She has been in college for a long time, like 10 years, and now it is finally over! (She swears she is not going for the P.H.D.) She worked very hard to get to this point and I am so proud of her! Her accomplishments are truly amazing and inspiring, she even graduated with honors! She is so smart!! Her dedication and passion to helping people is what always pushed her forward, keeping her goals in mind. She has always had a full time job while going to school and working for her required internships. There have been plenty of struggles along the way, earning this diploma was not easy! She took it all in stride, making it look like a piece of cake! Piece of cake or not, it's done! She will be out there soon helping those who need it most and doing her part to make the world a better place!
There were something like 8,000 graduates this year. Luckily they break it up into several graduations depending on your major. There was about 800 students that graduated from the department that Eileen was in. Most of the graduates had earned their BA, there was a considerably smaller number who had earned their masters.
After the ceremony we all got together at my Aunt Marilyn's house for a BBQ celebration in honor of Eileen. Joe and Vanessa got plenty of practice with my two darling, slightly high maintenance children. Not that they need any practice, they are going to be wonderful parents!
Alana was so excited to see her cousin Ella! They spent the evening playing and having a great time! They are so cute!
Alana spending some time with her favorite person, Grammy! And Grammy spending some time with her favorite person, Alana!
Even though they were leaving for their summer trip to Montana the next day, Mary and Shelly came to celebrate Eileen's major accomplishment! And we are so glad they did, we love having them around!
Alana was so happy to see Aunt Marilyn, who she talks to on the computer via web cam all the time. Being there in person is so much better, you can't give hugs and snuggle through the computer!
Rene and Cael are doing a good job making Ella a little jealous as Cael snuggles up on Rene's lap! Chaz was out of town and could not come (we missed you) so Rene bought date instead! Wait did I say date? I meant friend, just a friend!
And of course cake! It's not a real party without cake! It was so great to see everybody, I love hanging out with my family, they are all so much fun! Thank you to everyone for coming to honor Eileen on this special day! Congratulations Eileen!! I love you so much and could not be prouder of you. You are the kind of person who truly makes this world a better place. I know that you will be successful in whatever you do. Where ever you end up will be so lucky to get someone with your passion, drive, determination and kindness. I know that you have had a profound affect on the people you have already helped and will continue to do so in the future. It is rare to find someone as selfless as you are, you do good things for people and I admire you for that. You see the good in everybody and do an amazing job bringing it out of people. Everybody needs someone like you in their life, so many people will be blessed to have you to help them through. You are awesome!!! Look out world, here she comes!