Touring Hanover College

When one of Jake's youth, Marissa, said she was interested in Hanover College, we jumped at the chance to show off our Alma Mater. We made the two hour drive from Morristown down to Hanover to tour the campus and visit historic Madison. It brought back so many memories (and funny stories)  as we went from building to building. Looking back, I can't believe I spent my freshman year in that small, unair-conditioned room in Donner. Such a special place for me (and Jake). We really enjoyed the day with Marissa, too!

Miss Dawn's Wedding

Last Friday I had the pleasure of watching one of my very good college friends get married. Dawn looked absolutely beautiful and the wedding and reception were so "her," down to the polka dot ribbons in the bouquets. Added bonus at the wedding was reconnecting with so many of my Hanover people. Four years later I can still pick right up where I left off with each and every one of them, and that is such a gift to have in my life. Plus we can boogey down pretty well to some Journey songs, as was evident at the reception. :)

Congrats, Dawn and Justin! Here's to many more happy years together. Love you two!

 

Brad and Emily's Wedding

We had the honor of attending the wedding of two dear friends from Hanover a few weeks ago. I met Brad on one of his first days as a freshmen when he asked me where the campus mailboxes were (they were right behind him). Since then, we've done Hurricane Katrina relief together, and more recently Jake and I volunteered at his new place of employment: New Life International. Brad is such a special guy to us and Emily is just the perfect partner for him. It was truly a joy to watch these two get married at the same college where they met. Congratulations, Brad and Emily! Here's hoping your life together is as beautiful as your wedding. :)

 

 

A Day in Madison

Mom, Kels, and I took a day trip to Madison, Indiana yesterday. We all three went to Hanover College right down the road, so we are frequent visitors of Madison. It has a historic downtown area with lots of unique stores, antique malls, and local restaurants. My new favorite store downtown is Red Dog Arms. It is full of 19th century antiques and civil war memorabilia (that's where I found that beautiful puppy pictured below). Of course, we had to grab shakes at our favorite late-night college restaurant, Hinkles on our way out. I love this town so much. It brings back so many memories!

Thank you.

I am feeling extremely thankful today for a number of reasons. Tis the season to actually say those things out loud, right?

Today I'm thankful for...

...my prodigal iPod returning to me.

...my new iPhone.

...the instagram app on my new iPhone.

...a smooth visit to the Social Security office to officially become "Kristina Brooks".

...my husband, and the fact that we are linked with a last name now.

...Hanover College and Madison, Indiana.

...spending an entire, uninterrupted day with my husband in Madison, Indiana.

...local chocolate shops and coffee shops.

...Christmas being on the horizon, and all of the fun and togetherness that brings.

Of course I'm very thankful for less superficial things than my new iPhone, but it's good to recognize the little moments as well, I believe.

Mr. and Mrs. Dria

So many great friends getting married this summer! Yesterday, we had the honor of witnessing Alex and Julie's wedding. I really got to know these two on a Spring Term class to Spain during my sophomore year at Hanover. This is when they started spending more time together, so I'd like to say I was there for the beginning of their relationship. :) It was a beautiful wedding, full of all kinds of crafty details (Julie even made her own dress!). Plus, added bonus of seeing all of my very good Hanover buddies as well. It made me miss the days when they were only a hallway away instead of half a state away....

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Dria!

 The boys really enjoyed the activity sheets at each seat

 Old friends (and roomies!) reunited

 I sure do miss these gals

The Graduate

Here's to you, Kelsie VanDyke! Miss Tessie graduated yesterday from Hanover College, Magna Cum Laude. For all of you that don't know what that means (and that was me until yesterday), it means she graduated with high honors. Only two people have a higher honor than her in the entire senior class. She's a smartie.
I feel like I just graduated from Hanover, so seeing her walk across the stage yesterday was a very strange experience. My little sister is joining the work force. She's now a fellow teaching colleague of mine. Super weird...
Anyway, congrats, Tessie! Couldn't be more proud of you. No doubt in my mind that you will impact every student that comes your way in Attica.

Accepting that hard-earned diploma from Dr. DeWine

The Graduate

 

Not only does she teach, but she also flies!

 

The family and Grandma and Grandpa

 

Tessie and I at The Point

Triple Thumbs Up for graduating!

If Hannah and Jake ever form an indie band, this will be their cover.

La Fería del Colegio para Hispanos

I'm in an organization that helps the Hispanic Community in my area. Tonight, we had a college fair for Hispanic students and parents to learn about the opportunities they have for college- whether they are documented or not. I know now that I have taken so much for granted because my family was very familiar with the whole college application process. For example, here are some of the questions from tonight's session: What is a scholarship? What is an SAT? If no one in your family has ever gone to college, how would you know? Something to be thankful for, all you college grads!

Miss Amanda (aka "little") and I pre-graduation from Hanover College

Hanover Visit

Jake and I met Bugs today at Hanover to visit with Miss Tessie before she graduates in a few weeks. We headed to The Downtowner for lunch (it's a favorite of HC students) and then visited with Chuck, Shelly, and Miss Ashton (who is getting SO big!).
We even stopped by the library to visit our IS's which are on file and looked at Mom's, which was done on a typewriter. Mad props to Mom for typing out a 70-page paper with few errors!
We rounded out the day with a visit to The Point for some frame-worthy pictures. Thanks to Miss Tessie for hosting the 'ol Hanover Alums for an afternoon!

                                         Miss Ashton shows her old babysitter how big she is

Mom and my IS from the library

 Some shots from The Point. We don't look like old alumni, do we?