Beginnings and well...beginnings

Last Friday (the 16th) Bob dropped Tubs and Lena off at the kennel, I fed Etta one last time and we loaded up in to the car and hit the road for Montana. Everyone says that this age is the best to travel. They are small and they sleep a lot. Well, both of those statements are true, but after almost 12 hours in the car, more specifically - strapped in the car seat, Etta was ready to be there. The drive wasn't bad at all. Beautiful weather, light traffic, just the very beginnings of road construction. All perfect conditions for the 500 mile drive to my home. But when it takes 40-60 minutes everytime you stop, the hours quickly add up.

But it was worth it...





(Sorry Grandma, didn't think to grab my camera until after you had already given her to the next person.)

Saturday we went to Erik's divisional track meet in Great Falls. No pictures of that glorious event because we were trying to find shade, stay cool and running shots don't turn out well with my camera anyway.

Sunday brought a different kind of beginnings. The beginning of the next stage of Erik's life. Grandma Cynthia was the commencement speaker and she did a fabulous job. We are all very proud of her poise and knowledge of each of the kids.



It was an emotional day for all. Bob said that he even teared up. Quite the feat. And Erik was showing his emotion as he gave all of his girls flowers and hugs.





But it was smiles all around after the ceremony was over. No matter how "normal" and expected it is for most people to graduate from high school these days, it is still a major stepping stone in life.







Erik will be off to Montana State University (MSU in Bozeman) in the fall to study music education. I have already looked at the football schedule and believe that we will be able to go to two football games to watch him march in the band. I think that it is the least that I can do since he came to so many of my games. It is quite a drive to Bozeman, but Interstate most of the way, and Etta will get used to it quickly, right?!

The whole weekend tired baby and daddy out. But they were able to get some shut eye together...