KGW 2010 Catch-up (Kenna's Graduation week)

Moms have wonderful dreams, which often end up illusions... Kenna's BYU graduation was an awesome celebration, but not exactly as I had imagined. As it turned out, no sisters - not a single one - could come. So ended another dream of having my girls together! Aunt Lori, both sets of grandparents and the proud parents were there so Kenna had plenty of grownups focusing on her!

Russell was in CA so on Wednesday morning I drove the seminary carpool, deposited the dogs in puppy prison (kennel), drove to Phoenix, and flew to SLC. My parents picked me up since Kenna had her last final that evening (a mean grand finale to her college career). Russell's parents picked me up the next morning, and we headed to Provo to spend the day with Kenna. Kenna in her bedroom - an apartment with 6 single bedrooms. She loved it!


Grandpa braved two flights of narrow stairs to help Kenna pack and load boxes into his truck.
We made Grandma rest on the couch on the main floor. That evening we put the Mikesell grandparents to bed (they had their trailer) and went to find some shoes for Kenna to wear to graduation. Then we met my mom at her EXTREMELY ghetto (no working lightbulbs) motel and waited with her until my sister and Russell arrived. It was a very short night.Kenna's graduation was at 8 AM - the College of Life Sciences got the early time. We ate a quick breakfast at 6:30 AM and headed for the Marriott Center. Life Science is a new college combining Exercise Science and Biology - the two 'pre-med' colleges. YAY Kenna!!!
It was POURING when the convocation ceremony was over. Instead of battling the crowds, we opted for the grass and rain.

Kenna's best friend Brian. Next, Aunt Lori and Grandma Jan.
the Mikesell grandparents
With her proud father (and photographer)
Modeling her dress from Megan.Outside Grandma Jan and Aunt Lori's ghetto motel (it was 'discounted' for a very good reason). Besides the substandard condition of the motel, my dear mom (who is generally a very intelligent/street smart woman) opened the motel room door at 4 AM (twice) to a stranger pounding at her door. It was someone delivering lost luggage. The man INSISTED that she take the luggage, but then came pounding again later because he had the wrong address. (She thought the luggage could be my sister's who was asleep in the motel room next to her.) We had a great time teasing my mother about 'stranger danger'. She's promised to never do that again! Kenna pink scooter - LONG story! Kenna's apartment Lunch at Applebees after graduation Back to campus to take more pictures - another parent made me get into a picture... Kenna loved studying at the library - REALLY! The tunnel in the Richards building leading to Brian's office where she studied and napped. The final pose!!! Then off to Roy to see her sick Grandpa Bud. And to unload the rest of her boxes (on top of Marah's boxes). Free storage in the grandparent's basement! Then a quick trip to Cache Valley to spend the afternoon with the Mikesell cousins.

Meanwhile, at home... It wasn't just Bethany that I left in Tucson. We had a "borrowed" daughter living with us. Our friends were transferred to Texas, but their youngest daughter was a senior in high school AND also in beauty school. The first weekend of March, we became Andrea's 'bed and breakfast' or 'dorm with cafeteria'. (I stole their Summerhays family Christmas picture off facebook.) Bethany had a required (50% of grade) show for her Fashion class (not the easy "Fine Arts" class she thought it was going to be...) AND Youth Conference. So Bethany became a Slaton for the 2 school days, and then became an Evans for Youth Conference. Andrea and the cats stayed at the house.

In front of their Youth Conference bus, which they named, "The Chariot of Fire".

Inside their bus on the way to the Gila Valley Temple Open House.

The La Canada YW with their fearless YW President, Stephanie Cannon.

With Bishop Winfield, Sis. Cannon and Sis. Gardner at Gila Valley Temple.

Youth Conference in Gila Valley.