ConGRADUATIONs!

So this is only, like, 10 days overdue. I'll explain what we've been up to in a later post. Let's just say my ability to blog (or do anything productive for that matter) has been greatly hindered as of late.

Anyway, James graduated on May 1st! It was wonderful. President Monson spoke in the morning and our friend Kayla watched the kids so I could enjoy it. James' dad and mom were both able to come out for the festivities and cousin Jessie even made an appearance.


I picked up the kids in time for the actual "walking" portion of graduation (Convocations). And of course Owen started kicking up a fuss during the part where James was going to actually receive his diploma so I pretty much missed the moment and didn't get any video of it, but what matters most is that James is done! He finished! And we are so so so so proud of him!

We went to Cafe Rio for dinner then had cake and ice cream back at home. Then we all vegged out and watched a movie (it had been a very long day). Everyone had to leave on Saturday, so it was a really short visit, but we were just grateful to have family around to help us celebrate properly.


Here is a shot of Owen. He was crying in his car seat the entire time we were trying to take pictures after graduation. But he and Zoe had a blast with Jessie. Is there anyone in this world who doesn't?

FINALLY!

*I FINALLY got to see my nephew Devin for the first time since he got back from his mission. The last time I saw him, Zoe was 6 weeks old. He and his brother Dillon (who leaves for his mission in July) stayed with us last weekend so they could go to conference. My mom was also visiting so we had a bit of a full house. The kids slept in our room, my mom got the office, and the boys took the kids' room since Zoe's bed has a trundle. It worked out really well and I loved having my family here.

*James and I FINALLY got to go on a date. Our last one was in August. Yikes. Since my mom was here she held down the fort while we went out bowling, then got some ice cream, then trolled the isles at Wal-mart unhindered by little ones (not much to do in Payson after 9 pm obviously). It was bliss. Thanks Mom!

















*James FINALLY sold his Prelude that has been sitting, unused, in front of our house since December. He bought a new car several weeks ago but we're just now getting around to giving the Prelude the old heave-ho. It was bittersweet. But mostly sweet. Good luck, Dylan!

*After nearly 8 years, I'm FINALLY back in the Young Women's organization! Whoo! I got called as the secretary and I couldn't be more excited. Youth Conference, Girls Camp, Mutual, Dances, Girls Camp, Personal Progress, Service Projects, Girls Camp. And have I mentioned GIRLS CAMP? I simply cannot contain all the excitement that is percolating inside of me.

*It is FINALLY James' last week at school. He has a big presentation and a big project due on Wednesday so it will be a few more days before I get to see him on a regular basis, but the light at the end of one heck of a long tunnel is here. And it is a beautiful sight.

*Owen is FINALLY sleeping a little better at night. He usually goes down around 7:30, then wakes around 11 or 12, then sleeps through until about 6, then he goes back down until 8, unless Zoe gets to him first. I don't think we can call it sleeping through the night technically, but it's a lot closer than anything else he's done and I'll take it.