Derek's Graduation Week Part 2

On Wednesday Jayce and I took Grandma and Grandpa to Old Town. We went to the Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center. It is very fun and interactive. We watched a few short movies about how the Saints were asked to enlist in the U.S. Army to help in the war with Mexico. Jayce got to outfit like a soldier -

After that, Grandma and Jayce panned for gold!

And they struck it rich!!

 Jayce also learned how to wash clothes 

 and pump water from a well.

When we got home Grandpa was pooped and had to take a rest. And where else would Pennie be?

On Wednesday night we were privileged to attend a piano recital for Derek's friend, Whitney Peterson. It was amazing!! Her pieces were so upbeat and beautiful! Almost as beautiful as she is!

Thursday was the big day!! Derek had graduation rehearsal all morning, and then the shuttling to the stadium began. I went early with the Grandfathers to save seats, Mark dropped off the Grandmothers half an hour before showtime, and then he parked and took the shuttle over. Whew!

The feeling as they began to play Pomp and Circumstance is truly beyond words. As I saw the graduates march into the stadium, and then finding Derek among them, was an incredible feeling! I think I am more proud than most parents because I have lived through a child who didn't choose to accomplish high school. Caitlin and Derek's graduations were especially sweet. I am so grateful! 

 Marching in. Can you find him?

Mr. Cassen, the principal, making opening remarks.

 In the line for his handshake and diploma.

 Handshake.

 Diploma.

 Mr. Cassen congratulating Derek.

 Mr. Peterson, Derek's English teacher.

 Mrs. Ingram, Biology.

 Mr. Johnson, Calculus.

 Mr. Hymes, baseball coach and History teacher.

 Mr. Oliver, Chemistry.

 Pointing at...

 Jamal! (I can't believe he makes a cameo appearance on my blog! It's for you, Cait!)

It was tough to find Derek after the ceremony. We forgot to pick a meeting place. Hopefully we'll remember to do that when Cody graduates because it was CRAZY! Mark stood on a chair and we finally found him!

After graduation, we had to hurry home because Derek had a baseball game! We fed the grandparents, then I and the Grandpas hurried over to watch the game. The Grandmas took the night off. Once in a lifetime to have both grandpas at Derek's game!

Afterward, we had cake and opened graduation presents. Wahoo, it was fun! And we managed to surprise Derek, which is difficult to do! Check out this awesome cake made by Bertha...she was the gal who made the amazingly delicious cake and cupcakes for Caitlin's wedding!

 Card from Grandparents Sutherland, with a hefty check which will go into the bank for his mission fund.

 Card from Grandparents Barrow with a Sports Authority gift card.

 And, yes, a laptop for the college bound man!!

 I think he was happy...I hope he was happy...you can't really tell with Derek sometimes.

Well, these are the goods -

Next stop...BYU Idaho in September!!

What a great week! So grateful to have good kids!

Graduation Week Part 1

Sunday was seminary graduation!! We are so proud of Derek and deeply grateful for the great young man he is. Here is a picture of his senior seminary class: (Thanks so much to Fred Leavitt for the pictures!)

Tyler Winston and Derek have been friends since elementary school. He came to support Sarah and Derek at graduation. Sarah has been such a good friend to Derek.

 Cuties! Just in case anyone is wondering...Sarah is Tyler's girl...until she leaves for college, that is.

 Sarah and Derek were the only students recognized for having PERFECT attendance at seminary. This means they were physically AT seminary each and every single day for four years. Many students get 100% attendance, which means if they ever had to miss a day, they were able to make it up by doing some make up work outside of class. But Derek and Sarah had 100% (obviously) and perfect attendance. An amazing feat, really!

Also on Sunday, Grandma and Grandpa Barrow arrived!!! We love having them, especially Jayce. You can't tell, but in his hand is a fishing lure. He was getting psyched to go fishing with Grandpa. 

Grandpa is teaching him the ways of the fisherman...

They actually went fishing on Monday, after a quick stop at "Up and Down Burger" (Grandpa's version of In N Out Burger). When Jayce forgot to order a plain burger with only ketchup and mustard, he got it with everything on it. Grandpa told him he had to eat it...if he was a real fisherman. The other burger would've been a "wimp burger". And Jayce ate it! Only for Grandpa!

 Of course, no visit would be complete without a Padres game!! 

 The Padres lost 3-0, and I hate those kind of games. I watched it at home and had to turn it off in the 8th inning when it was only 1-0. I like more hits and run. Sheesh. But, we still love our Padres!

Today Derek had the senior breakfast where they distributed the caps and gowns. Here is his cap with his tassle!!! Oh my goodness!! And this book was a gift from the stake for getting seminary perfect attendance.

 And the graduation gown. I can't believe it's real. I don't think Derek can either. He's kind of quiet about the whole graduation thing. His routine has been disrupted and change is always hard :).

We are having a great week and looking forward to the next few days! 

Pitching

I remember when Derek first starting pitching...probably 8 years ago. I was a nervous wreck anytime he was on the mound. Now as he ends his high school baseball days, I am much calmer. He is still so fun to watch.

We even brought Pennie to the game this time. She loved it! I wanted her to just sit on my lap so I could stay in the deer blanket and watch the game. 

But she would have none of that. She wanted to be out, exploring. Silly dog. We didn't stay at the game long.

We are down to the last few days of school. Derek's last day is Monday. I can't believe he's graduating. Seriously. I think I need to do a post with some of his growing up pictures...stay tuned for that!

Memorial Day

Okay, so I'm a little slow in posting these pictures. I think it's a been a busy week. I'm not sure. It's kind of a blur...

We had a few families over for a BBQ on Memorial Day. It was super fun. We started off with a hike to the waterfall, but a couple of us stayed home to work on food.

 San Diego certainly has it's desert beauty...

After the hike, and a yummy BBQ, we all gathered int he back yard for a FHE lesson. The kids had a great time.

I love our ward family!!