And here he is - the graduate! Austin John Smith is graduating with his Master's of Business Administration from the University of Utah...well, sort of. What I mean is, today is all the pomp and circumstance of graduation, but we still have two more summer classes to get through before we're done! Still, it was a great excuse to see all of his family and enjoy them in our new home as well!
We went to Red Robin before graduation. We got there early enough it wasn't busy. The boys seemed oblivious to what was going on really, but they enjoyed being there. Having Austin as the guest of honor meant I was dealing with them a lot on my own. Thankfully, other family jumped in the help some (what was I thinking putting them in suits before dinner?!)
He looks thrilled doesn't he? Well Uncle Keaton actually did a great job making Kory laugh and keeping him happy. He's just showing you he was about as thrilled as they were to be there.
I played all sorts of games with the kids (and so did Grandma, AND Great-Grandma), gave out treats, and tried to explain what was going on. It was a battle. Graduation started at bedtime! Even Cadence had a hard time seeing Austin and only got excited for a second when he saw him on the jumbo-tron!
Grandpa & Grandma Smith came from Florida, and Grandpa and Grandma Cobb from Texas to be with us! Mom and Dad, of course, came from Illinois!
Dad, Kelsey, and Grandpa Cobb went down to sit closer to get some better pictures.
It was so hard waiting for "Smith"! We had to get through all the doctorates, then half the Master's students (maybe more) until we heard Austin's name! I was grateful it wasn't a bachelor degree!
After Austin walked Mom took the kids out to run around. I was so grateful! Ethan stayed with me and took a short nap. Can you find "Waldo" in the picture below? The rest of his row decided not to stay, and it was really easy to spot him after that!
I wish we'd gotten pictures with everyone at our house. It was the intent, but didn't happen. Still, here is Austin with Grandpa and Grandma Cobb at the new house! We had such beautiful spring flowers!
He accomplished so much during his MBA. Reflecting over the past two years, with all their trials and difficulties, there were so many more blessings than hardships. We have a beautiful new baby boy and a beautiful new home. Austin met his business partner in school doing group projects (and carpooling for the hour-long commute). They got together one day and decided to do something "real" (might as well make some money instead of just "simulating" everything). Now we have a budding new company and many great new friends. He was invited to a special leadership class based on his GPA and leadership qualities, along with an array of other students from the entire campus. He spent so many hours tutoring other classmates, even when he understood the material himself. It was great practice for his dream of one day teaching school and helped him gain real mastery of the concepts and discover his own weaknesses. We enjoyed many social events, including free dinners, trips to the museum, and a golf tournament (which he'll repeat this year). Last, but definitely not least, he met some great mentors and friends, who have inspired him to be better and really make a contribution to the world while making a living for our family. It's been an amazing ride!
Congrats - well the countdown begins anyway! The weekend was exhausting but so wonderful with friends and family. I think it was just enough to give me the energy to make it through one more semester!
