The Big Day Has Finally Come

I know I'm a week late, but this event could not be overlooked.  I mean if I blog about what I made for dinner last night then I can't ignore my doctoral graduation!  It was a very fun two days of celebrating with my classmates, family, and friends.  

Meet my classmates:

They have been my sanity, my partners, my encouragement, my comic relief for the last 3 years of being holed up in a classroom without windows for 8 hours a day.  You heard me right, we had no windows for the 1st 2 years.  I think it has to be some kind of torture method to encourage further studying.

We like to have fun too!

The official graduation festivities began with our hooding.  It's wear the doctoral hoods, part of our ceremonial regalia, are officially placed on us.  We had to take lots of pictures.

Being hooded by Dr. Halle, the head of our department.

 I'm maybe a little excited to show off my new attire.

Graduation dinner.  Basically a game of how many times we can pass Cubby back and forth over the table and make him laugh.

The official graduation was boring but exciting nonetheless.  I am thankful for an august graduation that is small and slightly less formal.  Now that the whole family is here its time for more pictures.  Unfortunately, the lighting is poor.  

 Finally, Dr. Courtney Steele, DPT

 Everyone wants a picture with Cubby.

We tried to make Coleman wear my hat.  He did not approve but chose rather to eat it.  Typical 8 month old...Putting everything he can in his mouth.  Luckily he is the cutest thing in the Cross family and we let him do whatever (that is safe that is and if its okay with his parents.)

Sorry for all the pictures, but I just got them from my sister and I like pictures.  Thanks for bearing with me for the past 3 years.  I know I have been moody, short, stressed out, and exhausted, and you all have been encouraging, understanding, and a great support system.  I appreciate it more than you know!