As of May 6th, 2022, I am officially graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree!

I’ll share a little more about the big day and our east coast trip to go with it very soon. First, I have to capture the amazing events that lead up to such a great celebration.

First off: a quick trim the day prior to leaving.

Something about leaving town is always a kick in the pants to get caught up on oddball chores, like haircuts. Or counting tape dispensers in the junk drawer & fighting national terrorists. I don’t make the rules, they just make sense.

Shopping snacks for the trip while my boys lined up every noisemaker in the next aisle and turned them on all at the same time. I can still hear this picture.

I allowed them a minute with their creation in the name of “childhood”, but promptly cleaned them up for the sake of all the patrons in Dollar Tree that day. Usually repetitive noises don’t bother me, but wow, those were an earful! The boys sure were pleased though. 🙂

Brought the kiddos along while I shopped for a pair of good walking shoes. Here’s a picture of them nicely playing “runaway kitties” before giving into rampage urges.

Also – holy cow shoes are expensive! Shoes I had looked at last August were now $20 – $30 more expensive today. Sheesh.

Sweet cards and flowers from my grandparents

The day before we headed out, I was munching through on a sleeve of Oreos tastefully snacking on raw beets when a friend told me to open the front door.

Turns out these darling friends came over for a surprise graduation party with cookies (my fave) and mocktails to celebrate graduation. This was SUCH a kind hearted gesture. (A couple women were unable to make it but joined us in spirit – love you Erin and Sommer!)

Seriously you guys, thank you for such a special celebration. This meant so so much.

And then… the time had come to leave for the big finale.

Thank you everyone who sent in well wishes and made an effort to celebrate graduation with me. That kind of love is something special. Love you all so much!!