USAFA

(Pronounced u-SAUF-a)

A quick pictorial recap of the Air Force Academy graduation we attended last week.

The grand entrance.  This was so cool to watch.

President Obama's entrance.

On the jumbo-tron.

His speech was appropriately long.  Honestly, about all I can remember about it.  Bill thought it was a bit campaignish a time or two.  I was fascinated to watch all those secret service guys (they really do talk into their sleeves), and the sharp-shooters scouting the crowd with their high-powered binocs.

Then it was time to hand out diplomas.  President Obama was saluting, shaking hands, and saying a few words to each of the 1074 graduates.  He had to be hot in that dark suit, and a little dizzy, too, turning side to side for 2 solid hours.  I have to give him kudos for that.

Dakota wanted to chest-bump the president, but said they were told "no funny stuff."

I thought it was neat that as each graduate came to the bottom of the ramp, there was a fellow graduate there to give them a hug.  They would then rotate through - each stopping at the bottom of the ramp to congratulate the next graduate coming down.

One of the traditions of the USAFA graduation is to allow children, ages 7 to 11, to come onto the field (they are the group on the upper left field) for when the graduates throw their hats.  Each child is allowed to collect a hat to keep... this year most had $32 inside... as tradition is to put the amount of money in for the year you are graduating.  A $20, a $10, and two ones.  2012.  We were a little bummed that we hadn't brought Mar along to get a hat, but figured she probably would have moaned the entire four hours leading up to it.  (When we told her about it later, she promised she wouldn't have... but I know better.  Because I'm the mom.)

The flyover immediately follows the hat-throwing.  Perfectly timed.

Then it was time for the Thunderbirds to demonstrate their skills.  After the 30 minute wait until the President was out of the surrounding air space.

(President Obama's helicopter.  I think.)

 The sky had clouded over and was threatening rain (a relief to those of us who had been sitting for four+ hours in the heat, but added the worry of disappointment if the Thunderbirds couldn't perform).  

 It was cool that they had live cameras on the pilots, so we could watch them on the jumbo-tron as they did amazing feats. You could see the ground behind them when they were upside down, and it was funny to watch the face of the pilot demonstrating G-force as he shot straight up in the air.  Similar to how someone's face looks when they do indoor skydiving (Bill has - and I've seen it on video - it's a treat).

Pictures can't do it justice.  I did manage a quick video.  Here's a sample:

A-MAZ-ING.

The big downside to the day (other than baking in the breezeless bowl of the stadium for over 4 hours) -

Lynnea's knees.

They got the brunt of the sun's harsh rays, and, with nylons on, she couldn't sunscreen them.  The following day they were swollen, and she looked miserable.  There were also a few sunburnt scalps and noses (I hate a peeling nose - so obvious - AND a peeling scalp - so gross - and I currently have both) to round out the day. 

Congrats to Dakota on an amazing accomplishment!

Sad Little Poppies

Yesterday Shilo and I made the long trek on freeways, highways, and country roads,

passing fields, cows, and barns,

 to get here:

A couple of friends recommended this place that performs low-cost spays and neuters.  Just what I needed, after receiving an itemized price list for the procedures performed at our friendly (but expensive) vet office, where I would have paid 10 times the amount.  It took an hour to get there, but 5 hours later the pups were done and ready to be picked up.  While we waited, Shi and I ran some errands, got lost once or twice (even with navigation), and caught a movie.  A 9:40am movie.  I have always wondered who goes to the movies in the morning, but have secretly longed to try it.  Shi was sure we would be the only ones in the theater.  NOPE.

After the call to let us know the pups were ready, we headed back to pick them up.

They were soooooooo sad.  Once we arrived at home, Ava wouldn't even come out of her crate.  Jack would squeal and squeak if he moved the wrong way.

They absolutely detest the cone.  Jack more than Ava.  Probably because he knows what it's like to spend two weeks in one.  We made them sleep in them last night, and Jack had a horrible night.  Around 1 or 2 in the morning, Billy-my-hero moved down to the kitchen to sleep on the floor by Jack.  The cold, hard, wood floor, with a tiny blanket.  He didn't sleep well, either.  Seriously, he is the best.

Today Ava has been up and eating and managing surprisingly well.  Jack, however, seems extremely depressed.  He won't eat (I've even cooked him hamburger and bacon, bacon, bacon).  He won't drink.  He seems to have lost his zest for life.  (I know what you're thinking... he has!)  My poor poppies.  Hopefully Jack will perk up and find a reason to carry on.  Soon.

My Little Peony

Happy Memorial Day!

My peonies bloomed just in time.

Memorial Day just screams for peonies, don't you think?  Last year they didn't bloom until mid-June.  

I have lots to post about... I just need some time to do it!

Tomorrow:  Spay and Neuter Day for the pups.  Makes me feel kind of sad for them today.

Wednesday:  Mar's "Continuation" ceremony and last day of elementary school (tears are doubtful).

And I still need to post about attending graduation at the Air Force Academy... 

watching President Obama salute, shake hands, and turn 1075 times (for 2 solid hours),

Lynnea's killer sunburn (wish I had thought to take pics),

and the Thunderbirds.  Coolest thing ever.  My dad's been saying that for years.

Pomp It Up

Here is the rundown on the ceremony and celebrations, pomp and circumstance, culminating in Lex's graduation.

Sunday - Seminary Graduation

(Another SFT that the kids do not seem to relish... but Bill and I do.)

The program was nice... but the refreshments were... lacking.  I'm not trying to be critical or judgmental, just sayin' that IF you are planning on popping out those nasty long church tables and NOT COVERING THEM (even with a 99 cent plastic tablecloth), plopping down store-bought cookies (Oreos, Sugar Wafers, and Chips Ahoy) on paper plates, and plastic gallon jugs of milk with paper cups (the first of which must have spilled upon pouring, as the table was heavily splattered with milk), 

DON'T SERVE REFRESHMENTS.  

Especially when it's for a commemorative event recognizing willingness to wake up at 4:45 AM for FOUR years, regularly reading and memorizing scriptures, and sacrificing precious energy and sleep for Daily Spiritual Upliftment.  I didn't expect refreshments, but somehow felt that what they were (from a box or package) and how they were presented (like the treats for a Mutual night activity) diminished the importance of the accomplishment.  I'm mentally writing it in my Things I've Learned notebook, should I ever be the one in charge who has something of more importance to attend to in my life at that time than beautifully-served-well-thought-out-refreshments, leaving me with only two options:  To serve or not to serve.  

Just DON'T.

Refreshments aside, I am extremely proud of Lex graduating from Seminary.  

I know what a sacrifice AND blessing it is.

Monday - Honors Convocation

Since this was our first experience with an Honors Graduate (way to go, Lexee!), I had no idea what to expect of this event.  I invited the family to attend, since it was FHE, and since it would be awesome for all of us to be there in support of Lex.

Little did we know this would be a THREE HOUR conglomeration of lengthy speeches in a stuffy, hot gymnasium, sitting on benches much too close together for any Syddalls (and Andersons) with long legs.  That would be all of us.

The principal went into a speech about how the parents and family might be feeling if this is their FIRST graduate... thrilled, excited... or how they might feel if this is their baby... emotional, weepy... then he said something to the effect of, "If this is your middle child, you're probably just saying, 'Yeah, whatever.'"  Hmmmm.... Let it be written that we are just as excited and thrilled as the next parent.  (Will I ever be weepy at a graduation?  Probably not.) Three down, two to go.

Lex chewed gum the entire evening (visible from our seats at the top of the bleachers), obviously elated to be in attendance.

We were all happy when the final award was given, and the final speaker finished.  

(Three hours!)

Tay and Britt encouraged Shi to start slacking academically to avoid the need to attend again in two years.  Despite the length of the program, the heat of the gymnasium, and the endless clapping, I am extremely proud of Lex and her great accomplishment.

Tuesday - Graduation

It was slated to be a 90 degree day, and we got to sit on the sunny side of the stadium.  Lucky us.

Halfway through the ceremony, a tender mercy appeared in the form of cloud cover.

 Despite our concerns that Graduation may take as long as the Honors Convocation, we were pleasantly surprised at how efficiently things went, especially considering that this was the FIRST graduating class from Legend.  There was the perfect balance of speakers and musical numbers.  The principal kept his remarks poignant and brief as he not only honored a beloved teacher who had passed away from cancer the previous year, but also the accomplishments of the school and the inaugural class of 2012 over the past four years.  (Trust me, he reined himself in, since he is widely known for how much he likes to talk to a crowd, which we all witnessed firsthand at the Honors Convocation.)  They had four teachers reading the names of the graduates, so the awarding of diplomas ran like clockwork.  Nice.

Lex had mentioned that the principal had given the graduates a code to use as he congratulated each one:  As you are walking towards him, put one hand out if you would just like a handshake, both hands out if you would like a hug.  Lex felt that a hug would be awkward, and planned to use the handshake code.  I don't think the principal was paying attention, as he flat-out hugged everyone.

Austin caught Lex's awkward moment on camera...

I love that the graduates could throw their caps... something that was forbidden for Tay and Britt.

(I didn't know they were taking a "silly" pic... which kinda makes me look... silly.)

(You know you love it, Lex.)

Congratulations, Lexee!  I am so proud of you.

SFT - Whether You Like It Or Not

It's been a VERY busy week.  I just thought I would share a teaser in my smallish amount of time today.

It is a Syddall Family Tradition (SFT) to have your picture taken AT your school IN your cap and gown ON the day of graduation.  Period.  We started this awesome idea with Taylor (who grumbled about ANY and ALL pictures on graduation day), and intend to follow through with each and every child.  To this point, nary a child has been gung-ho to do it, but have enthusiastically kindly obediently obliged.

To date, Lex has been the most reluctant to participate,

but we managed a few good shots.

Then, of course, we needed a jumping picture.  SFT.

We asked.  We cajoled.  We begged.  We even demonstrated enthusiasm and technique.

Lex's half-hearted attempts (sheepishly glancing around in-between shots):

Her final effort:

We'll take it.
Stay tuned.  More on the activities of the week... soon.