Graduation

The title post pretty much says it all: Graduation -- it happened!  At times I am tempted to pinch myself because it is so surreal to me and I'm afraid that I'll wake up from this dream.  As far as I know, this dream has come true!

The ceremony was great!  They even recognized the spouses and family members in the audience by standing as we have helped support the graduate students during this tedious process.  Yes, even I got a moments glory during the graduation.  I wonder if that means I'll get a "wife of a graduate student" diploma in the mail.  My guess is probably not.

It was so neat to see Nathan hooded by his advisor during the ceremony.  I can't believe that after 6 years this day has finally come and gone.  I am so proud of Nathan with all of his hard work.  What a trooper.

Before the picture overload begins I need to express my gratitude for our friends, the Standers and the Wards, for taking care of Hannah.  We could not have done this without your help, and we are so grateful to have such wonderful friends.
Now onto the pictures.

**Warning: Picture overload (we promised Nathan's parents we'd take lots of photos for them as they were unable to attend).**

This photo is of Nathan's advisor, Al, and his wife (who both LOVE Nathan).  I asked Carol if she comes to graduation every year with Al and she informed me that she hardly ever goes. Carol came this year though because she really wanted to see Nathan get hooded.  I almost broke down in tears when she told me that.  It meant so much to me that she came to see Nathan graduate.  What a sweet woman.

Here is Nathan coming down the stairs during the Processional.  Look at that cute smile.

This picture is of Sally Mason, the President of the University.  She is wearing the Presidential Emblem that was specially made for the President, and it has been worn by the University President since 1964.  I zoomed my camera in the whole way so that I could get a picture of that emblem.  I thought it was neat because she was the only one in the building who was wearing that.

The part that we were all waiting for--the hooding ceremony.  These shots are of Al placing the hood on Nathan.

What an accomplishment!

Look at these smiles.  I pretty much had the same smiles on my face too, but I didn't take any shots of me because this was Nathan's day! 

And here is the Recessional when Nathan left the floor.

After the ceremony, I had to take some pictures at Old Capitol.  I was afraid this place would be mobbed, but thankfully it was not.

And here is Nathan pulling out his suit pockets showing the world that we are totally broke!  After all, it is now time to start paying off those scary student loans!

And here are a few shots with Hannah.

And here is Nathan displaying the back of his robe and hood.

Congratulations Doctor!