ohio roadtrip

 The first Thursday in November 2010, three determined young women decide to drive over 1000 miles across country to snowy Ohio only to turn right back around after missing half of their friend's wedding ceremony (due to bad first snowfall and with that bad driving) and leaving hours early from the reception to get back on the road. But, boy was it worth it! Kristen, Whitney and I were those determined young ladies. Our friend, Lindsey, was getting married in her home town and we just couldn't miss it! On the way out, we met Kristin's mom in Indiana at Subway and on the way back, my parents drove down to Chi-town to meet us for pizza from Grand Rapids! It was such a blast! Our trip consisted of alot of laughs, good conversation, sing-a-longs, and junk food. What else could you ask for?

Kristin, Me, Whitney (We all met in our Supper Group which has evolved into a Women's Bible Study)

We really were 15 minutes late. Total bummer because that's half the service!

Mr. and Mrs. Cottier!

Aren't these adorable?

reception hall

Our friend Bambi did the flowers!

Yay Mom and Dad!!  So fun that you made the trip down! As we were driving away, mom puts her window down and with tears in her eyes says, "I'm just so glad you found some good Christian friends!" So precious!

trick-o-treat

Avatar Girl!

The Lunch lady!

The Alfano's had their annual Halloween Party and so Avatar girl and lunch lady girl made an appearance! Yea, I realize that Avatar girl is a bit creepy...also horribly uncomfortable. I took a shower at 10pm and changed into Where's Waldo! It was a blast though!

happy days!

Sorry I haven't blogged in sometime. I was back home a few weeks ago for my best buddy's wedding! Congrats Matt and Lo! Love you two!

Lo and Matt - what a beautiful couple!

applying some makeup!

what a gorgeous bride!

wishing you two all the hapiness in the world. love you.

parents. aspens. fall

Mom and Dad DV came out a couple weeks ago. We had such a nice time hanging at the house, shopping til we dropped (literally crashed for a nap), went to a Rockies game with Calvin alumni, went up to Estes Park, CO to look at the Aspens, made memories, shared stories... It was so great to have some good hang out time with them. Here are some photos of our time in Estes!

we welcome you, fall, with open arms!

mom and me

drew and dad

Annie and Teun

My Tante Annie and Teun from the Netherlands stopped over in Denver for a dinner a few weeks ago. They are traveling through the states with a dutch group-each in his/her own RV. It was so cute because Tante Annie just kept saying, "Hij is en leuke man." We shared stories, looked through photos, and had some yummy food! It was really great having them stop by!

Labor Day Weekend

We made our way up to Steamboat for Labor Day Weekend. Drew and I got done with work early and made it there by 5pm to set up tent etc. Joel and Gina came as well later that evening. We went on a day hike Saturday, drove into town, Drew and Joel scouted some hunting land etc. After waking up Sunday to find a large space of padded grass next to our tents (herd of elk in the middle of the night), we packed up and went into town for some breakfast. Gina and I shopped and the boys went to fish the Yampa. On the way home, we stopped for some awesome shots of horses, antelope, and just some great scenery.

I called these a herd of horses over. They got so close that I thought they were going to jump the fence!

My man!

Penny-Joel and Gina's dog.

An Aspen Grove

Antelope (there were 3) Drew got out his binoculars to scope them out! What beautiful creatures.

Home of the Cheese Heads

the beautiful couple

steph and me...some say sisters...we prefer twins

the boys on the "Beacon" catching some blue gills

Jordan, Steph, me, and Drew

so fun to get dressed up for a wedding!

some of the gals!

gorgeous bride!

Shari...here's your photo!! (wink)

What a special weekend to spend with some great people! Congrats to Andy and Linds. We were blessed to be a part of your special day! Drew and I flew in to Milwaukee on Friday and Steph and Jord picked us up. After a 4 hour drive to the cabin, we were in Minocqua, WI for the special day. We had a blast at The Thirsty Whale restaurant on Friday night and then a relaxing sun-filled Saturday before getting ready for the wedding. We headed back after breakfast was provided by the Hutchison's at 9am. Back at home now with the pups and our schedules!