Graduation Recap

Thanks for waiting with bated breath.  Here’s a graduation weekend recap:

 

My Mom got into town the weekend prior, but I had been at work almost every day so Thursday was our “Saturday” together before the big celebration began.  We went to the farmers market for peaches, Matt joined us for breakfast downtown at Café Cappuccino (our table temporarily hosted pecan pancakes, gingerbread pancakes & Belgium waffles!) and then we drove out to Homestead Heritage to walk around in the fantastic weather and pick up homemade cream cheese apricot scones for brunch the next day.  

 

While we were out our good friend Thomas got into town from Houston (new wife Kayla stayed behind to recover from her PA school exams & a cold.)  He & Matt got some good visiting in before we met the Keaton’s & Wilson’s from SC at their hotel.  The 8 of us congregated back at our apartment just as Brock & Stefanie from Dallas got there.  The 10 of us exchanged introductions/hugs/etc and visited before the party Matt & I planned for later in the evening.  Soon it was time to pick up the cake, flowers & balloons so Stef, Mom & I headed out to set-up at Rudy’s BBQ!  (This is one of Matt’s favorite Waco restaurants.  He has benefited from using their wireless internet and enjoyed many breakfast burrito and smoked turkey meals with friends there).  Peg & Greg made perfect timing and arrived from the DFW airport just as we began greeting lots of great Waco friends & mentors.  Thank you everyone who made the effort to come out that evening; it was heart warming to look around the room and see so many faces that have helped us enjoy our time in Waco & supported us through Matt’s 5 years at Baylor.  We had a blast celebrating with you all.  Thank you!

 

Friday morning the apartment was prepped for brunch and soon we were smiling and laughing and eating with family & good friends all over again!  (Big thanks to Mom for helping with the banana bread & breakfast casserole).  Matt opened cards and before we knew it… it was time for another meal!  A giant sandwich from Subway fit the need before we packed up and headed to the Ferrell Center for GRADUATION!  The ceremony unfolded as expected with no hitches or particularly unique moments, however, I’ve never felt such a flush of pride as when the 18 doctoral graduates walked in and there was my husband.  I stood up so fast letting the things in my lap fall to the floor without a care as I pointed and announced to everyone “I see him!!!” 

 

After taking cap & gown & hood pictures we attended a doctoral dinner on campus at which all the graduates said a short sweet something.  It was nice to celebrate in a fancy way.  Afterward on our way to the cars we stopped at the bear pit and said sic’em to the furry mascots one last time.  Back at our apartment we gazed at a framed diploma and marveled over the long awaited fat lady's concert.  I’m pretty sure she sang the Hallelujah chorus.