+ 5 - 3 | § ¶What a great day!

What can I say? The day went off without a hitch. The weather stayed sunny and warm, and I have to say, the bride was lovely and the groom, well... tall (ok, he looked great in a tux too). All the family on all 3 sides were there to take part, and I think everyone had a blast. I got to dance with my daughter, and that just made the day. I got all choked up, but neither of us shed a tear, so that was good.

The next day, we all got together at Jen and Ryan's place for a bbq and birthday celebration. It was nice to have time together before everyone had to fly home.

Saying goodby to Jen at the airport was much harder this time than it usually is. Not sure why, but I think it had to do with her not being my little girl anymore. I hope to get back up there soon, but for now, phone calls will have to do.

Pictures from the wedding and other events can be found here.

Here's to you Jen and Ryan... May you be blessed with many, many years of happiness together.

+ 5 - 2 | § ¶Jen's getting married!

Been a while since I posted anything, but not much exciting has been happening lately. A big exception to this is the news that my daughter Jen is getting married in August! I set up a small site where we will post the announcement along with hotel and reception info for those who will be attending. For those who were not invited, or will be unable to attend, we will post pictures after the event for all to enjoy. Jen's wedding site is here.

+ 4 - 2 | § ¶Graduation was nice.

Attendended my daughter Laura's graduation and it only rained toward the end for about 15 minutes. Class of 333, so it took a bit to get through all the diplomas.

Laura is off on the Senior cruise. Kind of a neat idea. Right after the ceremony, the students turn in their gowns, say goodby to parents/friends, and get loaded onto school buses. Then a Fire truck pulls up and escorts the busses down to the dock under full lights and sirens. They parade the students through town at about 15 miles an hour :-) I might add that the kids are searched fairly well for contraband before boarding the busses, and since they are not allowed to bring anything, and are given a disposable camera to take pictures with.

The kids board a harbor cruise ship and head out toward Seattle. There are snacks and drinks (sodas etc, no alchohol), and the boat makes it's way across the sound. Once they hit shore, they walk a couple of blocks to a big restaurant where they enjoy a nice meal.

They can listen to music and dance for a bit, and then it is back to the boat. While they have been eating, the boat has been decked out as a casino, and the students are all given a set amount of play money to gamble with. This goes on for hours, and then I believe there is more music and dancing.

The whole adventure ends at about 6 or 8 am when the kids are dropped off on the Island again, and the head home to sleep.

They do this to promote a "safe" alternative to going out, getting drunk, and then killing themselves in auto accidents on the night of graduation. Kind of a neat tradition, and I would guess that about 80-90% of them sign up. Defianately a safer alternative...

Now all I have to do is get Jen and Laura through college :-)