Mo's WSU Graduation

On December 8, 2012 in Pullman, WA at the Beasley Coliseum we got to celebrate this guy:

We celebrated Moises' amazing accomplishment of graduating with High Honors from Washington State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree.  I would say that I am proud of Moises for meeting his education goals, but that just doesn't really seem to express how awesome I think he is and how much I admire him for his hard work and dedication towards obtaining his BSN degree.

His graduation was kind of a big deal.  Such a big deal in fact, that most of his immediate family secretly planned to fly out from Texas to be here in Washington and attend his graduation ceremony.  The secret was unfortunately prematurely revealed (which, although very disappointing, I suppose when too many people know a secret someone is eventually going to spill the beans.)  Either way, on that Friday afternoon we picked up Moises' sister Jezabel and her husband, Joel, his brother Eduardo and his wife Jennifer, and also his youngest brother Aldo from Seatac and we all drove 6+ hours to Pullman.  His dad also flew in and we met up with him in Pullman.  My dad and step-mom drove down from Sandpoint for the weekend, and my brother and his family came from Spokane and were also able to be there to show love and support to Mosies on his big day.  It was a fast, busy, crazy weekend that was worth the hassle of every minute. 

So here we all are.  Including Levi and Lexi, our cheering section filled up 15 seats!  I know that meant the world to Moises, having so many of his family there and watch him walk at graduation.  He may never admit to how big of a deal it was to him, but trust me, he was SO thrilled to have his family there!!

Just ignore those people in the front row... we don't know them. :)

Look closely and you can see a tiny orange hooded Levi sitting between 2 of his uncles.

Uncle Joel and Aunt Jezabel getting a turn holding Lexi.

 As you can see, I had no problems finding any "help" with the kids.  And neither one of them ever complained about getting so much attention from everyone.  As you scroll through the pictures, I think the kids may be in different arms or a different lap with each picture.

This was the first time for all the aunts and uncles (excluding Aunt Jezabel) to meet Lexi.

And this was the first time for Uncle Lalin to meet Levi as well.

Cousin Cameric!

Lexi with her cousin Caitlin and Aunt Candace.

Grandma and Grandpa!!

Look who I found waiting for the ceremony to start.

Moises took all of his classes online, so he never personally met anyone else that was graduating from the college of nursing.  Here he is sneaking in the picture with the rest of the BSN students.

He wasn't a Cougs fan before, but he sure it now!

Levi actually did pretty good during the ceremony.  Even though he was hungry, tired, bored, and still not quite 2 years old, I think he was very well behaved during those few hours.  Now, he did benefit from some time out in the hallways with Aunt Jezabel and an Ipad movie, but I was still proud of him.

There's my man on the big screen!

 If you look closely you can see Moises again on the big screen standing up and being recognized.  The wording on the screen is "Would any student who is the first university graduate in his/her family, please stand."  Talk about a PROUD moment!

 He was also recognized for being a full time working student, an online student, and a former member of the United States military. :)

Yes, I did sneak in a little Levi time of my own.  And we just can't seem to get through a single blog without at least one monkey sighting. Hello there, George!

It's a little like where's Waldo, but Mo is in the middle looking back at me taking a picture.  He had his phone with him and we were texting back and forth during the ceremony.  Shhhh, don't tell anyone!

It's over!  Congraulations WSU Graduates!!

Singing the WSU fight song - which of note is the same as my high school's fight song, just with different words.  And that little factoid was completely free for all of you that were just dying to know!

Lexi and Uncle Caleb, aka Uncle Ceeeee!!

Lexi laughing at her Grandpa Javier.

Always a happy baby when she's getting so much attention.

Call me an old sap, but I did sorta, kinda tear up a few times during the ceremony.  Couldn't help it, I was just SO proud and happy for him!

See, he's proof that you can work full time, raise a family, AND graduate... with high honors no less!

Brothers: Lalin (Eduardo), Moises, and Aldo

With his oldest sister, Jezabel.

Moises and his Dad.

My Dad and Betty, aka Papa Bear and Mama Bear.

Candace, Caleb, Caitlin and Cameric...and you should know who the 4 of us are by now.

Moises and the littlest brother, Aldo

Happy to be getting a piggy back ride from Uncle Joel.

 

Even Uncle Aldo did some baby holding for a bit.

It was very cold and very icy that weekend, quite a weather change for the Texans.

Such a blessing getting to see my father-in-law.  That doesn't happen too often, so happy he was able to come out and support Moises!

Javier and Aunt Jennifer, trying to stay warm and unfrozen in the parking lot!

Did I mention yet how proud I am of Moises?  Well, if you weren't paying attention before, just gonna say it one more time:  I am SO proud of you Moises for completeing your degree and I'm so happy to see you reach your goals.  You are a great example for our kids on the benefits of hard work and dedication.  Love you so much!  Congratulations!!!!!!

LOVE this guy!