Shannon graduates from USAF tech school

Shannon, who entered the U.S. Air Force just after Christmas, this week completed training as a pharmaceutical technician at the Medical Education and Training campus in San Antonio, Texas.

"Congratulations to my amazingly resilient daughter who is officially graduating from Tech School today at the top of her class," proud mom Mary wrote on Facebook.

"Keesler AFB Biloxi Mississippi in two days," Mary added, so we're guessing that's the next posting for Shannon, now with the rank of Airman.

Nolan discovers Charleston, S.C.

On the occasion of his Aunt Lizzie's graduation from Elon University, Nolan took his first airplane trip this month, flying to North Carolina with his parents, Gerrit and Angela, and his grandfather, Owen.

After the commencement ceremonies, they traveled down to the family's house in Charleston, S.C., and Nolan explored the city with his parents.

As Gerrit posted on Facebook: "Bringing my son to our house in Charleston that I've been visiting for nearly 30 years has been one of the most exciting experiences I've had as a parent so far. This city means so much to me and to see the pure excitement in his eyes every day when we step out onto the streets has been a real trip."

2017 edition of Doug & Lisa's Preakness party

Lisa (above with friends Hillary and Shelley and mint juleps) and Doug once again played hosts to a large gathering of family and friends on the day of the Preakness Stakes, May 20.

The weather was pleasantly cool, and the party spread throughout the house and grounds.

Gathering to watch the race

Liz and her friend Sarah supervise the pool

Here's video of the scene as the crowd watched the race.

As you might guess from her reaction, Christine was one of those who picked the winning horse, Cloud Computing.

Meanwhile, breaking a 10-year streak, Liz (right, with mom) did not pick the winner this year. It doesn't seem to have affected her good cheer.

Along with food and drink, highlighted by Lisa's fresh-mint juleps, there were indoor and outdoor games, including croquet action that continued until it was too dark to see any of the balls or wickets.

Are Grandmom & Pop providing croquet tips?

After dark, those same players had a little marshmallow roast, while card games broke out inside the house.

Many thanks to Lisa and Doug for their magnificent hospitality!

(Photos by Dan and by Hillary)

Lizzie graduates from Elon University

---Updated 5/29 with more photos---

Lizzie graduated May 20 from Elon University, where she majored in education. The photo above, taken as Lizzie reviewed the program before the ceremony, appeared in one of the local newspapers, the News & Record of Greensboro, N.C.


Lizzie's father, Owen; brother, Gerrit; sister-in-law, Angela, and nephew Nolan all traveled to North Carolina for the big event.

It was the 127th commencement at Elon, and according to the university, the largest ever, with nearly 1,400 degrees conferred. More than 10,000 people gathered for the ceremony.