Mike's M.B.A. Graduation!

After two long years of hard work and many hours away from home, Mike completed his Masters in Business Administration degree! I am so proud of him! When he first got accepted to the program, we knew that it meant some very long days for him which would in turn mean days/nights of just me home with the Bean. There were a few semesters where he would leave for work at 7:30 in the morning, and then get home close to 11 p.m. That meant he wouldn't see Carina until the next morning, and even then it was only for a little bit as we were getting ready for work. They really enjoyed having cereal and milk together in the morning! So it was a big sacrifice because he hated not getting to spend as much time with the family as he would have liked, but he made it through and we know that it will end up paying off in his career.

Graduation at SSU was Memorial Day weekend, and his ceremony was in the afternoon. It was really hot, and because of the timing Carina was going without a nap. She was very patient-commencement ceremonies are SO long-and luckily she had Grandpa and I to walk around with her while we waited for them to call Daddy's name. I do have to say that I was seriously impressed with their "port-a-potties". Good thing too, since we made at least 5 trips to them. They were these big air conditioned trailers that had multiple stalls and sinks. We didn't have to hold our breath or anything! I know, I am easily pleased, but when your child has to go it's nice to go in style.

When they finally called the MBA graduates we raced back to our seats, cheered loudly for Daddy, and not long after she laid down in my lap and fell asleep! This is highly unusual for our child, but again, no nap and lots of heat will make you exhausted when you're 2! She stayed asleep throughout the rest of the ceremony, and while I carried her across campus to where the Business Department had their reception. She then promptly woke up after Daddy asked if she wanted a strawberry and a cookie.

Me, Mike, Gloria and one wiped out kiddo
Future SSU alum? Only if you promise strawberries & cookies in class!

Afterward we went to a nice sushi dinner with Dave and Gloria. It was a great way to celebrate Mike's big accomplishment. Congratulations babe! We love you!!!

This one is my favorite!

I am so happy to have him home on weeknights now!

More from the So. Cal Trip

Carina and I had so much fun on our little trip together. We had great quality time with my parents, which of course included a few golf cart rides:
No, that is not an official police golf cart, just a fancy emblem. Once a cop, always a cop :o) I guess some people in their community do think he is a security officer sometimes. That is until they see him holding a pitcher of margaritas on his way to karaoke at the lodge. Love you Dad!!!
Carina and Chesty enjoyed some Sesame Street in the mornings. I didn't get a picture of the ever elusive Darla. She prefers to have a little distance when people other than my parents are around. Obviously this made her even more intriguing to Carina who made it her life's mission to search for Darla all over the house. She would patrol the grounds yelling, "Darla! Come here girl! Woooo-woot!" That last thing was the closest I could get to describing Carina "whistling" for Darla to come to her.

We even squeezed in a trip to the San Diego Wild Animal Park! I had never been there before, and I knew Carina would love it since she loves zoos so much. We had a great time, and I thought I took a bunch of great pictures but I didn't realize my camera was on video mode. What I ended up with are a bunch of 1-2 second videos...yes I know my attention to detail needs work. Luckily my Dad took some so I'll have those. I did take this picture of her with my phone just as we walked through the gates.

Thanks for everything Mom & Dad! You're the best!!!

We were also lucky enough to get to spend some time with my best friend Jenny and her son Aiden! We drove out to Claremont and met them at Aiden's preschool, My Gym, where we got to be guests for the day. It was so cute-their preschool program is wonderful, and Carina had a fabulous time playing, singing, and of course having snack. She has a new found love for trampolines too!


After nap that day, Jenny and I took them to one of our favorite Claremont parks-Higginbothom Park, otherwise known as the "train park". I was still having the same issue with my camera (ignorance is bliss you know) so I only have this picture of Aiden and Carina going down the slide. They played so well together!

The next day Jenny and I took the kiddos to Victoria Gardens to have their picture taken at The Picture People. The picture of Carina and Aiden turned out cute, and I absolutely love the individual ones they took of Carina. I don't know if the link still works so I will have to try and scan the pictures in later. After that we met my good friend Meg and her daughter Corinne for lunch. It was so great to see them, although now our visits mostly consist of chasing our kids around!

Thank you Ballesteros Family for letting us crash at your house and eat your food! We love you!