Congratulations Graduates!

Spencer and Erica with Spencer's mom Betsy Ricks. It was so nice to see her!

Jenna and Chris

Spencer just after receiving his diploma

Erica just after receiving her diploma

Awww! Matching outfits!

Dave, Betsy, and Erica

Mark Jackson and Erica

Jenna and Mark

Erica, Spencer, and Chris all graduated from BYU in April so Dave and I made the trip out to Utah to see them graduate and celebrate with them! It was very nice of them all to graduate at them same time. It made it much more convenient for us. To make it an even more efficient trip, Dave scheduled a business trip in Utah that week (work then paid for his plane ticket, verrry smart!).

Dave flew out on Tuesday and I flew out on Wednesday. The Metros (from our branch) were on the plane so it was nice to have a little company. Thursday we got to spend a little time with the Armitages who just moved to Utah from our branch. We also did a little shopping in the BYU bookstore (it's a must) and very fittingly ran into some old friends who used to live in Montgomery, the Dillons. I say fittingly because we ran into them in August when we were dropping Andrea off for her freshman year.

That evening was the Convocation in the Marriott center. For those who have never been there, the place is huge! and the seats are very uncomfortable. President Uchtdorf and Elder Russell M. Nelson both spoke. I remember that the talks were excellent but couldn't tell you what they said right now. We sat by the Mullens (Chris' family-Michael, Ann Marie, and Joseph). At one point Jenna and I looked down the row and everyone else was asleep. It really was good but you know...it was a little warm in there. We took pictures outside in the mad crush of people (see above) and then went off to dinner. Spencer's family (Mom Betsy, sister Rebecca and Grandpa Welby) and JoEllen all joined us for a wonderful and fun meal at Macaroni Grill. Spencer's and Chris' family hadn't met before this but they got along very well as I knew they would!

The next day was all Commencement, more than anyone would ever really want but we were very glad to be there. It was a total of 8 hours in the Marriott, yes those hard little chairs, starting at 8 am with Spencer's commencement, the College of Humanities. Spencer graduated with a degree in Spanish and will be attending law school in the fall, most likely at NYU. Next came Erica at 11 am. She graduated with a degree in Sociology, although officially she won't be finished until the end of spring term. She wants to get a master's in Social Work. We ran into Mark Jackson, a friend from Montgomery. He was Jenna's first prom date. We had a break for lunch and a little rest at Erica's place and then back to the Marriott for Chris' commencement. He received his Master's of Accountancy degree and will be working in Boston (yeah!) starting in August.

It was very interesting to compare the 3 commencements. The College of Humanities had the best student speech, she was really good. And probably the best music as well (big surprise) The best speech overall was Matt Holland's speech at the College of Home, Family, and Social Sciences commencement. He was great! Andrea had him for American Heritage this year and loved him. Too bad he's leaving to be the President of Utah Valley University.

We then split up-the Mullens to Salt Lake for a big meal with extended family but we decided to stay in Provo because it was getting late so I got to have my chimichanga. We left for home the next day but not without running into one more, or two more, familiar faces at the airport. The Moores, from our ward in Montgomery, had been in Utah for their son's graduation. So good to see them!

We had a great time in Utah and are very proud of the graduates!!