Graduation Day!

We had one of those extra-fun parental experiences over the last three days as we made a quick trip down to Idaho to enjoy the company of our children and grandchildren and Ashley's graduation. The roads at this time of year are predictably yucky. This doesn't discourage us hearty Montanans, however...

 ...as we left Billings and drove into the storm, we discovered that our windshield wipers would not turn on. We had the windshield wiper motor replace just two months ago--apparently it didn't take. No wipers are kind of a problem when it's snowing wet snow, semi trucks blow past you spraying mud and slush onto your windshield, and the road is slick and icy, but you can't really see it.

 

 I drove and every few miles Stan got out and wiped. It was sloooow going on the way home.

We stayed with the Backman's and admired our cute Idaho grandkids.

Krew is the funniest little guy. He cracks us up. Here he's saying "Mom, that girl, her breathe on my toys!" I was careful not to point out that she was slobbering on them, too.

 Grandpa doesn't get to see these guys as much as I do, but Krew was totally into Grandpa. Here's Krew and Grandpa playing "Tickle Monster"

and "Grandpa, why is my toy dangling off of your ear?!?!?" It was fun to see these two playing.

 

Between packing up her room and finishing her semester's work, poor Megan was pretty much MIA.

 I think she's going to enjoy a little time off.

 

 Soon it was time for graduation. Cute little Brinlee could not wait to see her Mom get that diploma.

 Brinlee was amazing--she sat happily through hours and hours of speeches and ceremony without complaint. We just passed her back and forth, and she kept us all entertained. At 9 months old, she's crawling well and standing alone for several seconds. She's a bundle of activity and always smiling.

Elder Ballard gave an interesting and wonderful speech and then

it was time for Ashley to graduate. Here she is on the giant TV screen.

Getting her all-important empty diploma holder...

...and pausing for the "I am a graduate" pose.

Brinlee liked Mom's new hat

but thinks it looks better on her.

The proud parents and hubby

and the two cute, look-a-like sisters. Jorden stayed home with Krew, which was so nice- hours of sitting through the day with a two year old would have been tough.

  

I love this snugly picture of Brinlee and Grandpa....

...and this one too!

I'm pretty sure McKay and Ashley know everyone at BYU-I.

We went out for a celebration dinner. The new graduate seems to have a 'tude. That's okay Ashley, you're completely entitled. We are so proud of you, and we know how much work it's been to graduate with a baby in tow. You are amazing!

Stan and I drove home on Saturday, but I will be back in a week or so to collect Megan after she gets home from her Texas adventure!!