Graduation!!!

I can't believe he finally graduated!! He's been in college since before I even met him in 2000, so it's been a long road. I remember back 3 years ago thinking that 3 more years sounded like an eternity.... While it has seemed like an eternity in some respects, it almost crept up too quickly at the same time. It's so strange to finally be done with school. It's a really surreal feeling. Derk managed to graduate at the top of his class (4.0, baby!!) on top of having 3 kids. It amazes me.

The fun began yesterday for us. My mom came down with my sister Abby, her husband James, their son Logan and my brother Jonathan. Derk's best friend Mikey came down last night as well. We had a fun evening going out to dinner (go, Mexican!), and then we came back to our place and watched Logan beat Asher up. It was hilarious, and Derk and I both decided we needed to start watching some wrestling, for poor Asher's sake. :) Those 2 boys are more than adorable playing together.

We had to be up early this morning because graduation started at 9:30. That meant we had to be at the Kibbie Dome by 8:30 to get good seats. Then, my sister Katie, her husband John, their daughter Jonni, Derk's mom, sisters Jenna and Jessica, Jenna's husband Kevan and their daughter Zariah all came down this morning. After much walking around, trying to figure out where the best spot to sit would be, we finally settled on a spot. The kids were so proud of their Daddy and had fun looking for him amongst all the grads. They got so excited when they finally spotted him, and I was grateful at that moment that Derk graduated when he did because it was just so special having our 3 kids there supporting and loving their Daddy.

After a few pretty long talks from several people from the college, it was finally time to start handing out diplomas. Luckily the Masters students were first in line, so it didn't take too long to see Derk graduate. We were pretty far back, so the only shot I could get was on the monitor (and it's really awful), but one of the Kibbie Dome staff told me they had people up front taking pictures of all the grads as they walked across the stage and that they'll be mailing the pictures out to the families. Whew. I just swelled with pride as I heard them say, "Derk Scott Stephens, Masters of Education".

We came back home and let the kids all have a blast playing while we waited for Derk to get home (the college asked all the grads to stay through the entire ceremony). We made a yummy lunch of tortellini soup and homemade breadsticks and took tons of pictures afterward. My mom made a really touching toast to Derk with sparkling cider, and I just loved seeing how proud of Derk everyone was.

Some family pictures.


My mom and Kyrie.


My mom and Asher (don't ask what's up with Asher's face, because I have no idea!).

Pictures with Derk's mom. The Dean (or whoever it was who spoke...too busy fussing with kids to remember) said the grads all needed to remember they wouldn't even be here without their moms, said it was no coincidence that the ceremony was held the day before Mother's Day and reminded them to remember their mothers. Derk's mom is such a special lady, and we sure love her!

Today was even more special because it was kind of a joint graduation party. Kyrie graduates from Kindergarten in about 2 weeks, so we took the opportunity today to give her a gift of her own as Derk was opening his. She was so excited! We've had it for about 3 weeks now, and it's been so hard not to give it to her before now. Okay, okay, I'll admit it. The reason we didn't wait until her actual graduation was because we were just too darn excited. She's so thrilled to have her very own iPod (mp3 player, but basically the same thing).

I'm so grateful for such a wonderful day to celebrate my husband and all his hard work and effort over the past few years. Our families were so awesome to come down and show their love and support. We love all of you and are so glad you got to share in this special day with us!

CONGRATULATIONS, DERK!!! I love you so very much,
and I am so proud of all you've accomplished!!

WE DID IT!!!!!