Congradulations

This month I've been tackling the backyard I've neglected for five years and have spent more time outside than inside, so am woefully behind on blogging. I wanted to share about a big deal event in our family last month.

We had THREE daughters graduate from Technical school.

It was fun to have them graduate at the same time. Christina is seven years older than Erica so a few things happened to make this possible. Christina already has a four year degree from Iowa State. She worked for a couple years and then went back to school for a nursing degree. 

Kiah started and stopped going to school a few times. We were glad Kiah and Christina could do the nursing program together, although there were times, we feared they would kill each other. 

Erica took three years to finish a two year program, so all those things added up to a three-for-one graduation weekend.   

Erica (left) with a Occupational Therapy Assistant degree

Christina (middle) and Kiah (right) with nursing degrees

Our house was grand central station for five days. Andrew and Rachel drove up from Northeast Iowa, Christina's best friend Ruth drove up from Ames, Iowa, and Aunt Karen and Uncle Bob and Kiah's best friend Cassaundra drove up from Northwest Iowa. (got all that - there may be a quiz.)

First we had a party for Erica - but wasn't smart

 enough to take a group picture before she went to bed. 

Kiah, Anna, Andrew, Nathan, Amy, and Lani

 The next night, Christina and Kiah's nursing class had a joint graduation party/candle lighting/pinning ceremony at our church

Christina and Kiah with the ten girls in their nursing graduating class. The traditional lighting the candle ceremony is a tradition with roots in Florence Nightingale's nursing efforts during the Crimean War.

Christina and Kiah with their Aunt Karen and new uncle Bob

Andrew and Rachel with Karen and Bob

Kiah with Cassaundra, her best friend since fifth grade

Fun to celebrate with friends and family

Raising six daughters can do this to a person.

Yummy!

Me gusta

Proud parents

Great way to handle a photobomber

Oh, Amy!

The girls and two friends from church

Parties are done and now they have to take their 
licensing tests and find jobs. One step at a time. 

We're very proud of them. Good job girls!