Finally!

15-years after I graduated high school, I finally have my college degree. Finally!

Try telling a toddler where to find Mommy in a sea of black. I don't think she ever found me despite everyone's best effort.
Diploma in hand and making a quick exit. College of Science was 2nd to graduate, and for once my generic last name paid off. Alphabetically I was 30th in line, while a friend who's name started with an S was 309th. Yay to be an Anderson!!

Couldn't have done it without Gabe.

Obligitory candid self portrait...

Molly loved my tassel. Loved it. Wants to wear it everyday. When I tell her she can't wear it, asks me if I'll wear it again....

Who knew bike racks were just tall enough to become a tunnel for a little girl?

After sitting thru the ceremony, Molly ran and ran and ran and ran... I find it amazing we convinced her to sit still long enough to take a couple of family photos!

And now what has become an apparent tradition, the shot of Sara attempting to sleep thru the whole shebang.

Backyard Campout

Molly has been talking incessantly about going camping....that there will be stars, and frogs, and sleeping bags...she goes on and on and on and on...This despite the fact that she screamed all night every night last summer when we went camping.

So, when we heard about the Great American Backyard Campout we decided we were going to participate. And then Gabe picked up a trade for that weekend. Darn.

Today, Gabe got a twinkle in his eye, looked at Molly, and said "Hey Boo, want to go camping with Daddy?"

Setting up the tent

The final setup. Note Molly's 4-wheeler parked nearby in case a quick getaway is required.

Packing up her bag with a lovey, some books, and her binkie. She was very concerned we were going to forget her binkie...
...and they are headed out the back door

During the pre-bed story, Molly wasn't paying much attention. She kept asking if it was going to get dark soon, where were the stars, we go camping now?

Now I've got my fingers crossed she lasts the night....