Any graduation is special, but when the most intelligent, talented and beautiful young woman in the Pacific Northwest is graduating from the University of Washington, it's an occasion worth celebrating.
This event was graced with the presence of Courtney's parents, partner, and an "auntstravaganza" of mainly aunties with a cousin tossed in to keep the auntie group youthful, I think.
Here's Courtney and John waiting for the troops to all finally arrive at the hotel. 
We were invited to see their home, just a few blocks from the University, and a perfect pad for a young college couple. 
And here's our lovely hostess looking reflective. 
And the auntie-cousin contingency. 
Courtney entertained and Kristi enjoyed.
Dene will have to explain what happened in her corner of the room.
The party progressed to Courtney and John's favorite food place in the University District and got rowdy -- or, wait, I mean we got something to eat. 
And in fairness to "us" we had been driving for one or two very long days from California and Montana to get there.
Here we are later, settling down in the hotel. 
There was quite a proliferation of cameras and it seemed that no matter which way you looked someone was snapping a picture. 
Or trying to avoid being snapped. Ah, Lorna, of course we couldn't resist the challenge.
The next morning we were eager to see more of the "U District" where Courtney has spent so much of her time these last several years. 
For this group, the biggest attraction anywhere is sure to be THE BOOKSTORE! 
The University of Washington Bookstore certainly was not a disappointment and we shopped and browsed there for most of the morning. After the bookstore, it was time to eat again -- of course. We had lunch at Samir's, 
where I had my first ever falafel. Very tasty! Then the cameras came out again so we could all remember this charming little eatery.
I enjoyed the views of Courtney's world
--the Dawg Den in honor of the UW Huskies,
and Courtney you will always be able to remember what was playing the week you graduated. 
The 'green' touches were much appreciated -- a cyclist,
a hybrid bus, 
a mounted policeman, 
and of course his parking spot. 
Looks like you could have a four-horse incident there.
And no matter which way you turned, someone was taking your picture. 
And if they weren't taking your picture, it was pretty clear they were up to something! Check out these faces and tell me that's innocence!. 
The evening of graduation, we, being a group of elders (mostly) who like to turn in early, went for an early dinner before the ceremony. This great little restaurant (Courtney, I can't remember the name -- you'll remind me and I'll just slip it in here quietly one day) was Courtney and John's favorite hangout. They probably know the menu by heart. 
The rest of us, of course, had to study it. 
And study it. 
And study it. 
Are you wondering what language it was written in? 
Aaaaahhhh - here it is, "The Spicy John Burger"" named for our very own John! 
"What's that, are we ready yet?" 
"Omigod, he thinks we're ready to order!!!" 
After dinner, it was a short walk to the Sociology Hall where Courtney's college had their smaller ceremony. 
Nevertheless, their was a huge crowd on hand. We finally settled "the family" and waited for the proceedings to begin. The appropriate dignitaries were seated. With appropriate robes -- but note the tennis shoes and jeans on the right side!
The speaker spoke. 
Here's part of the family in assorted degrees of rapt attention. 
The graduates paraded in front of us toward the stage. 
This one mugged for the camera, but she's gorgeous even when she's making faces. 
They quickly hustled the graduates across the stage, so my picture of Courtney receiving her diploma is blurred, but here it is anyway, so posterity will be assured she did, indeed, graduate! 
"These are for me?" No Bob, give them to Courtney. 
Here's her first hug as a graduate with a BS in Sociology. 
ollowed with a kiss. 
And another hug. 
The roses. 
A hug from Mom. 
"Look everyone, this is my kid, and she just graduated from college!" 
They made a great team and we're proud of all of them for their contribution to making this happen. John, Courtney, Lorna, and Bob.
And here's a very pleased Auntie Cheryl. 
Auntie Dene and Cousin Kristi. who watched our little 'half-pint' (she was too short to be a Cort) grow up,
Auntie Verla. who taught Courtney her first word at eight months, ("pop", if you're wondering) 
And, amazing beyond description, here is Courtney. 
After the many pictures were taken, we all walked back to Courtney and John's apartment for a little post-graduate celebration. And yes, the group is beginning to look a little ragged around the edges. 
Here's Kristi checking in with the guys at home. 
There are still the gifts to open though, so we all rallied a bit to watch. 
The Wow! gift of the evening, from her parents, was this AirMac. 
Or is it a MacAir? 
Ah,yes, we needed a sound if short sleep that night because some of us had to leave early, early in the morning. And before long, we were all on our way to our own home, carrying with us the precious memory of the graduation of our much loved daughter, partner, niece and cousin.
