Rob's Graduation and Party, Etc.

Teancom found the Sleeping Beauty dress-up dress. How adorable.

The Graduation Ceremony

was long and boring. If you are wondering what it was like beyond that, keep repeating the word 'boring' every 20 seconds for the next 2 hours, and that'll be about right.

I took a video of Rob being hooded by his advisor, Dr. Greg Retzinger. So you can be spared the 2 hours of bitter boredom and just watch the 30 seconds of glory:


It was fantastic to see Rob hooded, though. Even though he's been done with school for a year, it gave things a sort of finality. He's DONE. He's DR. THACKER. I kept wanting to poke at my mom and say, "Look! Look at his robe! He's wearing his hood! Look!" But I contained myself. I am so proud of him and all he's accomplished.

Rob with Dr. Retzinger:

Rob and me:Rob and his parents:

The Graduation Party

was much more fun. A ton of people came and brought a ton of good food. We were surrounded by family and friends and it was a highlight for the year. Definitely a shining moment.

I didn't take any pictures. I was too busy being hostess. Which I dislike, by the way. Being hostess, that is. It takes a lot of work and energy, and you can't sit and just enjoy the party. But hopefully I successfully hide my feelings about being hostess (except when I post about it in my blog).

Best part of the party: we got some lovely congrats cards, including one that was meticulously and meaningfully underlined (I didn't know you were supposed to underline cards!). And a beautiful framed picture of our kids. I have NO IDEA how in the heck RB got my kids to pose for this lovely picture, but 1 - my children look angelic in the picture and 2 - RB is hired as our new family photographer. Wow.

(This picture doesn't do it justice. I had to take it from an angle, so the flash wouldn't be in the way. This is a picture of the framed picture.)

Family Time

My mother came in town last Tuesday and left a few hours ago. It was a fun week of trying restaurants I never go to because I'm poor. For instance, if you've never been to Bravo! Italian restaurant, YOU SHOULD GO. We went for this mushroom appetizer they have. I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong: it's FANTASTIC. It's a grilled portobello mushroom covered in this sauce that's so good you'll want to lick the plate. The portobello grilled like that was better than any piece of meat I've ever had. Seriously amazing. ... It's not on the menu, so you have to ask for it. Portobello Mista. It's worth asking for.

And we took my mom to Walt's Barbeque. She'd never been. It's a ribs place that's kinda tucked away on Colerain Ave. But it's the best ribs you'll find in Cincinnati. If you like ribs, go to Walt's.

We also went to the butterfly exhibit at Krohn's Conservatory. This year they showcased butterflies from India, but only slightly less impressive was the variety of butterfly shirts worn by the attendees.

One of the butterflies took a liking to Miciah. The butterfly was about dead. One of his wings was broken and limp and part of the wing even fell off. He seemed disoriented and at one point "flew" to the ground (more like FELL to the ground) right by someone's shoe, so we almost saw Mr. Butterfly come to a gruesome end.

He climbed on Miciah's shoulder:
How do I know he was a boy? I just do.

Miciah and Elijah in their butterfly masks:

Teancom, after eating Oreos the whole way home, showing off his Oreo mouth:

I spared you all an X-rated butterfly scene. My cousin took a picture, though, so if you want to see 2 butterflies mating, I can hook you up.

And that's about all the outings we had time for while my mom was here. We also were getting camping supplies ready for our Yellowstone trip/reunion, and that took a little while to take care of. Can't fill a week much fuller than a graduation with associated party, 2 great restaurants, trip planning, shopping, movie watching, and grandkid spoiling. All in all, a successful week.

Grandma was really cool while she was here. Grandma does lots of things Mom doesn't do. Like buy yummy watermelon (not that I DON'T buy watermelon, I just haven't yet this year):

Teancom didn't want a small portion of watermelon. He wanted the WHOLE BOWL.

And Grandma gives haircuts that don't hurt. Apparently when Mommy does them, they hurt. This is Elijah dancing with Grandma, moments before losing all but a fourth of an inch of his hair.

My mind had not thought past June 12th, really, so I'm not sure what today equates with, in my brain. A dead zone between graduation and leaving for our summer trip, probably. I'm sure we'll figure out productive and fun ways to use our time. We'll have to. Miciah's finally off school and I'm tired of summer break already. I'm only 2 days into it. I'm toast.

Love you all!