Grad Weekend

Tom's graduation weekend was nonstop and lots of fun. Graduation was the best part, of course, but we also fit in some SoCal essentials.

The first stop was Disneyland with Grandma and Grandpa Seguine. Unfortunately, Tom had to work. This may be Shelby's last trip for awhile as she turns three in a few short weeks (THREE?!?). So she won't get in free anymore. Boo.

Grandma and Grandpa love Disneyland. They're both Southern California natives and had their first date here. Aw! We went on the day before their anniversary, too. Fun timing. 

Monkeying around with Grandpa. 

Shelby loves anything hands-on.

She thought twice about climbing the Tarzan tree.

Cute grandparents with grandbaby #19!

Reliving that first date. The Jungle Cruise brings back memories.

Shelby, we all thought the jokes were lame too.

 There was a special carnival to get everyone excited for the new Brave movie, so Shelby got to play some fun games. 

This was her favorite, but for her there was less tossing and more placing the ball deliberately into the hole.

Spinning the wheel to find her clan.

Crayon rubbings.

The kids were worn out in the afternoon, so we loaded Shelby up with sugar before the parade...

Her first cotton candy!

Don't worry, mom - I'll finish that frozen banana for you.

...but this is how they both spent the entire parade. 

No amount of music, dance, or drumline could snap them out of slumber.

Tom joined us that night for dinner in Downtown Disney. At the restaurant, Cameron had his first high chair experience. He's growing up so fast!

Grandpa's sweatshirt perfectly propped him up. Too bad he couldn't sample any of the food he spent the evening staring at.

On to graduation day! No amount of Friday afternoon 405 freeway traffic could keep us away, but boy did it try. The graduation was outside in the middle of the gorgeous UCLA campus, and it was such an oasis compared to the chaos of getting there. Thankfully mom and dad Seguine saved us seats.

We flipped to Tom's name in the program, only to find an asterisk next to his name distinguishing him as part of the top 15% in the class. I'm so proud! And not at all surprised; he worked hard.

Tom's program is called the FEMBA - Fully Employed MBA. His class consisted of people working full time and going to school on top of that. Not to mention juggling family, social life, and for Tom, church callings. It is an amazing program and UCLA is a fantastic school. Tom got so much out of it and is thrilled to have an MBA to his name. It was a lot of work and I'm glad he stuck with it for three long years. The experience has been a blessing and I'm sure it will continue to be.

Tassel face!

That's better.

The kiddos. They're his best cheerleaders.

She was so excited to find dad among all of the "square hat people".

Tickle, tickle!

Mom Seguine is SO excited to have another Bruin in the family!

I like Tom.

Tom looked great in his graduation duds. I was so proud to stand next to him. After graduation we celebrated at Fleming's and basked in the joy of being done with school. It was such an exciting day and a good way to round out the MBA experience.

We hit the beach the next day with Grandma and Grandpa Garner. On the walk over, a bird pooped on Cameron! My worst fear realized! Thank goodness he had on a hat.

Was the evil bird aiming for him? It's a direct hit!

Tom and Shelby are excellent sand castle builders.

Bird poop won't get him down! Cameron spent the time on a blanket rolling over. He's a pro now!

Cameron wanted to help with the sand castle construction. He didn't get the memo that eating the tools is counterproductive.

 We loved sharing the weekend and Tom's big day with both grandmas and grandpas. We are lucky to be surrounded by family so often. I'm so proud of Tom and excited to see what life throws our way next.