Saturday morning, bright and early, we got up, dressed and headed down the highway a couple of hours to Joplin, Missouri. On this morning our youngest son, Chi, would graduate with his Masters. We would not miss this celebration! And any opportunity to spend the day with both of our boys is always exciting. 
Hello All! And thanks for saving our seats!
So Dad and Brother, Madison, sported bow ties in support of the graduate’s awesome bow tie. I love my boys ~
Chi and mentor Dr. Moos, before the ceremony. They traveled to China together a few years ago, and remain close.
This gymnasium holds many memories and has worn many “hats”. Chi’s and Angie’s Bachelor graduations; the visit from President Bush several years ago; it became home for many tornado victims just a year ago, and this evening, President Obama will address the Joplin High School Class of 2012. I wondered what was going through the minds of others seated in this place. A person does have plenty of “thinking” time at graduations! I’m so hungry, why do I have to wait for all these other people to walk!
Since out last name is a “B”, Chi would lead off the graduation. Since he and Angie live four hours away in Enid, he was not present for the rehearsal. Here we go…….finally, the moment he’s worked so hard for…..camera ready, set…..
And just at the perfect time, the school photographer steps up and in front to block the shot. But take a good look at the man in this photo. This is Dr. Speck, MSSU president. He and Chi have always had a “special” relationship. In fact, below is a picture of the two of them two years ago~
Chi had a throw-away camera hidden up his sleeve until it was his time to cross the stage, “Smile, Dr. Speck!”
May I introduce to you, Master Malachi~
Yay! I Did It! 😉
Congratulations to my Chi and to his lovely bride, Angie ~ We are very proud of you. Now just keep on trying to make this world a better place. ♥
stuff i tell my sister 
Congrats Grad and of course his mom…….
😉 ty
Congratulations! You have good reason to be proud! Great photos! It is clear that character runs in the family genes.
Thanks so much, Naomi! It is quite a mess when we all get together….but we tried to be on best behavior 😉
How very proud you must be! Congrats to the graduate!
Thanks so much….a fun day!
Job well done, Mom & Dad! Parents of successful children should also be congratulated. My best
wishes to Chi.
Thanks so much! We certainly did enjoy the day of celebration!
Great pictures, you have much to be proud of… Congratulations!
I am always proud of my boys, but it was extra special to share this day of celebration! ♥
On another note….guess what was waiting at my house when we got home? My very own copy of “Fly Away Home” by Ms. Maggie Myklebust! Cannot wait to begin this journey ♥
How exciting… Thank you!
♥
WHOOHOOO!!!! GO CHI!!
😉
“bowties are cool!” congrats to the grad and his family. 🙂
😉 ty!
Congrats to Chi!!! Not an easy feat. I have family in Missouri- dad born in Rolla and dad went to Univ of Missouri @Columbia (just a few years ago…) ha.
Having great boys like that is a testament to your parenting!
I know exactly where Rolla is ~ awesome. We are proud of our boys ~ even though they are still stinkers! (I think that came from their dad?!) 😉
Hee hee. Good one! 🙂
I can hear you!
🙂 ♥