What an exciting time in our family's lives. We are so proud of Jessica and Tate for accomplishing all that they have worked for over the past four (plus mission) years. They have worked so hard.
Mark and I were so excited to have the opportunity to fly out to Provo to be with them at this special time. Provo was super cold, which was surprising for this time of year. Snow is actually in the forcast for Friday. It was hard to pack ... Mark convinced Betsy not to bring her winter coat, but as soon as they landed at SLC, she wished she had brought her coat. It's freezing here!!!
As a surprise, Betsy got Jessica an Orchid Lei and Tate a Tea Leaf Lei - one for each of them. We had to pack them in ice and carry them on the plain so they would not get damaged.
We flew out on Wednesday and met Jessica and Tate at the Downtown Marriott before heading to pick up Devon and then to the Cafe Rio for dinner. It is a tradition to go to Cafe Rio while we are in Provo. IT's SO Good!!! We later met Betsy's parent whom were staying at the same hotel. After dinner we enjoyed playing cards and time in the hot tub and pool.
Thursday was Commencement. Dad and Alison joined us for the festivities. I took Jessica shopping for a new Graduation Dress. She looked absolutely beautiful. We even got her new "heels" (which she never wears).
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| Such a cute couple |
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| I love this girl soooo much |
Convocation was at the Marriott Center at 4:00. We met Debbie and Russ Murphey there and sat with them. We were late getting there so we didn't get the best seats. We ended up on bleacher seats. My Dad was very unhappy about it. The ceremony was wonderful, but for my dad it was too long.
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| Marriott Center |
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| Debbie and Russ Murphey |
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| Proud parents of Jessica Murphey |
After the ceremony my parents went back to the hotel - they did not stay for photos because their backs were hurting. Betsy, of course could not miss this wonderful photo opportunity.
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| With our beautiful girl!!!! Jessica is so precious to us. |
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| A Father's joy! |
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| A mother's love |
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| Brenda Knowlton is Shauna Lowe's sister. We are FACEBOOK friends. We've never met, however, she recognized me in the crowd. How crazy is that! IT was soooo very nice to meet her and her husband. She is a wonderful lady! |
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| Aren't they adorable!!! |
The next morning at 8:00 am was Convocation - the moment they actually walk the stage and receive their diplomas. IT was such a proud moment to see them walk together.
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| So proud of Jessica and Tate: Devon, Betsy, Jessica, Tate and Mark |
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| At the BYU sign |
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| THEY DID IT!!! |
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| My favorite graduation photo! |
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Devon, Mom, Jessica, Tate and Mark after Graduation.
We lost Devon for a while, so it took a while to get this photo. |
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| Me and my beautiful daughter - she is such a joy in my life |
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| They did it!!! |
While there, we ran into the Nixon family from Crestwood 1st ward. Jessica and Alison were in Young Women's together. It was so nice to see them.
Betsy also saw Sandra Orr. Her daughter, Jenny's husband was graduating at the same time. It was so nice to see her. It's not been the same since she moved to Utah.
They wanted lots of photos: we went to the Cougar that is located outside of LaVelle Edward's stadium:
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| I love this because ... these two are AMAZING!!! |
My parents met up with us and we were able to get some photos of them with Jessica and Tate!
BYU: ENTER TO LEARN, GO FORTH TO SERVE
THE WORLD IS OUR CAMPUS
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: BUILDING 9
MOUNT TIMPANOGOS
Jessica with some friends:
