Saturday, May 30, 2009

We did it!!

We did it! And yes, I said "we." Tyler may have done all the homework, but I struggled just as much as he did the past four years so that has to count for something, right? Generally I use sarcasm as a way to explain how pathetic our lives are, but this post may include some bragging. So please have a garbage can near just in case you may need to use it!

As most of you know, Tyler graduated about a week ago and the whole weekend couldn't have been more perfect. The weather was warm and sunny, the ceremony was beautiful, etc. At first we started to get nervous because the flights out of SLC weren't looking good and we thought some of the family members would get left in Utah while the rest of us partied here in Seattle. But, by some miracle, everyone got on the plane. When all of us had already given up hope, Tammy was praying and telling everyone that it was going to work out. And she was right.

In true Tad fashion, he had everything mapped out in a full itinerary. He had planned every detail down to where we would eat, sleep and who was going to ride in each car. Now I have to admit that the logistics of having so many people made it difficult and somewhat frustrating, but we still had a great time and were so glad that all the family could support us. Some of our activities included: going to the top of the Space Needle, riding the monorail, eating at the Crab Pot, taking the ferry over to Bainbridge Island, seeing the Mariners play the Redsox, etc.


This is Tyler's I'm-going-to-act-like-I'm-not-embarrassed-that-my-sister-is screaming-my-name-so-loud-that-everyone-in-Key-Arena-could-hear-it face.


Here he is getting robed by the dean. We were cheering so loud for him that he was embarrassed. The dean told him, "you have quite the cheering section there."


I think this picture is funny because the arrows are actually on the floor directing the graduates so they know which direction to walk, but they look like they are almost pointing right at Tyler.


Aaron, Brittney, and Tawney were so nice to support Tyler on his big day. I have to give them a special shout out because they have been really good to us these past few years. There were so many times we had no food and no money, and then all of a sudden we'd get a random phone call from them asking us to come over for dinner. We are so glad to have them as friends and hopefully we can return the favor someday.


The whole family. Thank you everyone for supporting Tyler through school and especially on this day.


This is Suzi, one of Tyler's best friends from school, with her family. Suzi has been really good to Tyler making sure he has his assignments turned in on time, etc. She has also given us too many rides to the airport to count. Tyler and Suzi were two of five graduates to earn a joint degree. Go Suzi and Tyler!


Tad and Tammy, only the best parents ever! They have helped us so much since we got married. We are forever indebted to them. Thank you for all your help and support.


This is our "we did it" picture!


Aaron and Tyler doing their we're-too-cool-for-school pose!

Like I said above, the event couldn't have been more perfect. I was so proud of Tyler that when all the graduates came walking out my eyes welled up with tears. But then I quickly remembered that we would be taking a million pictures after the ceremony and I didn't want to have the "cry face." He really worked hard and I was so proud that he was able to attain this goal and close this chapter of his life. We did it, but most importantly we did it together.

time to say goodbye

The day before Tyler's graduation we took his family around the campus to show them the law school. It was nice to see where Tyler has lived the past four years! We saw the law library, some of his classrooms, and the room where they do mock trials. It was also nice to say our last farewells to SU's campus.


Tyler standing outside of the law school. It was really bright that day and Tyler becomes completely uncooperative when he has to take pictures with the sun in his eyes.


Here he is cleaning out his locker. He kept a baseball card of Mark Grace in it for the past four years to bring him good luck.


All of us sitting next to the reflection pond outside of the chapel.

Goodbye Seattle University!

Friday, May 29, 2009

the light at the end of the tunnel is so close.......




Here is Tyler working hard to finish his very last law school final....ever! Tyler thinks it is weird that I wanted to take a picture of this, but I just wanted to capture this moment. I can't believe this is all coming to an end. I never thought I would say this, but I have mixed feelings about the days of us being students and how they are quickly coming to an end. Hopefully the next chapter of our lives will be just as exciting -- we will have to see....

Sandwich environmentalism



Apparently it is not cool to be just organic anymore, the new thing is to be organic and sustainable. Now, I'm not quite sure what that means, or how it differs from just being organic, but I don't really care too much. All I care about is that the food is good, and it is at Homegrown. It is one of my favorite places to have lunch.

My favorites are the grilled cheese, crab cake, or spicy black cod sandwich. Also, get the rutabaga fries and apple fennel slaw for sides, all are also delicious!