Brennan's big day!

When I met Brennan a little over four years ago he had just gotten home from his mission and was an assistant manager at Costa Vida, a very delicious restaurant. At that point he had given school some thought but had no real plans to attend college. He thought maybe he could work his way up into higher management of Costa Vida (or maybe Cold Stone, where he worked before his mission), maybe eventually own some himself. And I have no doubt that he would have succeeded. But it would have meant many years working many many crappy hours and he decided it wasn't what he wanted. So he started school the same semester I finished. For the last four years he has been a full time student (sometimes through the summers too), a part-time worker, a husband and for the last year a half a father. Pretty tall order. I'm sure there were times that he wondered why he hadn't stayed with his original plan, it certainly would have been the path of least resistance. The path he did take sure wasn't always easy. It was rough going at times but he made it. Last month he graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting. It was a big accomplishment and a big day from him. Way to go Brennan! Four years ago you changed your course and aimed for something different, something higher and you met your goal, good for you!

My parents came down to celebrate and attend the ceremony. Brennan got to choose the restaurant and despite my urging to pick some place a little fancier that we wouldn't normally go, he chose Buffalo Wild Wings. :) We did try something new there though, their fried pickles. They were really good!

Tatum sitting between her two favorites.

 Me with the man of the hour.

 At the arena. Where they didn't turn on any AC. It was an incredibly muggy day, quite miserable.

 Brennan with two of his greatest supporters and cheerleaders. We wouldn't have made it this far without you guys. Thanks mom and dad!

 He's the one shaking hands with the important looking fellow. Yeah, you can hardly see it.

 Some pictures with the Tater Tot in the back yard. I had to post this because his sleeve is hilarious.

 And I had to post this one because of Tatum's adorable grin. (Yes, it's a horrible shot of me.)

Here's a video of his name being called.

After the ceremony we had ice cream sundaes at our place with my sister and her family. And at the family dinner the next night my mom made a cake for Macy's birthday and Brennan's graduation. :) He also got a fancy new phone he has been dying for so I hope he felt adequately celebrated. :)

Really, I am incredibly proud of him and this accomplishment. When I was in college I was just single old me. He had a lot more to juggle and he did it. Congratulations Brennan! Three degrees down, one more to go!