Graduation

Since I graduated more than a month ago, I figure it is about time that I post about it!  My parents, Carli, and Brooke and Derek came up to Logan on Friday afternoon and helped me pack everything into their cars.  Yes, it did take me three cars to get everything home!  We went to Elements for dinner and enjoyed every scrumptious bit of it!  May I just recommend the Chicken Madera.  Absolutely fantastic! We pretty much rolled out of the restaurant and over to Logan Lanes for a game of bowling.  It was so much fun and provided a lot of laughs!  

The next morning I got up early and headed up to the Quad.  It was so exciting to be up there with all of the other graduates.  There was a lot of energy there!  My parents came to the university ceremony while Carli snoozed a little longer and Brooke and Derek went golfing.  It was actually a really awesome ceremony!  Elder Cook was there and there were a few awesome speakers.  It hadn't really hit me until I was sitting in the Spectrum that I was really graduating!  WHAT?!  Carli came and picked us up and we were going to some "secret" place.  My Dad called some lady named Debby on the phone and told her we would be there in the next few minutes.  Where were we going and who was Debby?!  We pulled up behind the Coppermill Restaurant and I was so confused!  We went inside this little shop and my Dad walked me over to Winborg Masterpieces, an art gallery.  He told me that as part of my graduation gift I could pick out any painting in the shop as a reminder of Logan.  I was so excited, I even got a little teary!  It was sooooo hard to choose!  They were all so beautiful!  But when I saw this one, I knew it was THE ONE.  Not only did it have the Logan temple, but it also had the Dutch tulips!  A combo of some of the most important things over the past couple of years.  I was so grateful!  Now I just need a special place to hang it since it is a good 4 feet tall:)  Isn't it beautiful?!

We met up with Brooke and Derek for lunch at Firehouse and then took a little nap at the hotel.

At 4:30 my college ceremony began and all of my siblings drove up for it.  I was so thankful to have them there and for all of there support!  Carli snuck down and snatched this photo when I was presented my diploma.

I was so lucky to sit by Katie!  I just love her!  We met freshman year and have gone through college together, even leaving on our missions and coming back during the same semester.

After the ceremony I met my family up top and received some beautiful flowers from my parents.  I got pictures with all of my siblings and some of my nieces and nephews.

Brooke and Derek

Carli

Brandt, Zach, and Kelly

Ella

Ella and Ava

Ella, the future graduate!

Marianne, Kate, Jack, and Rhett

Kristin, Ella,Jordan, and Ava

Dad and Mom

Sisters

We went to dinner at Cafe Sabor!  I presented my parents with the stole of gratitude because they really are the ones who helped me the most to graduate!  I just love them and all of my family!  It was a very special day in my life and I am thankful to all who were a part of it!