Whew!

We are back. These past 6 days have been busy and fun. Wednesday Barbara, Emily and the girls came in to town to spend a few days with us before Chad's graduation. Thursday while Chad was finishing up his last class, the rest of us went to the zoo. The girls had fun, but neither one of them wanted to walk very much. Then Thursday afternoon Barbara took care of the girls while Chad and I took Emily climbing on a real rock. She did awesome! She climbed two different routes (really fast!) and made it up to the top on both of them. It was really windy that day, and stupid Lesley volunteered to strip the anchor (we had a top rope) and rappel down. The wind picked up quite a bit and I thought I was going to fly off the rock! Of course I was tied in, but it was still scary. I guess you had to be there to get what I'm talking about. So then Thursday night we went to Hugo's, which Chad likes to share with people who come visit us, really because it's another excuse for him to get to eat there. It was good as usual.

Friday was tiring. Other family (Dad & Ginny, Paul & Carolyn) began trickling in throughout the day. We did a little shopping in the morning and that afternoon Chad showed everyone who got in to town around the helicopter. I think it was even more windy out there than it had been the day before, so we didn't stay out there very long. Then we all came home and got ready for the potluck for Chad at the Moores'. It was really nice...I think about 30 people came. It was nice to see some people that we hadn't seen in a while and just get to visit with everyone. I think we were all exhausted by this point, and the graduation hadn't even happened yet.

Saturday morning everyone came over for breakfast and we went to the graduation, which started at 10. It was a really interesting ceremony and I thought it was neat how each graduate was "presented" by a faculty member, and then they each got to say something. It was cool to see all the different things that the graduates were interested in. I think Emily got some video of Chad's part in graduation, so check her blog sometime if you want to see what was said about him and what he said. Another interesting part of the graduation was the invocation which was an African-inspired dance. This ceremony was oh-so-Prescott College, but I really enjoyed it because it was so unique. And of course my heart swelled with pride as my wonderful husband completed this chapter of his life! The graduation took a good part of the day and we spent the rest of the day recovering and, of course, eating.

Sunday after church Chad and I drove over to Sedona to spend some time with Paul and Carolyn, who left a little bit ahead of us to spend a few days there. It was nice to relax by the pool after the busyness of the previous few days. We got back Monday evening and are both back at work today. We were so glad to have so many in the family come into town and it was great to spend time with everyone. But I have to be honest--I think I am getting more rest at work! :)

We'll post pictures soon.