Graduation... for the last time [and a baptism and baby blessing and long drive to Nebraska...]

Are y'all tired of graduation posts yet? Ha ha!... and insert here a few dozen more jokes about how many times Travis has graduated. (Four) And also, by y'all, I mean my mom, who I'm pretty sure is the only one who reads this. Hi Mom!

Anyway, we crammed a bunch of momentous events into one weekend for the sake of efficiency. Travis's parents flew in as well. Miraculously, we all arrived on time for every event.

Beginning with graduation:

Travis has spent the past 2.5 years in a graduate program at UMKC, getting a Master's degree as an Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) - yes I know the "AA" is funny, and we also like to joke that it stands for "Academics Anonymous," for Travis's apparent addiction to school. HA! Previously he got his Ph.D. in neuroscience from USUHS, so added to his B.S. from BYU and his high school diploma, that makes four graduations. Anyway, an AA is essentially the same job as a CRNA (nurse anesthetist) - like a P.A. but specifically in anesthesia. No concrete job contract yet, but we're working on that. He's also been working on a website to provide educational resources to other AA students, since he found that field was sparse during his own schooling. It is a work in progress now, but you can check it out here.

Troy always insists on a "silly face" picture. 

Which apparently in our family means just sticking out your tongue.

The next day we took off for Stanton, Nebraska, to see this little sweetheart get baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Unfortunately I am an ill-prepared aunt and forgot my camera for this trip! So not many pictures, but we did have a great time! Malia looked beautiful in this dress that was handmade by her mother and incorporated a bunch of details and trimmings that were collected from all the women in her family and close friends. I thought it was such a creative project, and one she will certainly treasure.

This darling girl just turned 8 on May 1.

Why do Mormons baptize at age 8?

It was such a fun visit, and we were so lucky to be able to go, but the very next morning we had to rush back home for yet another important church ordinance...

Nolan's baby blessing!

We do not baptize babies at birth but this is similar to a christening. Babies are brought before the church and given a name and a blessing by a worthy priesthood holder - in this case, his father. He will also ask for a blessing on the baby for all the goals and hopes and milestones and challenges he'll meet throughout his life.

It was an exhausting weekend, but I wanted some family pictures after church, so we ran across the street to the temple. 

[Photographer: Kate]

I totally plan to take pictures of just Nolan in his cute little outfit. Just like I planned to do with Troy in the same outfit. (Notice how you have not yet seen those pictures of Troy. Hm maybe I can still cram him in that little suit. Darn it.) 

I actually lost that blessing outfit for a very long time and then miraculously found it that very morning. I quickly washed it twice and pseudo-ironed it. (That is a garment-care technique I made up myself.)

Mission accomplished.

Stay tuned for the next time I make him wear it! 

No really.