A Graduation

I believe I met Mallory when she was 8 years old.  We bonded over a joke about cake, although, I can't remember what the joke was.  It has been fun to watch her grow up and live vicariously through her great dancing performances that I wish I'd seen more of.  Last weekend, she graduated from Calvin, and has entered into "the real world."  I think she's going to take it by storm.  Her first task?  She'll be babysitting the H's next week.  I think if she can do that, she can do anything.

Our trip to Michigan was great.  The weather was warm, so we got to do a lot of things outside. 

The girls were able to feed the ducks at a park nearby Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Harper was mostly interested in jumping in the creek, however.

You won't let me go in, Grandpa?  Is that what you're trying to tell me?  OK, I'll try someone else.....

Don't try and stop me, Auntie Shani!

Later, we went to the graduation while the girls took naps.

There she is!  A commencer!

What a good lookin' group of kids.

After the ceremony, we went to my favorite spot in Grand Rapids, Reeds Lake.  We ate at Rose's, but because there was a wait, we enjoyed some time outside.  Oh, the lovely memories I have of being in this area with my friends.  I spent an unreasonable amount of time at Crisan's Coffeehouse (that is no longer), and I can't count how many times I biked around the lake during my time at Calvin.  It was good to be back for a little while (although I did miss my college friends).

Water! Must. Get. In. Water!

OK, I'll just drink it if none of these people are going to let me swim in it. 

The next day, Jesse's parents had a graduation party for Mallory.  Their backyard is beautiful and was the perfect place to hang out on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Look at my big girl sitting with the big kids eating cake.  I like to call the kids "Little Dave and Linnaes" and "Little Arne and Julies" because they all look exactly like their parents.

It was a great weekend, and we were sorry to go home.