Tuesday, May 31, 2011

1 More Graduation!

We were able to attend the Moffat County High School Graduation. Mandi and Katie excelled in their education. Mandi gave the opening welcome and was the Outstanding Female Student of the Year. It was a great day!







Sunday, May 22, 2011

Day 1 - Everyone to Arizona

Months ago when we realized that Wills and Charlie would be having their graduations on back to back days we decided to make a family trip/reunion out of the event! We started in Arizona with everyone arriving in time for dinner. Here are Monson and Eliza dancing to the Latin music playing at the restaurant.
This picture was taken on Day 2 - I guess I am still tired - But it is a cute one of Bailey and Monson.


Day 2 - Wills' Graduation Party and Wills' Commencement

We started Day 2 by attending the Mesa Temple. Bailey's mother, Missie, took care of the grand kids so we were all abel to attend the same session while Kristine participated in baptisms. Then the BBQ/Swim party began!

Clair and Kristine preferred the shade.
Monson and Eliza liked doing the same things.


Ryan's brother, Conner, and his family met up with us in the afternoon. Alexis is with Eliza, Charlie and Emmett in this picture.


Then we were off to the commencement.


Outside the Sun Devil Stadium.




Clair thought it was bedtime - and it was in her time zone.


Waiting...


Wills is easy to spot in the center of a crowd!


Wills is there...


Fireworks were set off as we left the stadium ~ I didn't take a picture of the fireworks but I did get a picture of the brush fire that was started by the fireworks!



Day 3 - Wills' Convocation and Airport

Wills' Convocation was held at the ASU Wells Fargo Arena. Here his is walking in. He is outstanding in his field! Or is he talking to Bailey on the phone!

Where's Wills?


Bailey's parents, Hal and Missie (sorry, no picture), were with us for this event!


Bailey has been awesome in helping Wills get through his education. Hooray for Bailey!
Wills received his Bachelor's degree in Economics.


After lunch we were off to the airport. Hal and Missie were great to help shuttle us!


Heather had great books. 9 adults to 3 kids was a good ratio:



Day 4 - Manassas and Charlie's Convocation

We started off this day by going to the Manassas battlefield. Here are a few pictures. I prefer pictures with my family in them! Eliza...




Clair...



Monson...




Battlefield.









Charlie's convocation was a ticketed event. Robin, Clair, Ron (Charlie's dad), Christy (Charlie's sister), Sarah (Charlie's sister), William, and I went to the convocation. The rest of the family stayed at the Mann's house and watched it on the Internet!









Charlie received his Master of Professional Studies in Security and Safety Leadership.








Day 5 - Charlie's Commencment and Clair's Blessing

George Washington University is the only University that has their graduation on the Washington Mall. The forecast was for rain but we didn't get wet. The day had great weather for a graduation. It was overcast, mild temperature and moments of sunshine. Here is our row. Charlie's dad and 2 of his sisters, Christy and Sarah, were able to be there.



This was our front view. There were jumbo screens so we could see up close. I loved the Capitol in the background!



The Washington Monument was at our back.



Ryan took advantage of a couple of minutes of down time.



Robin and Charlie planned to have Clair blessed while both Grandfathers, brother and some brother-in-laws were there.






Their Bishop and his family joined us for the afternoon. Here is a picture of those that were in the circle.






Day 6 - Gettysburg

Here we are in tandem at Gettysburg. We followed an auto tour and learned a lot. Here is the view from Little Round Top.









Days 7,8 and 9 - North Carolina

William and I took off for our Searching Properties and Ancestry tour. He met with the local genealogy society, searched public records and property deeds and I went to the SPA. After the searching we went driving around to see this church that was built at the time William's ancestors were living in the area. It has been preserved and maintained and is used today. Any other signs from 200+ years ago are long gone. Here is the Bethel Cemetery. The wooden markers of years ago are gone.


There are records stating that there were ancestors near Grindle Creek. Here is a portion of Grindle Creek.



Day 10 - Reading with Grandpa

William and I arrived back to Virginia in time for dinner and evening activities with the granddaughters. Here is Grandpa reading with princesses.



Day 11 - Welcome Home Blossoms

We made it home to find our apple trees in bloom. They are beautiful.