Graduation

Ok, Ok I know I am about 2 months behind but life has been crazy!  We really have been having so much going on but we are loving it all.  We are going to back up to May 18th, 2012 and the day before.  That was graduation weekend...a big weekend.  It was what we had been waiting for for years.  At first we didn't think the day would ever come and now looking back, those years flew by!  The weeks leading up to, the week of and the weeks after graduation are pretty much a blur.  We were extremely busy people and life just completely flew by.  Luckily, I did take a few pictures to help jog my memory.

Living with the Nebeker's during graduation put an extra spin on everything.  TO be completely honest, I wasn't sure how it was all going to work out but it couldn't have been any better.  The Nebeker's are great people.  We definitely couldn't have done it with anyone else.

Josh's grandparents came into town Wednesday night.  They took us out for dinner at Bob Evan's.  It was great to see them and spend some time with just and and them.  They are just the cutest couple ever!  Josh's parents, my mom, Aunt Valerie and Grandma all came into town on Thursday.  I got to go to lunch with my mom, aunt Valerie and Grandma which was really fun.  These ladies just crack me up!  It's been great to live closer to them for a couple years and see them more often.  My Dad got there EARLY Friday morning as he was driving from Oklahoma. 

The night before graduation, we had a BBQ with all of our families.  Keith's parents and Julie's mom all stayed at the house while everyone else was at a hotel, which made things much easier.  We had a great time at the BBQ with our families.  Josh's Grandma was out taking pictures and then I realized that I should take some too!  I tend to forget about those things when lots of people are around.

Here is Jaxson having "Watermelon Soup."  He was pretty entertained and would only smile and not look at the camera.  We sure miss this kid and all his personality!

In the corner is Julie's mom with Kenna.  Then there is my aunt Valerie and Grandma.  They at least look like they are having a good time.

My Man working the grill...He did a great job!

Here is Josh's Grandma, Mom and Grandpa.  These are Jill's parents.  We were so very happy they were able to come!

And the graduating boys with their Dad's.

After we ate, we all played cornhole.  We sure love this game!  Josh & Vince

Jill in action and me:

Julie:

It was so great to have everyone together and get to know the Nebeker's family.  They are some great people.  Of course we didn't iron Josh's gown and didn't even think about it til the night before.  I absolutely HATE ironing and was soooo thankful when Julie's mom ironed Josh' gown.  Thank you so much Ann!

Graduation Day: May 18th

It was such a big day.  I'm so proud of all the hard work that Josh put into school.  I know it wasn't easy but he never really seemed to complain.  He's such a hard worker and I'm so proud of this great accomplishment of his!  I know for sure that there is no way that I could have done.  I'm so proud of him and all the other guys that graduated with him.

They had graduation in the PlayHouse Square Theater.  I had never been there before and was shocked when I came into the building.  It was a beautiful place!

Before graduation started, they have a small group playing some beautiful music in one of the balconies.  I just thought that was a great idea.

Here is Josh's Grandpa walking to his spot.  Because he is a dentist, he was able to have the special honor of "hooding" Josh.

The president of the school giving his address.

We had to wait til the very end for Josh to finally walk across the stage.  With our last name starting with a W, he only had one person behind him.  But they finally called his name and we were so excited.  Here he is getting his fake diploma!

This is what they call the hooding.  Basically, all it is is when they put on the hood (or sash thingy) on the graduate.  I guess it is what makes them officially a doctor.

Here is Josh and I after the graduation.

And the whole crew that was there to support Josh.  We are so lucky to have such an amazing family!  From left to right it is Vince, Grandpa Hammer, my Mom, Grandma Hammer, Aunt Valerie, Jill, my Grandma, me, Josh, my dad.

Grandpa Hammer and Josh wearing those silly gowns :)

Josh and his very proud parents, Vince and Jill.

The Man of the Hour:

Keith and Josh...best buds all through school and then roommates :)

We tried to get a picture of us and the Nebeker's.  Unfortunately, this is the best that I got on my camera.  Julie, Jaxson, Kenna, Keith, Josh and I.

After graduation, they had a nice little reception at the school.  The food was pretty good too.  Once we got there, the camera pretty much stayed put but here are the few pictures I took.

Josh with my Dad:

This is inside the amazing school building.

And the outside of the school.

It was a crazy but fun weekend.  I'm so thankful for all the family and friends that came out to support us and who have always been there for us when we needed them.  Congratulations to Josh, I'm so proud of you!!