Well, as the title suggests, I find that parenthood is the original long and winding road. It seems like there are seasons that we go through to get these children raised. If truth be known, I am amazed my parents let me live! Just suffice it to say I was a strong willed child. I did, however, make it through my youth and turned out to be a pretty good adult. By pretty good, I mean I made a living and paid taxes! My children are on their own paths now and I like to mark the big events.
Here were my goals for the kids many moons ago and how we did:
- survive the early toddler years √√√ for all 3 children
- ace the elementary school years and first communion √√√
- manage the middle school years √√√
- succeed in high school and confirmation √√√
- enjoy and conquer the college years √√ and working on the last checkmark
Patrick graduated this weekend from University of Oklahoma. Randy and I went to Norman for the convocation and to celebrate the milestone. We had a wonderful time, a fabulous dinner and a great visit. I took a few (I mean many) photos of the day’s events. I do need to mention it was freezing, rainy and 30 mph winds out of the North. I do not think we took our coats off all day. So without further ado, please check out the pics of Patrick’s day:
The Aviation Department graduation ceremony
Incoming!
Sea of caps and Patrick giving announcer his name card
And it is done
That was easy
Talking about his future perhaps?
After the ceremony, we headed over to the airport for punch, cookies and fellowship. They had all the cool OU planes on hand for us to use a photo ops. We took advantage:
OU King Air
Proud Dad
The shot with the parents
Just the guys!
Everyone but Emily
Just the graduate
And one more, because I can!
The boy
Now we are ready for all three children to be home for Christmas! I will then put a √√√ on the holiday.
I also had two nephews that graduated this fall. Austin finished up his masters at OSU and Nick finished his BS at UMKC. Dang, this is a great family and we are proud of these guys. Excited for that final √ in May 2014.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
As always, I love comments!
Congrats Patrick! These are all such wonderful pictures. Definitely need to print out one or two of those shots of Patrick and the plane-so good. The family shot is great too (even if I’m not in it). Glad y’all had a good time!
Yes, congrats Patrick. Very proud of you.
Cathy, great blog. Merry Christmas to all
Congrats to Patrick (and his parents)!
Way to go, Patrick!! The sky’s the limit! Congratulations!
Ill throw in my congratulations too for Patrick! Really honestly sad we won’t be able to make it down to big cedar this year for our usual holiday tradition. I’ll miss you guys and I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!
Yep, we will miss you! Hopefully we can see you all sometime soon. Merry Christmas to you also and enjoy the day off!