The End is Here!!!

The next day was one of the busiest in a long weekend. Tania spent the night and I'm so glad she did. We woke up that morning ready to go. Tania and I made breakfast while Nate seasoned our Dutch ovens. After which Nate mowed the lawn while Tania and I had some much needed "best-friend-alone" time. We went shopping at Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Ross...where Tania got me a dress for a graduation gift. Love it!!

We got back just in time to greet my family driving up from Salt Lake. I was soon to walk across the stage and get my diploma. Nate, Dani and my dad ran to Verizon for something. Meanwhile, the clock was ticking and before we knew it, I had to go line up with my fellow pre-service teachers. I find my friends and wait for the line to start moving. I saw one of my friends from our ward, who was also graduating, and went over to say hi. Little did I know the line was about to move. I saw the line and raced to catch up with my degree group (who was the first college to be read off, might I add). I made it just in time.
We lined up in our seats, the assistant to the Dean gave a speech (he was funny) and the names were read. I was impressed with my family being so loud when my name was read. The assistant to the dean told me I had quite the fan club. You know it! As I walked down the ramp, I was met by my best friend and sister-in-law as paparazzi! They took so many pictures (I am grateful for them), I felt bad for blocking up the passageway as graduates tried to get through. I walked down a few rows and was greeted by my awesome husband with a camera.

I sat down with the rest of the ELED graduates, waiting as the other 5 colleges were read off. Within in minutes, I see this little boy with a bouquet of flowers trying to enter the row that I was sitting on. I look at him and it's Scott, my nephew! It was so cute! (Thanks, Em.) Once all of the names were read off, I found my family and we headed outside for pictures.

I even got one with my old roommate. We did it, Mekelle!

We headed back to my apartment for a Dutch oven dinner. Yum! Nate and my Dad worked on the food. While we waited for the food to be ready, we played games. Emily gave me Wits & Wagers, which she really wanted to play with everyone.

 My nieces and nephews had fun running around in the backyard. Sophie, Cecily and Marri enjoyed playing on and with Boomer too.

Chloe liked looking at Fish. But soon became more interested in the grass.

Nate, Dani, Mike and Boomer played frisbee and tossed his football.

She kept giggling at the "just kidding" baby toss. It was cute! The other toss wasn't supposed to be that high.  I didn't expect to capture it on camera either. Mike felt bad after seeing the photo, but Chloe is still alive and kicking. That silly girl.

My mom was entertained with Chloe and Barbara (Nate's mom)

Dinner was delicious!!! Well worth the wait. Turkey, potatoes, chips, pink jello fluff, and peach cobbler for dessert. Yummy! Then it was time to open the rest of the gifts. A candle fashionable watch from Barbara for my teaching career. A new iPad from my dad (love it). Amazon giftcards from Jake and Kim.

My niece, Chloe, got tuckered out as night fell, adorably cuddling up to her daddy. 

After everyone left, Nate said he had a surprise for me. I closed my eyes and when I opened them, I saw Wicked tickets! YES!!! I freaked!!! We're going to San Francisco in a few weeks and we're going to see Wicked! I love this musical and Nate's never seen it, so I'm stoked for him to see it.

It was a great night filled with family and quality time. I think today was better than any family birthdays that I've had. I love me family. You guys are wonderful!!