Graduation - the ceremonies

Chris graduated!

He graduated as valedictorian with a 4.0 and gave an amazing speech!

Graduation was spread out over a few days with the Welcome to the Profession (aka Hooding Ceremony) Friday and the Graduation Commencement on Saturday.

I was SO excited for Chris to graduate and it was even sweeter to see Chris' hard work being recognized with him as valedictorian. 

I was one very, very proud wife!

*As a quick side note - Chris is not a fan of all the attention being super smart brings to him, so being valedictorian came with a few things he wasn't so excited about... i.e. having to give a speech, lots of attention on him, etc.*

**double side note - pardon all my gushing about how awesome Chris is, I just can't help myself **

At the Hooding Ceremony (where they receive their doctoral hoods) Chris got to sit up front next to the Dean and keynote speaker.

 

Giving his amazing speech. 

It made me laugh, cry, and burst with pride for my incredible hubby.

After the speakers they gave out awards to the students.

Chris got a couple (go figure), one of them being for getting the highest score on boards part 1.

  

After each student received their hoods (over their arms only!) there was a dessert reception outside.

 Poor Londyn didn't get a nap and was SO exhausted.

I was a little stressed about her melting down over food and lack of sleep so I didn't get any pictures with our friends :( I will have to steal some later.

With Chris' proud parents.

With my (also proud) parents.

Saturday was the Graduation Ceremony and guess what?!

It was outside...in the pouring rain.

There were ponchos galore!

Bob, Minnie and I sat through 3 hours of rain just to watch Chris get hooded, walk across the stage, and get his diploma.

It would have been totally miserable if I wasn't so excited for Chris to graduate.

My parents stayed at the hotel with Londyn and watched the graduation online since she had a cold and we didn't want her outside in the rain.

The academic attire the professors wear is so odd and made me feel like I was at some cult (or Harry Potter) gathering.

All the devoted people sitting through the rain.

Chris headed to his seat with all the students.

Standing and being recognized as the valedictorian.

Being hooded.

Walking across stage.

 *Please note the wilting corners of some of the graduation hats due to all the rain!*

Getting his diploma.

Love this Doctor! 

Dr. Lowe holding all our rain gear after the ceremony.

Dr. Lowe and his HUGE diploma.

I guess the higher the degree, the bigger the diploma?

Wonderful parents who raised a wonderful son!

 Londyn and I are very lucky to have Chris!

He is such a hard worker and I don't think I've ever seen him fail at anything.

I know our future is in GREAT hands because he never settles for less than his best.

I love Chris more than anything and was BURSTING with pride for him the whole weekend.

I am so lucky he has chosen me to be by his side through all of this!

Congratulations Dr. Lowe!