Doug Done Grad-gee-ated

The end of April we made a road trip trek back to Billings, Montana to attend Doug's Graduation from MSUB.  We drove the car...J got to fly & meet us in Billings.  The nice thing is we got to stop in and see Dave & Judy & Kael in St. George where Judy was spending time with her mom. We got to see Kaytie & Jared & girls for a great pizza dinner.  Annie grabbed my hand after a couple minutes & I was whisked away as "grandma" to play. We got to see Trisha & Aaron & spend the night with them & their little kidlets making it a comfortable two day trip to Billings.

What is with snow & graduation??? The Montana hills & Billings welcomed us with snow. Just in case we missed it...

Impressive!! The graduation guy looking fine.

So this picture takes a bit of explanation.  J teaches on-line courses for MSUB.  He decided to take his gown & hood and ask if he could sit with the professors at the graduation.  If any one knows J..being the personable guy he is.. asked  & talked hard enough and was able to convince the powers that be, to let him be a part of the professor section.  They told him he also needed a cap, so last minute before grad started he had to race to the MSUB bookstore to purchase one. Phew--triumph!!

Little bro and big sister.

Doug in row straight ahead third one in with head down. Stacey & I were sitting right across from him.

"Are you getting this historic moment, mom?"

Receiving the long long looooong awaited recognition.

The brand new graduate, strolling confidently toward us.

The professor gang.

  The neat thing about J being part of this group was he was able to step away and greet Doug coming off the stage after receiving his diploma for a hand shake & hug

A proud moment...sniff, sniff

Time to celebrate!!! IHop here we be. Actually we went for lunch and then later really celebrated at our favorite Chinese place.  Then a trip to the infamous Candy Town USA, where J is on first name bases with all the Soda Jerks.

While in Billings we ran across the "big guy"

(This is actually an old room-mate of mine & her husband. Elin & Clint.  He is a professional "big guy" ssssssh aka Santa.) So good to see them again.