Matthew's BYU Graduation 2009

Here is a quick run through of our very busy few days in Utah. Matthew's graduation from the MBA program at BYU was held on April 23, 2009. It was also Brian's birthday so it will be easy for us to remember the date.

We didn't want to leave our car at the airport as we usually do because of the added expense. Don's and Gaylynne's schedules are always so busy we didn't want to bother them. Neal was doing the signs for a very nice customer and when the customer asked how much it would cost to put an additional sign on the limo. Neal bargained with him that it would only cost a trip to the airport.

So very early, about 5:30, on Thursday morning the limo arrived. Instead of putting the luggage into the trunk Neal opted to just thrust the suitcases in the car with us (thus spoiling my photo I teased).

Anyway, it was a very comfortable ride to the airport for both of us.

Neal posed for me. You can see how dark it was before the sun came up.

Lori and Andrew picked us up at the airport and we stopped for lunch on the way to her home. This next photo was taken in the afternoon as they left for the Marriott Center for the first part of the Graduation ceremonies.

Now, you can't figure out which of those grads is Matthew but Dad, Lori, Jen, and I can!!!

Andrew is wearing his "Future BYU Grad" T-shirt though he moved just as I took the shot and you can't read it.

This shot was taken before President Uchtdorf received his honorary degree from BYU. He seemed very humbled by the experience.

We all pledged allegience to the flag before the ceremony began. The feeling was quite powerful.

After the ceremony we gathered outside for photos and to await the arrival of Matthew's brother and mother. Apparently, Benjamin had something he had to do before they left Las Vegas and so they missed the ceremony on Thursday. Too bad because it was really wonderful. We heard from President Uchtdorf and Elder Nelson.

Yay, Matthew!!!

It had been a very busy and tiring day for Lori with all the preparations for the grad party she planned, taking care of Andrew, and visiting with guests. She prepared all of the food which was ready for us when we arrived back at their home. Jen had baked cookies and covered them with dark chocolate frosting. She also decorated the dining room and the stairs in the blue and white, and gold colors associated with BYU. It was awesome.

Notice the amount of snow on the mountains! It wasn't very cold though. This photo is of Matthew with his Mom and younger brother.

I wanted this photo of the velvet, well what would you call it? Sash, collar... I'm sure it has a name. It was truly beautiful.

Ahhhhh, they both look a little more relaxed.

Matthew and his mother, Debbie.

Jen took this family photo for us.

Then we took this photo of her with the graduating family.

Matthew opened his gift from us which was a lap desk that we purchased before Lori and Jen left for Utah. Lori and I spent a really long time selecting the wrap and ribbon so it would look just right. She took it back to Utah in the car so that we wouldn't have to bother with it on the airplane.

I think this was taken just before the speeches. These are honored guests and faculty at the Friday ceremony. In all there were over 6,000 graduates gathered together on Thursday and a decree was announced that they had all graduated. On Friday there were smaller groups and ceremonies according to their types of degrees where the grads received their sample diplomas.

Debbie enjoyed playing with Andrew and gave Lori some needed rest.

Though she probably doesn't realize the pressure she was under... This photo was shot as she awaited Matthew's name being called. Can you say "TENSE"????

And though it is a terrible photo... There he is on the big screen being presented with his diploma.

Congratulations... yada yada...blah blah...

And Daddy has graduated. Happiness abounds !!!

The grads stood to thanks spouses, parents, friends, faculty etc. for all of their help. ...And we're done.

On Saturday Lori again made us breakfast. Friday was French Toast dipped in oatmeal and cooked in butter. Sinfully delicious! On Saturday she treated us to omelets, also delicious.

We made arrangements to meet at Cabella's sporting goods store where we enjoyed window shopping, lunch, and playing games with guns. I found the perfect pistol for me. Small, light weight, and oh yeah, it had a pink handle! Ha Ha Ha Gotta get ready for Texas.

Lori and Jen chat about the amazing displays.

Benjamin and a video game.

Dad ordering a pulled pork sandwich and some chili cheese fries. Oh yummy!

Andrew slept most of the time we were at Cabella's.

Neal and Lori both got very high scores at this game. For all I know, the rest of the family and Jen may have too but I was busy watching Andrew sleep.

On Sunday morning we were suprised by snow which doesn't show up in this photo. But believe me it was coming down pretty heavy. Lori and Andrew drove us back to the airport and we said our sorrowful good-byes. They are going to be very busy moving to Southern California and we are excited to make plans for getting together again. Congratulations Matthew and Lori.