GRaDuaTIoN

Saturday, May 12, 2012.

I don't think I ever, seriously, thought this day would come. I mean in all reality, I never pictured it. I think maybe subconsciously I figured if all I did was focus on the end, I wouldn't enjoy the middle. And the middle was a blast! I wouldn't have changed these past 4 years for anything. I can only consider our experience in Buffalo to be the biggest blessing. When Travis applied, it looked like his most serious options were going to  be the Arizona dental school, A.T. Still, and Buffalo. At the time, we literally lived 5 miles up the road from A.T. Still. We joked that we could either stay exactly where we were and have almost nothing change. OR we could move over 2,000 miles, across the country and go to Buffalo. And after a lot of consideration and prayer, we knew we were supposed to go to Buffalo. I'm tearing up just thinking about it! I just feel so grateful. But I don't want to get all mushy yet! This was a happy day!

That morning we had very minimal food left in our fridge, one pot I had left out, a blender and a skillet. Mostly just because the skillet was too big for any of the other boxes right then. So I mixed the pancake batter in the pot, made the bacon, eggs and pancakes on the skillet. Flipped them with a plastic fork and make orange juice in the blender. I was kinda proud of myself. And I even scrounged up a graduation sign that I remembered I had probably back from ASU graduation. We were eating in style! :)

I can't even remember what we did the rest of the day, but probably just packed. Graduation was at 5pm, but the graduates had to be there at 4pm, so trusty Doug came by to pick up Trav. I had to take a picture. They have been carpooling buddies for the entire 4 years. And bless Doug for it! I don't think we could have managed this whole time with only one car without the Shaws. We owe them big time.

What handsome guys!!

Doug's parents were in town for the graduation so Paula, Carrie and I sat next to them and Rachel. I had dropped the boys off at Mallory's house so I could sit through the ceremony in peace. And I'm SO glad I did! It was so so so nice to be able to just sit and listen and take pictures and video tape without those two yahoos crawling all over me. 

Oh, on a separate note, this has to be added. After my mom's visit, two weeks ago, I couldn't find my video camera. I don't tape a lot, but I really wanted it for graduation and moving. I was beside myself. We thought of all the possible places it could be, searched the house, called the rental car company, called the Hill Cumorah, prayed, etc. etc. No camera. I finally called the rental car company again and plead my case and asked if I could come myself to search the car, but it was rented out again and wouldn't be returned until Sat. at 2pm. That gave me 2 1/2 hours to go get it, charge the battery and make it to graduation. And that was even if they found it! My dad didn't have much hope. He had rented cars for years... been on a first name basis with Avis, and never had anything returned from a rental car. Not even a phone cord. But I knew my mom was praying and she will probably be buried with her video camera, so I knew her heart was in this and her prayers would probably count double. Saturday morning came and I called just to check in, see if there was any news. I plead my case again to the lady who said her shift ended at 5pm and she would try to call me by then. At 3pm, my phone rang. It was a guy from Thrifty rental. He said, ".. they did find my camera." I stammered. "You said you DID, or DIDN'T find my camera?" He paused, "Yes, we DID find it." "OH MY GOSH!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! OH MY GOSH, THAT'S WONDERFUL! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! THIS IS SO GREAT! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!" He kind of chuckled. I don't think he knew what to do with me. And that folks, is the miracle of graduation day. For those that care anything about home videos.

The speeches were actually very nice. The president of the ADA happened to go to the Buffalo dental school and has a son in his third year there and he gave a really nice talk. Their class president, Nicole, also gave a funny, meaningful speech. 

And then it was time for the names to be called and each graduate to be "hooded", or have the hood draped around their neck by the dean. 

 I thought it was strange that the graduates were seated in the front of the auditorium instead of on the stage for us to see, but they came into the room and left in procession, so we could see everyone that way. When they first walked in, was when I got a little choked up. It was so surreal. Like, can this really be happening? So much work, SO much studying, testing, lectures and time have gone into this moment. Their president, Nicole said in her speech that they had taken something like over 3,000 tests. I can't count how many times I would be heading to bed and Trav would be in the Lazy Boy, with his computer in his lap, going over slides or lectures. I'd give him a kiss and glance over at the screen and think, "Ugh, I'm soooo glad I don't have to learn that." And I like school and learning! But that stuff, no way. Science is a whole other ball game and it was not easy material to learn. Just staring at the slide made my head hurt. 

He would also readily admit that the practical, hands on part was his favorite and what he felt comfortable with. It was the book work that gave him a headache. And there was a lot of book work! I am so grateful for all the effort that he put into this degree. This was a goal that he made way back in junior high. A measly 22 years of school in the making! I was just crazy proud of him.

Travis K. Evans, Doctor of Dental Surgery!

Here they are at the White Coat ceremony the beginning of first year. They've been through a lot together!

The {Mormons}, just missing Pace and Ryan.

I HAD to get a pic with him and Arie. 

Arie bats for the other team and Trav notoriously has trouble with those that play for that side. But on accident, they were made lab partners way back in first year. I teased him that it was meant to be. And I really believed that. I kind of love Arie. I think he's hysterical.

John's operatory was next to Trav's in the clinic so they were good friends.

Another {before} and {after}....

White Coat Ceremony

Graduation day!

We should be fist pumping or something.

Afterward, we picked up the boys and got them in bed so the neighbor twins could come babysit while we went to dinner. We had reservations at a fancier steak house called Black and Blue at 9pm. They gave us our own banquet room with a flat screen and everything. Not too shabby!

Rach and I decided we wanted to get a little something for the guys to commemorate the day and finally decided on some glasses with their new titles {embroidered... as Doug called it :)} on the front.

It's official! :)

Congratulations Dr. Evans!!! You did it!