Graduation

I felt so blessed to have such a great gathering to support me as I graduated from PA school this August 2011.  Those in attendance:
- Jonathan, Christopher, Kent, Christiane
- Mom & Dad
- Grandma & Grandpa John
- Grandma & Grandpa Brock

- Waino & Bette Herlevi
- Kris Herlevi

It all began with Christiane and I making the long trip down to AZ.  Thankfully we were able to cut the trip in 1/2 by crashing with Kris for a night in Vegas.  After a few days of school stuff everyone else started to arrive.  Thankfully everyone arrived on time and safely.  Including Dad who made it from Bagdad to NC then to AZ. It was your typical graduation, well done and professional.  Afterward, we all gathered at the Marriott for a Luncheon that was super yummy and Christopher used his Spanish speaking abilities to get us Milk to go with our delicious red velvet dessert.  I even got some Chocolate Milk which baby Lilly loves.

After all the excitement, Jon and Christopher flew back to UT leaving 5 of us to pile into my mid-size SUV for a 13 hour journey (over 2 days of course).  Our journey went very well, we stopped in Vegas and stayed on the strip so those who had never been could see what all the fuss was about.  We ate at the Bellagio buffet, watched the fountain display (which was the best I've ever seen it), then all crashed in one room at the Vdara Hotel (the only smoke free hotel on the strip).  After all was said and done everyone was of the same opinion I have held for year...that Vegas is a disgusting, smelling, sinful place that I care never to visit.  Mom drove the 2nd leg of our journey through the infamously dangerous Gorge (lol...Dad) safely delivering us to UT where we would prepare for the next 2 important events: Kent receiving his endowment in the SLC temple and Christopher and Melissa's Wedding.

 On the drive down Kent kept asking, "How far is it? I don't want to miss it. Is that it?"  It was so fun to tease him.  We were planning on taking the exit to see the Hoover Dam so I wasn't worried he would miss it. It was a beautiful but hot day...and no we did not take the Dam Tour.   

Christiane got her picture with a cactus as promised.