Graduation Parties

Because my graduation, or at least all the festivities associated with it, last about a week long, families of the the graduates rent houses in the area and invite their guests to stay with them. In my case, I had 15 family members come  to see my graduate. Luckily the house we rented was massive so it wasn't difficult finding places for them to stay.  I was so happy that they could come to because all of them live in other states and I rarely get to see them.  It was such a fun week filled with good food, good conversation, and lots of love.  We had two parties during the week: a luau and a western themed dinner.  It was fun because everyone got dressed up for the respective theme and took tons of awkward family photos.  The food was also ridiculously yummy.  For the luau we had a whole roasted pig which we turned into pulled pork, one of my favorite meals. We also had Napa cabbage salad, potato salad, chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels and my Aunt Kay's famous pineapple upside-down cake!  Needless to say, I gained about 5 pounds during commissioning week but it was well worth it.

my tiny Aunt Kay sandwiched between me and Haley

The roast pig...i promise it tasted good!

My God mother, Aunt Julie <3

Did i mention that we made "drunken gummies"? They were a total flop but people decided to eat them anyways....gross!

Neilly.

I wasn't lying about the awkward family photo...My Aunt Kay made us do it!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, my Godfather...

mommy and haley

Playing beer-pong with Neil's twin sister, Rita!

The awesome sign my sister painted for the Luau!!!

After the Luau we had the Western Dinner.  It was on Memorial Day and was really more of a relaxed BBQ but we did dress up as best we could. Lucky everyone thought to bring cowboy boots and bandanas!

My crazy Uncle Brock

My mommy and Daddy <3

My Aunt Joan and Uncle Dennis being adorable as usual

Murica!

I love them all :)

Graduation week was fun but the best part by far was being able to see my family again.  I hate living so far away and only being able to see them every few years.  I will always cherish the memories I made that week and look forward to many more in the future. I had a fun and crazy family and I love them all so much..I wouldn't trade them for the world!!!

The whole wacky gang :)

xoxo