spent many Labor Day weekend hours in Panera- or at least it seemed like it....good food, good times.

Huth's got game

I am not sure who took this picture of Andrew on the courts. I love how he looks so intent and he looks like he is playing that guy that we don't even know....I am pretty sure Andrew (with little help from his teammate) beat Paul and Doug, but neither of us can remember- Doug thinks maybe it was a tie?

Men and the grilll

Our Labor Day weekend (in case you don't check Andrew's blog) was spent with our Houghton friends in DC where we gathered to shower Danielle and Allen in honor of their upcoming addition. We met in a park near the Hollenbach parents' home to have lunch. Paul and Allen were there at least an hour before anyone else, so by the time we got there the charcoal was basically gone and they had resorted to grilling with small sticks to give our hamburgers and hotdogs a smoked flavor =)

Hooding

This is my only picture of Doug getting hooded- not sure why it is called a hood really. The yellow color is for PAs and I think some other allied health fields.

Birthday Parties

Robin and Steve threw a construction themed birthday party for Matthew complete with an obstacle course and a pretty impressive homemade construction cake. Lots of people had lots of fun!

Milestones

2 important updates:
1. We have a computer again!
2. Doug graduated from MUSC on August 17th. He took his boards exam on August 29th. He found out he passed on September 6th. He accepted a job in the ER at Park Ridge Hospital on September 6th. We don't know when he will start yet.
(from left to right Mark, Brant, Doug and Adam)

Three Years Old!

A few weeks ago, I went with Robin, Matthew, Nicole and Natalie to the Strong Museum of Play. It was a great museum (more pictures will follow), and we had a lot of fun. Here in the post office, Matthew is putting mail into some PO boxes which you could open on the other side. He, of course, has a USPS shirt and bag to accessorize. Today Matthew turns 3! Happy birthday Matthew!