Jen's Graduation!! and Family Soccer

My daughter, Jen, has been working towards today for several years now.  She is a mother of five and works full-time as a science/math teacher at a private school AND helps with the curriculum development there.  Finding time to earn a Master's degree --- well, I am in awe and would not miss this for anything.  After helping Jen iron her gown, she left to join the other graduates while we collected everyone from school and followed.

I drove over to Abilene this morning and my granddaughter arrived shortly after me.  Ummmm -- apparently the shoe closet is in the trunk of her car.  I admit, it probably works as well as anything else.

After helping Jen iron her gown, she left to join the other graduates while we collected everyone from school and followed.  Time on hands always leads to something.  These grandsons clean up pretty well, don't they?

We arrive and hold seats for the others as we cannot fit in one car AND Louis is still collecting boys from school.  I have three with me and cannot find a close parking space so drop them to go find seats.

It seemed like such a great idea.  I neglected to have them tell me where they were sitting and naturally, no one is watching for me.  All the way down two aisles in the lower sections, upstairs to the balcony, and back down for a third aisle.  Argh.  They have to be in the last one, right?  Of course.  Finally -- I have a seat and it's time for some pics.

Louis has joined us and all are here that will be.

The stage is set.  Bring on the graduates.

Bah, bom, bom, bom. bom . . .here they come

Louis is sitting next to me with some gorgeous flowers!!!  The ceremony moves along at a good pace and before we know it, the candidates for Master's degrees are standing for conferment.  Then, off they go, only to appear on stage shortly thereafter.  I cannot stay in my seat like everyone else and make my way down to the stage in the hopes of at least one or two nice pictures of this moment taking place.  Success!!!  She is wished congratulations and then the hood is put over her head.

And away she goes.

I am so excited for her and cannot help but LOVE the smile on her face.  I don't think I've seen her this happy in a very long time.  What a huge goal to have accomplished.

The school song and some crazy finger holding to go along with it.  Love college rituals.

And . . . .here she comes!!!!  Woot woot.

Outside for pictures and hugs.  Lots and lots of hugs.  Her principal is here too!!  How cool is that?  They announce that there is a wall of graduated with temporary plaques that include today's degree receivers.  We are off to find her name and take the all important pictures.  It'll be a nice backdrop.  Ooooooh, looky, looky --- I see her name.

Gather the family around.  (I tried so hard not to have  lamppost coming out the top of anyones head but missed the one waaaaay in the back.  It's a lightbulb moment, Jared.)

One with Luka too.

Moments to remember --- always.

And we're done.  I am so, so, proud of her today.

Just a couple more ---

This is what happiness looks like.

And we're outta here.  Dinner is on the horizon.

Tokyo Asian Fusion is the choice of our honored family member.  (Someday, you'll be as frustrated with your own kid as I am with you, Jon.)

Entertainment at dinner.

Even a treat from the restaurant.  Nice touch.

To end out the day --- we are all off to the gym for a family soccer game --- with a little basketball thrown in for good measure.  Yes, I am playing soccer too.  Well, at least I'm out there trying.

Basketball first, while everyone gets ready -- including setting up our little field.

Let the game begin --- just enjoy the pics -- minimal commentary.

This is the BEST!!!!

Go y'all --- I kicked that one.

Blurry, but some action going on.

Topped off the day watching Klaus with the grands.  Well, that's it for today!!!  This has been such a great family day and I'm so happy to have been a part of it.  Love everyone oh so much.