Hollenbeck Holiday

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Move Over Clark...

This is someone's HOUSE in a typical, suburban
neighborhood here in Greenville. Look how small
Matt looks next to the gigantic Santa!


Stopping on one of the paths that filter
through the backyard displays...crazy!

Just a tiny section of the backyard.

Standing up the hill from the house...all a glow!

Imagine living next door to this home. 160,000 lights, strangers parked up and down the streets of the neighborhood, people milling through the streets and "touring" the outside of this home front to back. I cannot and the above pictures cannot even begin to explain the massive amount of lights and inflatables that are decorating the outside of this home. Although it may look gaudy it is so amazing and really puts you in the Christmas spirit. The lights even blink in sync to music! There is free popcorn, free hot cocoa, and a variety of holiday movies that play on a projector screen on the garage door. All free (donations are encouraged, of course). They reported their electric bill was $1,800.00 last year!

We decided to go see this house AFTER doing one of those drive-thru light shows sponsored by various companies that charge $10.00/car. The house put it to shame. I must admit we visited the house twice and loved it both times, especially the reaction of the boys. It is our new tradition and I can't wait to see what they add next year!

Pictures from the Holiday Season...

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Pictures during Christmas decorating, Blake's Christmas program at school, and Blake's field trip to visit Santa. I haven't worked up the courage (or patience) to take Dane to see Santa...

Toilet Paper Discovery

Aaagghh...the moment when your child finds the toilet paper and all the fun that can go along with it. I actually think Dane was just looking through the books that Blake reads when trying to go potty, but the TP was in perfect reach. With Blake, I yelled at him and rolled the paper back into the roll. This time around I walked away to go find the camera, laughed a bit, then took the toilet paper away and wadded it up on top of the countertop. I don't even think I said, "no." How things change after the first child...

A Christmas Parade!

A view of Main Street in downtown Greenville.
A huge crowd for the Christmas parade!

Getting ready to watch the parade.

Blake and Daddy enjoying the night & the music!

So...there is such a thing as a Christmas parade. Being from the Midwest the thought of going to a parade in December is less than inviting. But, here in the upstate of South Carolina it is a tradition not to be missed, and one that began in 1926. I am not sure what I was expecting, but after turning the corner onto Main Street I was not prepared for the enormous crowd (and holiday spirit!) that was anxiously awaiting this Christmas parade. I will say that there was something magical about the stringing of lights throughout downtown, the marching bands playing Christmas carols (versus the usual fight song), the holiday-themed floats, the children smiling and dancing, and seeing everyone bundled up in coats, hats and gloves. I sort of felt like I was living in a Christmas movie. It was an exciting way to start off the holiday season and a memorable new tradition for our family!

M.M.O.

Traditionally known as "Mother's Morning Out," but I am declaring it "Mom's Major Opportunity!" To...run errands, workout, read, sip coffee, or in my case today sit in the parking garage at the local mall shooting as many Advil as my body will safely allow and trying to get rid of a migraine headache! What an opportunity, huh? Truthfully it was an exciting morning. Today was Dane's first day at Mother's Morning Out and he did a great job! I was concerned because of the high stranger anxiety he has recently developed and his need to be a mommy's boy, but when I arrived to pick him up we were both excited to see each other instead of wanting a break from one another! Dane and I have a special relationship...our personalities are exactly alike, which doesn't always lead to the happiest of moments. So, now every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am-1pm I will be without Blake and Dane while they are enjoying a more fun-filled, developmentally appropriate environment :) I am hoping next time for me it will be "Mom's Major Opportunity" to do anything she wants, but nurse a migraine!

So Very Thankful...

We are so incredibly thankful for the wonderful people we have met and become friends with here in Greenville! We had a memorable Thanksgiving feast at Lee and Catie Murphy's home, and were lucky to spend it with the Smitherman family as well. Lee is a 2nd year orthopaedic resident with Matt, and Adam Smitherman is a 4th year orthopaedic resident. We enjoyed new Southern traditions and amazing food! A new Southern dish we loved was rice and gravy. Yummy! Thanks to both the Murphy's and Smitherman's for making this holiday so special while we are away from family...

I must add that I successfully accomplished making yeast rolls for the first time FROM SCRATCH! The recipe I used goes way back in our family and was not easy (at least for me!). I even had leftover dough that I used to whip up a pan of cinnamon rolls, which turned out great as well! I think I was nervous for a week before making them. I also felt extra pressure serving them to infamous Southern cooks! But, all turned out well! We wish all of our friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels! Let the shopping begin!


Such a beautiful presentation
at the Murphy home for
Thanksgiving dinner!

Our family away from family
here in Greenville...

Nothing like 3 boys in

sweater vests! Sweet baby

girl, Sullivan, is observing.

A shot of the Hollenbeck family
at the end of a wonderful
Thanksgiving meal...Dane had
already slipped into his jammies.

Try, Try again...

This was the best picture I got during my attempt to get a picture for the Christmas cards. Needless to say, we'll be trying again this weekend. At least they love each other and have lots of fun wrestling and playing...that is more priceless than a good picture of them smiling at the camera. Gotta love the cute holiday jammies!

Like Grandpa, Like Grandson

When Dane was born, I immediately said, "He looks like my Dad!" I have said that ever since with some people agreeing and some not. For those of you who have not agreed with me, check out these pictures of my Dad when he was a little boy. Especially the second one! Compare it to the picture currently at the top of our blog. When I went back to my parents' for a visit last weekend we enjoyed looking through an old box of photos. I had asked to look through them to confirm my belief that Dane looked just like my Dad. I think this time I can say I was right!

Re-entry

I arrived back in Greenville on Tuesday evening. I say Greenville, and not home, because I went straight to a PTA meeting after landing. Nothing like jumping right back in! I always have said re-entry is tough after being gone on a vacation or some sort of a break from reality. I will say this time tough wasn't an accurate description. There is nothing like turning a corner from walking down a long, stale corridor in the airport to see your husband and two kids. I swear Blake and Dane grew a foot. Blake immediately signed "mommy" and ran towards me. Re-entry isn't bad after all. The time away was just what I needed, and I enjoyed every minute with my parents. We spent time shopping, looking through old photos, simply hanging out...and what seemed like a lot of time eating :) I never truly realized how cold, drab, and dreary the midwest is this time of year. When I looked out of the airplane window upon landing in Des Moines I did not locate one single leaf on a tree. I am fairly certain I did not see the sun once while there. But, I am NOT complaining. It was a fantastic trip and I just grew to appreciate the differences in climate and culture. However, after feeling 27 degrees with significant wind every night and after arriving to snow flurries, I think I'll savor my time in South Carolina.

Leavin' on a jet plane...

In 56 hours (but who's counting), I will be taking off from Greenville-Spartanburg airport for a 4 day trip to Des Moines, Iowa. I will be visiting my parents...alone. While I can't wait to eat slowly, sit still for more than 1 minute and have a nice visit with my parents, I couldn't help but realize why I am going to Iowa in November? So, I decided to call my parents for a weather check before packing the majority of my things tonight. The answer from my Mom was...30's during the day, 20's at night with snow showers on Friday morning. WHAT? It was 70 degrees and sunny here today.

Everyone who knows me well knows I love the cold and love breaking out my Uggs and sweaters, but I am getting used to South Carolina weather. I noticed today that the trees are somehow brighter and more beautiful than in Kansas City. I then realized it is not only because there are millions of trees all bunched together with an array of colors everywhere you turn (versus one standing alone that is sort of yellow like in KC), but the colors sure look better when the sun in shining on them and you can be outside to enjoy them not freezing to death. I find myself driving around Greenville smiling at the colors and saying to myself, "now THIS is God's country!"

So, I am leaving on a jet plane away from my two boys for the first time. Pray for me...and I guess for Matt, too, who will be sole provider for those 4 days :) I will miss them! Although I will feel somewhat lost without them, I know I am going to have a wonderful time with my parents and get some rest and relaxation, albeit with a chill. To all my friends and family, I hope you'll make time to travel to the Carolina mountains during the Fall at some point in your life - whether we live here or not - to see the beauty firsthand.

Halloween...

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A montage of the Hollenbeck Halloween adventures. Pictures from our home, The Meyer Center (Blake's school) and from our friends', The Barden's, where we went trick or treating!

The Birthday Boy!

Dane wasn't thrilled to be a part of all the bells and whistles that were his first birthday celebration. Bless his heart, he had a tough day with no nap and his 12-month pediatrician appointment that consisted of 3 shots. Bummer! So, by the time we all gathered for a cupcake and singing he had reached his limit. He did enjoy the cupcake and managed a few smiles after tasting the yummy frosting, and he had fun opening presents and exploring his new toys. Thanks to those who were a part of his big day...and for those who were not able to be there, we have it all on video. The only problem is the camera is so high-tech we have no clue how to get it onto the blog. Just give us time and we'll get it posted...he may be 2 years old by then, but that's okay!

A picture is worth a thousand laughs!!

Yesterday was just a normal day...running around like crazy, lunch, then naps. I had to get both boys up early to leave for a pediatrician appointment and I knew Blake had not fallen asleep. The pictures above show what I found when I walked into his room. Obviously he had been very busy redesigning his outfit instead of sleeping. I have no idea how he got the left sleeve onto his left leg so perfectly! I laughed so hard that Blake started to cry because he thought something was wrong with me! I can't even imagine how he got the shirt on his body like this, plus he could move around easily. I even discovered he had no pull-ups on when I got him out of the crib. He had pulled those off while creating his masterpiece. Luckily he waited while I ran downstairs to find the camera. This contraption Blake had put himself in could not be missed on film! Hey, at least he is working on his dressing skills!

Happy Birthday, Dane!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

One year ago today a "little" 8 lb., 12 oz. bundle of joy was born! I must admit bundle of joy may not be a fair description. Dane's nickname as an infant was "angry little man," which has evolved into "caveman." That probably gives you some idea of his personality. Dane is ALL boy! He isn't moody and high maintenance all the time...he can be very sweet, loving and is extremely funny and entertaining. It has been a thrill to watch him and Blake become buddies, and everyday our choice to have a child close in age to Blake is validated. It is so fun to watch them wrestle and sometimes they just look at each other and laugh. We are so blessed to have such a funny, loving and strong-willed Dane Joseph.

...birthday pictures to follow after celebrating tonight!

"Robin" makes an appearance...

Every Tuesday while Blake is at school Dane and I go to "Bouncing Babies" at the library in downtown Greenville. We meet friends there and spend about an hour singing, listening to books, watching puppets and playing...the moms chat and get some adult conversation :) We usually stay and eat lunch in the library cafe. Being a part of this library program is such a great treat during a hectic week and it is free! This week was Boo Bash, so A LOT of kids and Moms (some Dads) came all decked out in Halloween costumes! I sort of compared it to going to church on Easter or at Christmas. Typically it is smaller group of moms and their children each week who are sort of regulars. Either way we had so much fun and enjoyed our friends and all of the spooky activities!

As you can see, Dane is Robin this year. Therefore, Blake is Batman! I will have more pictures later this week of them both dressed up in their costumes. Hopefully it will be more of a treat than a trick to get them in their Halloween garb...

6 years ago...

It was six years ago today that we walked down the aisle at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri. These past six years have been an adventure to say the least, but it has kept life exciting and has always opened doors that have lead to new places, new friends and new memories...and two beautiful boys. What a memorable night it was on October 26, 2002!

Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We had a great time hosting the Pumpkin Carving Party for the orthopaedic residents and their families! Everyone came donned in orange and black...the kids in costumes or pumpkin attire! They were too cute! After noshing on chili and soups with the fixin's, we carved pumpkins. With the majority of us having children, pumpkin carving was too difficult to accomplish. The two who carved pumpkins were the residents and their wives who do NOT have children at the moment! The Barden's and Miller's did a FANTASTIC job carving 2 huge pumpkins and a small one. Blake joined in to carve a small one, too! Check out the last picture of the montage to see the results. Both left with a prize for their hard work. We are blessed to be here in Greenville among so many great people...what a fun night!

Heat is out AGAIN

cuss word. profanity. cuss word.

What an Accomplishment!

"On Saturday, October 18th, approximately 7,000 people joined us at Arrowhead Stadium to celebrate life with Down syndrome. The Kansas City Buddy Walk is part of 275 Buddy Walks held worldwide to promote awareness and raise funds to help individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the professionals who serve and support them. With your generous support we were the LARGEST walk in the world raising over $450,000!"

The information above was taken from the Kansas City Buddy Walk website and I just had to share it. They deserve a big pat on the back! We missed being a part of this year's walk and being among all of the great friends we have met through experiences with Blake. He and all individuals with Down Syndrome are truly a blessing and I hope each of you who read this will educate those in your communities about Down Syndrome...and maybe even raise as much money and awareness as the wonderful city of Kansas City. Way to go guys!!! We miss you all and Kansas City!

THE HEAT IS ON! And no I am not reminiscing the 80's, with all do respect to Glenn Frey.

The Heat is NOT On...

Well, our heat isn't working. No surprise in this house. It was 40 degrees last night, so it was quite chilly when we woke up this morning. We wondered why since we had turned the heat on prior to going to bed in anticipation for the cold night. Oh, silly me, was I so naive to think it would WORK! I have to add that we have had our heat on before during another chilly night and that time it did work.

Tonight it is supposed to be in the 30's. No service on the weekend and I left a message with the heating company in Charlotte - almost a 2-hour drive. We tried to keep a positive attitude and decided to turn on our gas fireplace, the lovely gas fireplace we were seeking during our home shopping. Now my house smells like burnt toast. I literally flew down the stairs to figure out why it smelled like my house was on fire. So the gas fireplace doesn't work properly. Add it to the list.

I think this cardboard house (thanks, Ben for the terminology - I love it) is on its last leg. We are at the point of not really knowing what to do next. Know a good attorney? Or maybe the federal government can bail us out. That's it!

Short, but Sweet

Uncle Travis (Matt's brother) came to Greenville! He was in North Carolina for a business trip. He then drove down from Charlotte arriving at our house at 2:30pm yesterday afternoon, then left this morning at 10:30am to drive back to Charlotte for his flight. We wished he could have stayed longer, but we are so thankful he was able to come for a short visit (and put in a lot of miles to do so). We also wish Melissa and Tanner could have come along, too! We went from living a few short miles from them to living across the country, so needless to say we are still adjusting to being so far apart and really miss them. The really bad part...I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES! Ugh! I can't believe it.

Fall for Greenville...We Have!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This weekend was "Fall for Greenville"...a Fall festival packed with great food, music and fun for the entire family! Downtown was packed with vendors and people. We ventured out early for a walk through the festival, then enjoyed the most amazing shrimp & grits I have ever tasted! Yum! There is nothing like good Southern cooking. We also enjoyed spring rolls and finished the afternoon with delicious cupcakes! Blake had a great time playing with balloons and bubbles. He also loved being allowed to walk around all of the streets freely and very quickly! We got our workout! We are quickly learning that Greenville is packed full of great events for families year round. It was so great to experience one of those events during the amazing fall weather!

Cookie Cutter, NO MORE!

I have tried, really tried, to be patient and be positive about our new home. We are certainly blessed to have a comfortable home, but I need the chance to vent. First, let me say we have a leak. Not just a little leak. A nice big leak down the ENTIRE ceiling of our bedroom that is drip, drip, dripping into a bucket. This is after I pointed it out to our contractor during the walk-through before moving in and after I pointed it out at our 45-day walk through!! Matt said, "it looks like a leak to me"...of course the contractor said, no it isn't a leak but we'll re-mud and tape it. IT IS A FREAKING LEAK! Did I mention it has rained all day and is supposed to rain all day tomorrow? It is great for our drought, but not our leak!

So, I should be able to cope with one bump in the road because all homes have them, right? I would be able to do that, BUT this is a brand new home and we have also had...hardwood flooring loosening and coming up, landscaping that had to be completely overhauled by us, discovering we can see ALL the seams in the sheetrock in almost every room of which they will mess up my home to redo, the upstairs floor creaks already, crooked trim work, dented garage door, leaking faucets, nail pops galore...and on and on. I actually miss my cute little home in Kansas built in 1949. My elders have always told me that "they don't build homes like they used to." I agree. At the rate they throw these homes up in these suburban neighborhoods, I can totally understand why they are falling apart.

I have always had a negative feeling about buying a "cookie cutter" home, but we gave it a shot mostly because we needed the room on the budget we have at this time in our lives. I knew we needed this for our family. I envy those who live in downtown Greenville in those older homes, all different with huge trees and amazing character. Unfortunately we could not get an affordable, older home for the space we needed. Anyway...NEVER, NEVER again. After these five years, good riddens to the suburb subdivisions! Well, I'm done complaining and will continue to be thankful for my home (especially during these uncertain times) and the warranty. I just hope these issues are fixed soon so we can breathe easy and finish our time in beautiful Greenville.

Football Sunday

Kansas City Chiefs. Pitiful.

How sweet it is...

This is nothing better than when the Missouri Tigers beat Nebraska or KU, at any sport. Last night vs. Nebraska...52-17 victory - how sweet it is!

Pickin' and a Grinnin'

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Yeah for Fall & yeah for apple orchards! We traveled up to Flat Rock, NC, on Friday to meet friends for a morning of apple picking. It was about a 45-minute drive and incredibly serene and beautiful! As we left Greenville proper we drove up into the mountains where the trees are just starting to change and the temperature continued to drop...aaagh! I did, however, have to face my fears as I turned onto a mountain road up towards the orchard which was extremely narrow and curvy(in my mind) and somewhat switchback. I could feel my blood pressure rise and the road just seemed to get longer and go higher. But, when we arrived at the top at our destination it was all worth it...although I did have in the back of my mind that I had to get DOWN! The flat terrain of Kansas did not prepare me well for mountain driving!

What a great day it was perusing through pumpkins and the orchard store...walking through all the varieties of apple trees...greeting and petting the animals...the hayride...the picnic! And those yummy apple doughnuts :) We brought home some apple cider, pumpkin butter and some fantastic bread mixes. We have almost wiped out the pumpkin bread!

I always knew I was not a beach girl...sand and ocean is no fun for me. This trip just confirmed my love for the mountains and if I had a choice I would be living up embedded in the mountainous terrain where it is crisp and quiet with small country stores nearby. I am ready to move now! That is, after my desensitization therapy for mountain driving and making sure UPS delivers...I would miss urban shopping, you know :)

Saline, Suction, Snot...Repeat.

I recall a conversation Matt and I had at Starbucks in Prarie Village, Kansas. We were doing our own personal ranking for the residency match to then submit a final rank and await our fate. One part of the conversation sticks out in my mind where Matt said, "If we move to the Southeast where it is warmer our children won't be as sick." Boy, that sounded so appealing..THEN! Although I do love the Southeast, I have suctioned more snot out of my childrens' noses in the last 2 days than the entire time we lived in Kansas City!

I also recall conversations with realtors, contractors and various other people in the Greenville area during our first visit here. The common statement...Greenville is the allergy capital of the United States! Oops! I know this stent of illness is not allergy related since both boys and I have had a fever. I have had the worst case of body aches I have ever had! Blake came to Greenville taking 2 allergy medications that may need to be increased, and the rest of us may need to start taking them! We'll have to get over this bug to determine if allergies are affecting us.

I must commend my husband for taking care of EVERTHING since Sunday morning. I have been in bed since then and truly unable to function. I just hope he doesn't catch this nasty illness. Meanwhile, we will continue our routine...saline, suction, snot, repeat. And don't forget the wrestling match that goes with each trial! Thank goodness both of my children open wide and willingly to take the antibiotics, Tylenol and Motrin!

Potty Training Couture...

Sometimes it's just easier this way...and cuter :)

A Family Affair...

Wow, what a weekend! Matt's birthday was Friday...we went to the zoo Saturday with friends...spent the morning at the park on Sunday and then the afternoon outside working in the yard. And, yes, all of it as a family! I can't remember the last time we had the opportunity to relax and do family activities for the entire weekend. And to top it off, the weather was so perfect...jeans and a T-shirt needing a sweatshirt just first thing in the morning or in the evening. Agh! The trees are starting to change, and I have grown to appreciate all of the beautiful trees here in Greenville. I am convinced there are more trees just in the Greenville area than in the entire state of Kansas...and Missouri, too! Fall here is amazing. Attached to this post are some pictures from our fun weekend. Oh...Dane isn't in many pictures because he was sleeping during a lot of the photo opportunities. We didn't just leave him at home :)

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Brotherly Love...

The pictures above show the new game of the house...wrestling. And, yes, the little one is always on top, but Blake just giggles and actually tries to entice Dane to do it again. It is very entertaining...plus it keeps them busy :)

Potty training is just that - training. Practice, practice, practice! Blake did go #2 in the toilet three times this weekend!! Very exciting! Peeing is another story, but the books say that is normal. I have felt very trapped in my house and being the complete opposite of a homebody-type, I purchased a portable fold-up potty ring for when we are out and about. Overall, Blake is doing a great job and even signs potty and runs toward the bathroom - even if there is not a "production" at least he is able to communicate what he needs!

I was so excited yesterday when I spotted pumpkins at the local market. I just HAD to buy a few small ones. And for those of you who were at our wedding...do you remember those 200 small white pumpkins? Matt and my Dad sat in our basement and drilled the top out just enough to put a tealight inside for table decoration. They looked so great and really showed my love of Fall and Halloween! So does the napkin placed with the pumpkins in the picture above, but in true southern style :)

Peyton, Eli, Brett...get ready for some serious competition!

For Mature Audiences Only...

I got this very funny and very entertaining book for my birthday...thank you, Lauren! I'm telling you what is inside this book is much better than what you are visualizing in your head as "porn." You may have seen this book before, but if not, each page has a picture of a very attractive guy sometimes posing with a baby, a vacuum, he may have on an apron...you get the idea. What guys typically don't have with them. I have to share some of the quotes from the pages of "Porn for New Moms!" These are from the mouths of the men on the pages. Enjoy...(especially all of you moms!)

• Damn! You look hot in those sweatpants!

• Don't worry, honey. Your mother and I will take wonderful care of the baby while you and your girlfriends are at the spa.

• Look! She loves the sound of the vacuum cleaner. And you should see her light up when I damp mop!

• No, you relax for a while. I've figured out how to fold everything one-handed.

• So, tell me again, what was the consistency of the poop?

• Sure, your girlfriends can drop their babies off here while you girls go to the bar. The more the merrier!

• Hey, the guys are coming over. They want to help me take the baby to the park!

• No, No! Sit down! I'll do the dishes. After nine and half months of pregnancy, 26 hours of labor and 18 stitches, you don't have to do a damn thing around here!

• And my favorite...If I promise to do all the laundry and diaper changes for the next few years, can we have another one?

Although the book credits itself as porn, there is no nudity, but it is VERY good therapy for moms! It is even better when you can read it in person. What a fantastic gift!

Let the Games Begin...

...or is it, let's get ready to rumble? We are getting ready to enter the world of potty training. I am excited and scared to death. This is all set to start this coming Saturday morning where we will spend our weekend on lock down. I bought the roast and the fixin's for the crock-pot yesterday, so we should have the food we need during the crazy experience. I have been prepping for about a month with a couple of books, a video and CONSTANT talk about diapers, pee, poop, flushing, toilets, potty, etc., etc...if there is a topic that has to do with going potty we've addressed it. I never thought I would be carrying poop in a diaper to a toilet with Blake along side, dumping it in and flushing, then waving saying "bye bye poop," then clapping! So, the pictures above are Blake opening his potty present - an Elmo seat. I am all into going potty on the real thing as long as you don't fall in...I am NOT cleaning a potty chair and I can't carry it around with me (or at least I refuse to). He was very excited and even carried it into the bathroom to put it on the toilet. We have all of our ammunition ready in each bathroom - poster that is for the reward stickers, books, M&M's, goldfish and other yummies. The unfortunate thing is I know that even with all of this wonderful planning and the fact that Blake has all of the readiness signs, it all will likely slap me in the face and we'll by flying by the seat of our pants (sorry for the pun!). I just hope we are ALL smiling come Monday morning!

A Very Happy Birthday!

Birthday Lunch with the Girls!
I am so lucky to share my birthday with Catie (her husband,
Lee, is a 2nd year ortho resident)! We shared our day with
the girls at a quaint cafe here in Greenville.

Blake delivering one of the best presents I have ever received...a massage!

Grandpa & Grandma Blair come to Greenville!

Grandpa "babysitting" and enjoying playtime with the boys
Steak & Shrimp Dinner at Home...yum!

We had a great Labor Day weekend! Grandpa and Grandma Blair came to visit. Although it went by quickly and was too short, we had a great time. We had fun visiting downtown and Falls Park, cooking yummy food, doing some shopping and celebrating birthdays (Thanks Mom for fixing my favorite cheesecake!). Both Matt and I share a birthday in September just 13 days apart...Sept 6th for me, Sept. 19th for Matt. It is great to know I get to take a trip to Des Moines to see my Mom and Dad again just 2 months from now. I am certain that I will get the best sleep I will have had since early 2005 during that visit, although I now question why I am going to Iowa in November :) Then, my parents will be back in Greenville for the Christmas holiday. We are so lucky!

A little update...Matt is now on a new rotation. He is doing orthopedic surgery for the month of September, which is what his speciality will be and what he will do full time after first year. So, he is quite happy..and I am, too, now that the previous rotation is behind him. I did a little happy dance last Friday knowing that schedule was over. I am staying busy driving and driving some more taking Blake to and from school and running wherever I need to in between. It's hard to imagine all the driving I will do when they get older and get more involved in different activities! Blake is doing well in school. He has a big evaluation coming up next Friday the 12th for the Greenville County School District, which is where he will start going after he turns 3 next February (unless we decide on private school). He also has his big team evaluation meeting for the school he currently attends on October 2nd. Lots of changes for him - and for us as he grows up! We have a trip planned to an apple orchard in the mountains in early October with the other resident wives and their children. I can't wait for the fresh apples and colors of fall, although the trees are already changing, but it is still almost 90 degrees! I know I will miss the cooler temperatures of the Midwest, and yes, I will actually miss the snow. I am visualizing my friend, Jean, cringing from that comment :) Then there is Dane. He is great and on the go! He is eating table foods, drinking from a sippy cup, and loves chowing on the Gerber stars and bananas. He is cruising everywhere and growing up too fast! I have a found a place for Mother's Morning Out for him, but have to be on a wait list for a bit. He is a treat and certainly ALL boy.

Guess that is all from the Hollenbeck home! I have some new fun pictures of the boys that I hope to post in a slide show soon.

Dane's Photo Shoot

A few shots of Dane's photo session today...he did a great job!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com