In Which Ryan GRADUATES

Saturday was a momentous day for our family. We attended Ryan's graduation from Eastern Washington University with a BS in Geology. This has been a very long road for all of us, and while we're still staring two more years of school in the face for his Master's program, it was extremely gratifying to see this particular chapter of our lives come to a close.

We were not the only ones there to celebrate the big day. 2,500 students walked at the graduation for undergraduate degrees (There was a seperate ceremony for Master's students that afternoon). This was also reflected in the amount of traffic pouring into little Cheney, Washington. Cheney lies 6.5 miles from the freeway, 18 miles outside of Spokane. With still a mile to go to the Cheney freeway exit we hit a standstill. We eventually crawled into town and hustled to the stadium where the stands were filled and the graduates had already begun walking in. It all worked out in the end; we eventually found seats, and Ryan found his department and then Commencement began.

Everybody was very brief in their remarks, which was very much appreciated by all in attendance in the hot, hot sun. Among the caveats offered was one by a student who reminded them, "Beer before liquor, never been sicker. Liquor before beer, you're in the clear." Super. The one exception to the brevity were the remarks from a Russian professer from Russia for some award. She apparently didn't get the memo. But then finally, FINALLY it was time for the main event.

I don't know how it works at other schools' graduations but at Eastern you write your name on a slip of paper and hand it to the professor announcing names. Among Ryan's graduating class we had Captain Jack Sparrow, Lakewood's Finest, and Ryan "Rocks" Carter. After the ceremony we met back up and had a quick lunch and then took a few pictures before all the boys piled into the car to head over to Lynnwood for Uncle Brent's high school graduation that night.

That last picture is because we ALL graduated. While Ryan is the one to actually earn the degree we ALL worked hard and made sacrifices in order for him to be able to do it. We are so very proud of Ryan. He is the very first University graduate from his immediate family, and that is a HUGE accomplishment. Congratulations Ry!

We have video of Ryan walking but the file is too big for blogger's maximum size and I don't know how to edit it. If you can tell me and it works, I'll send you a cookie PLUS I'll be able to post the video!