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Graduation Recap!

This won't contain a lot of pictures, for I'm not the best with my own camera. But, Lisa is posting some great photos! But I will say the past weekend was INCREDIBLE! So here is a little bulleted list of the amazingness.

  • First off, I am quite burnt out. With clinicals, critical care class (which is more challenging than my previous courses in nursing school - to say the very least), and preparing for the party. I can't remember the last time I had a "break". It has been go, go, go - and it probably won't "stop" for awhile! But all the prep and hard work was WELL worth it!
  • Wednesday, Lisa got in. We went for an amazing 6.5 mile hike. Since (I think) all of you read her blog, you can see pictures on her recap! :D (Thanks, Lisa!)

    Lisa & I hiking Madera Canyon
  • We then took her to our FAVORITE sushi restaraunt; Ra. It was a beautiful evening filled with tons of laughter, great conversation, and fantastic weather!
    • As a side note - that night was yet another happy reminder of how EVERYtime Lisa & I get together, we manage to find things to have many many long, belly laughs about memories. :)
  • Friday morning Mom and Dad came over to the house. I whipped together a quick breakfast - that we enjoyed out on our patio. And then the cooking began!
    • Ryan & my Dad managed to visit outside for about 3 hours, while us 3 ladies worked away in the kitchen doing "prep work" for the party!
  • We then headed to town and Ryan had his Pre-Commencement Ceremony.
    • This was with the Electrical and Computer Engineering School, and each graduate got to give a talk.
    • Tears nearly came out when Ryan got up and in addition to thanking his excellent instructors, mentors, and study-groups, he began with "I would like to thank my wife, Abigail, for her ongoing support and love." :-D
    • We had dinner with Ryan's dad, Grandma, my parents, and Lisa at one of our favorites in Tucson: a Microbrewery called Gentle Ben's. It was a fantastic evening! Absolutely perfect!
    Mom, Lisa, & I
    Dad, Ryan, and I - A nice picture with my 2 favorite guys in the whole wide world! :)
  • Saturday we were up early to get ready for the Graduation Ceremony!
    • Upon arriving to the ceremony, Ryan realized her forgot his graduation cap.
    • This was a stressful moment, to say the very least.
    • I encouraged him to not give up....and we found a stand selling caps and gown for other forgetful graduates ;)
  • The ceremony was great, filled with excellent speakers! It made me a little teary eyed (with joy) to think that Ryan is FINALLY DONE!!!!!!
  • We then headed home, for lots of prepping & cooking for the party.
  • Unfortunately, I was a little nervous about everything turning out perfect - so I probably wasn't the most pleasant "soul" to be around. Which I regret with every ounce of my heart now. I never see my family - and the precious time they had with me - I was "tense". :-(.
  • But, life goes on! For the party I made:
    • Shredded chicken tacos
    • Shredded beef tacos
    • Guacamole (which was a near mal-function due to non-ripe avocadoes - Mom & sister saved the day with a trip to the store to buy new avacadoes! :D)
    • Mango-Habenero Salsa (and lots of it!)
    • My famous black-bean recipe
    • a big veggie tray
    • And a cake - which was ordered....I don't do baking much ;)
  • The party was a success!
  • It was so great to see so many of the people that have been a part of our lives since we've moved to Tucson! And it meant the WORLD to have my parents and sister there!!! :-). I just wish I could've spent more time with them :(
  • Our last guests left at 2 am. Since I was up at 5:30 and went non-stop every day the prevoius week....
  • Sunday I C-R-A-S-H-E-D.
  • We cleaned up everything by 8 am, and the rest of the day; I thought I was ill. Probably just tired. But, wow. Body was not happy with me! So I recuperated before another week of absolute craziness!!
This was the 1st time we have cooked for more than, oh, 5 people. This time it was more like 30. So, I was a little uptight and nervous about the outcomes! But everthing worked out well - and I look forward to hopefully doing MUCH MORE entertaining in the future!! :)

I am a very proud wife. And happy to have my husband back! Too bad I am completely and utterly consumed in Critical Care right now...but in 5 weeks I will return to normalcy ;)


Comments

Great recap! I had so much fun! It was great to see where you & Ryan live. I can see why you enjoy living in Tucson.

And really - don't worry about the stressiness of Saturday afternoon. Anyone who has hosted a large group has been there. It's stressful! So don't apologize! Mom & I both know what it's like!

Good luck getting through this critical care unit!
Marlys said…
You did an awesome job, Abby, especially with all that is going on in your lives! I was extremely proud of you two, not only for your accomplishments but for you hospitality! We had a super time.
Tucson is really growing on us - Dad loves that you don't have to mow the lawn! :)!
Mandy said…
Congratulations on graduating!! I am sure it was a great weekend for you being able to have your sister and parents there with you.

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