the graduate
It didn’t seem possible that 2 more years of schooling for Mike would fly by so quickly, but they did. Mike was not as excited about the graduation as the girls and I were, but I considered it sort of a passage into a new lifestyle (or at least getting back to an old lifestyle) of having my husband home in the evenings and able to give us his undivided attention. If you think about it, us girls really haven’t had much of that these past 3 years. Remember when Mike went to Iraq for 7 months? He returned only a few months before we moved to D.C. for him to start endo school. So now this new chapter begins for us where we get to enjoy the American way of life.
The graduation ceremony was peppered with musical numbers, speeches, and passing out of awards. All the sailors looked quite handsome in their uniforms especially my own, little sailor. The girls and I tried to coordinate as closely as possible in our white outfits (well, I had a black and white skirt on). Of course, there was a bit of a feast after the service. And cake, too!
Mike receiving his graduation diploma (is it still called that at this level?).
Here are the graduates being applauded by the audience.
We’re so proud of Daddy!
Brady even showed up decked out in his sailor outfit in honor of his daddy’s graduation.
Of course, the boys had to be themselves and pester fellow classmate, George.
July 9th, 20086:39 pm at
Congratulations Mike, you look handsome and good at fishing.
mike
July 10th, 20082:08 pm at
Congratulations Mike!! I’m so proud of you and I’m grateful for Jen and the girls and the sacrifices they have made. You look so handsome But I know the real Mike.
Love,
Dad
July 10th, 20084:23 pm at
First of all, congrats, Mike. You look very official in your uniform! Love the pictures. And in honor of your graduation, I’m going to an endodontist to get an old root canal looked at before I get a tiara on it. Last night at Young Women’s, I mentioned needing a crown to my friend, Lani. One of the girls said, “Your getting a crown?” Since I am more the princess type, we clarified that it would be a tiara. She then had to be informed what a “crown” was. Anyway, for you, I’m getting my root canal fixed up. Wish you could do it for me. I’m glad you will be a regular husband now, dutifully coming home to your family in the evening to do the dishes. That was a long haul for you guys.
Secondly, who is the fellow with Matt, Trang, & Brady? It just looks funny there. It actually looks like chocolate!
Third, George is looking happy to be done and being transferred somewhere you are not.
July 11th, 20081:58 am at
Yay Mike! How many pieces of paper with calligraphy on them do you have now? We look forward to more frequent visits with you all! Will we see you in Council Bluffs at the Super 8 motel?
July 12th, 20082:21 pm at
When you get that last piece of paper after residency they don’t call it a diploma per-se, it is more like your “discharge from prison” papers… nice to be out of the slammer isn’t it Mike? On paroll still, I know, but at least you’re out of the big house
July 17th, 20089:30 pm at
Way to go Mike (and family). Congratulations!
July 18th, 20083:44 am at
Dennis-Thanks for your comments. Especially made about me and the girls…ha, ha.
Jenni-
Mike certainly enjoyed your comment…definitely when you mentioned how handsome he looked. Your crown story sounds about how my girls would react if they heard that someone was getting a crown. The other day we passed White Castle, and Annie immediately started asking if we could go to that castle. She asked if there were lots of princesses there. Poor little girls and their royal perspectives. We got your letter today and Mike enjoyed looking at your x-rays. I’m sure you 2 will discuss soon.
Sara-
Thanks for the congrats–I know Mike appreciates it. We really hope you guys are able to visit every so often. It’s only 1 week away until our journey west. Woo-hoo! I’m not sure about any Super 8 though!! Just kidding…we’ll stay wherever is cheapest, and they usually take pets, too. We’ll have Lucy, ya know.
Jenni-