end of an era

Wow. Honestly. I don't know how else to express it. Wow.

What a whirlwind of activities, emotions, people, sights, sounds and it was all wonderful! Thank you to all of you who made it a simply wonderful weekend!

It all started Wednesday night when I had the wonderful opportunity of getting my mom from the airport. We visited some family in Salt Lake and then headed up to my lovely Grandma's house. It was SO good to see Grandma and Aunt Karen!! I love you and thank you for everything you do for me.

Thursday morning mom and I had the best of intentions to work hard, but those intentions actually left me to stay in my pajamas until 11 and accomplish virtually nothing. We got ready and hurried down to Provo for Commencement. I had arranged with Katie-Kate to meet at the fountain of the ASB. I have to say, I am so so blessed to have the very best friends in the entire world! I felt so grateful to have the opportunity to graduate with Katie and take part in such a huge step in both of our lives with someone that was there for every little step of the way. For all the ups and downs. All the late nights. All the laughs, the heart aches, the passing grades (unfortunately a little too few and far between-haha), the not so passing grades. The dinner nights. And most definitely, the bests and worsts. We had so much fun sitting together and basking in how surreal it all felt. I also had the opportunity to see Em after and I am so grateful for her! After some quick photo's Mom and I said bye to Rachel and went to the airport to get KATE!! I was so fortunate to have both Rachel and Kate and my mom there. They are simply the best and I know that the rest of the family would have been there in a heart beat had circumstances allowed.

Thursday was another busy day. We had to get to Provo earlier than the day before, had to get Rachel packed and loaded up to check out of the dorms and I'm not going to lie, it was a little stressful. But as soon as
we got things figured out it was just wonderful!! I had the opportunity to take pictures with Heather and Dr. S at the lab and to be more than honest, I wouldn't have made it through BYU without the lab. THANKS YOU!! The Convocation was amazing and luckily not too long! After I received my diploma and was walking down the stage, one of my very favorite and dear professors was at the bottom congratulating everyone. After a big hug from her and a walk back to my chair it all hit me and I am not prepared to be done with BYU. So who knows where my future will take me. We took more pictures afterward, with all the BYU sights. One of my personal favorites: Rachel and I hanging on the arm of the indian warrior...guy.

Friday night we headed up to the Scott's and were there to help get some ridiculously amazing food ready! Thank you immensely to the Scott's. Yet another reason why I made it through my BYU career. When they lived in Texas still I would go visit them once a year and that was a much needed break. After they moved to Utah let's just say that the visits were increased significantly in frequency. haha I love them! It's been such a blessing to have them so close. They have been WAY too kind too me and I will be forever indebted to them. Their home is a second home and has helped me when I as stressed, sick (o-the-sickness...haha) or just needing a good fill of children and a good talk with Mike and Marilyn. The dinner was so so good and it was just so fun to sit and bask in it all--to hear stories, to enjoy the kids and all the company!

Thank you to EVERYONE for your support for the past 4 1/2 years and for all you've done for me. I would not be where I am without all of you and your very important role in my life. I love you!

Congratulations! Here's to 5 years and counting! Yoo-Haloo!

Dr. Shiozawa. Bless him.

My beautiful sisters! Thanks again for being there and to all my family for the love and support.

hanging on the indian man's arm. I love Rachel. haha I'm sure going to miss you this summer!

classic.