I graduated! Normally that news is probably accompanied by "finally" or something like that, but it only took 3 years. I was pretty proud of that, but with a sweet little baby at home and another baby on the way, it couldn't have come sooner!
We were lucky to have my Dad come and spend some time with us. He attended the ceremony and took all the pictures, so I don't have any yet, but once I get them, I'll be sure to post them.
He was really glad to see Atley and how much he's grown. Atley had a lot to say to his Grandpa about the time that they have been apart. He would just sit on the floor and talk to him. Nobody really knows what he was saying, but I think it made Grandpa Baron feel special.
Also, Atley's Grandma and Grandpa were nice enough to send him a graduation present, too! He was so good while I was in school, he definatley deserved it. Here's a video of him playing in his new toy!
One of my old roommates (Amber) was also graduating, so she came over for a visit too, bringing with her another of my old roommates (Tori). They enjoyed playing with Atley and he loved the attention.
Amber is continuing her work as a R.N. at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Tori is studying hard and working at a day care.
As for the actual ceremony, it was wonderful. We had Bishop Richard C. Edgley speak as well as President Clark. They gave some great advice. It was quite different than high school graduation and for that I was grateful. At this ceremony, instead of looking back at all the good times we had in college, the leadership of BYU-Idaho encouraged us to look forward to the future and how we can now assist Heavenly Father in building his kingdom. I was very grateful for that. It's not that I didn't have a great time in college. I had amazing roommates, great callings, I married Ian, and we had Atley; those were all wonderful things. I was just glad to be reminded that the reason that I started, and was determined to finish school, was because I know the Lord has a plan for me. I know that he has tasks for me to accomplish that will help me to grow into who I need to become as well as service he needs me to complete. I felt very strongly during graduation that the Lord was pleased with my offering to him. I tried really hard, all throughout school and graduated Magna Cum Laude. While I am proud of myself, I know that I was only able to accomplish it with the Lord's help. That is something that BYU-Idaho has taught me that I will take with me and use always!
Friday was my first full day home with Atley as a college graduate and what did we do? We played! It seemed like we played forever! I was so happy to be at home with him and I think he noticed a change too. We made a deal that he wouldn't start crawling until I graduated because I couldn't always be chasing him around. Instead of crawling, he decided to start standing all by himself! He's really making more progress toward walking than crawling, but I think he just wants to be like his Dad. Check it out!
After Graduation we decided we needed a break so we headed down to Utah! We spent Saturday with Amy, Austin, Cadence, Maria, Eddie, and Jen. Frist off, we went to the pool and Atley had his first swim! He was so cute!
The sunscreen messed up his hair so we decided to give him a little Mohawk! I think he likes the missionary look better. He loved the pool and playing with all his Aunts, Uncles, and Cousin. Ian and I really enjoyed the slides!
After the pool Atley took a long nap so Amy and Austin watched him while we dashed off to the French Bakery in Orem. We'd passed it so many times, but never had the time to stop so this time we made it a priority. We had so many wonderful treats including, mille feuille (my favorite), quiche lorraine, and a fruit tarte.
Thanks to everyone for helping us have a great "school's out" celebration! Only more adventures to come!
