Graduation

My sister graduated last weekend from Kansas State. It was such a fun and exciting day, and I was a proud big sister. I am definitely getting sentimental and much more emotional in my "older" years. Yes, I even shed a few tears. I think no matter how old my sister gets, I will always be protective, see her as my baby sister, and act like her second mother bossing her around. Seriously, when we're 87 and 82, I will still be telling her what to do. Don't worry, she loves all my wonderful advice.;)

The day started off with a quick drive West with my mom, dad, and papa (who had flown in from Texas) to the Little Apple. My sister and three of her four roommates were graduating, so they had a little party going on with all kinds of food and drinks for all their family and friends.

 The grads

 Pretty roomies - these girls are seriously the sweetest ever

Sisters!

 My family minus my hubby

My dad and sister - he looks so proud :)

After a quick bite to eat, my grandparents and aunt and uncle showed up and we were off to Bramlage for the ceremony. To be honest, it was a long and boring ceremony. My sister and I were texting back and forth and laughing that we were both even on Facebook at one point, lol. But once my sister's name was called, I was suddenly choking back the tears. 

 Bag pipes to start the ceremony

 Walking in

 There's me taking her picture - I love that my dad captured this moment of the two of us

 She did it!

 After the ceremony with Grandma Greenough, Mom, Brett & Jo Spear (good family friends who came out too), and Papa

 Bill Snyder Stadium behind us

 My sister's good friend Karen - they have been friends since elementary school :)

After the ceremony, we took the typical K-State sign pictures and then went to dinner at the Little Apple Brewery. Yum!!

 This was extra special for me because I never got to do this for my graduation due to an ice storm that prevented me from going to my graduation ceremony. I love that we got to do this together. :)

 Family dinner celebration - we are all so proud!

I am so happy for my sister and wish her the best of luck as she begins grad school in just a few weeks. She is going to be a marriage and family therapist, and I know she will be amazing and love this job; she's also very good at giving her big sister good advice. I love you sissy and good luck!

My sister-in-law also graduated from grad school last weekend which is why my hubby is absent in the photos; he and my brother-in-law drove to Chicago to support her and help her move to her new downtown apartment. Kati, I am so proud of you too and wish you the best of luck as you prepare for med school! Love ya sis!

 Kati and my MIL Donna - you both look beautiful!

 Owens kiddos and their mama :)

Lastly, I wanted to share a little about my school's graduation ceremony that was held last night. We had the biggest turn out of students and parents that I have ever seen. We asked if anyone would like to say anything, and we had 15 plus students step up to speak. Most speeches consisted of saying thank you to the staff, and many said that without us they wouldn't have graduated. We didn't know if anyone would even come up, and at one point three students were "fighting" over the mic. It was so special and definitely brought us all to tears. Again, I'm getting so emotional in my old age.;) It was such a great reminder of why I do what I do. With all the stress teachers often experience, and especially after a fairly challenging year for me, I found myself thinking it was all worth it for this moment. I'm so proud and wish the class of 2012 the best of luck in their future!