Juris Doctorate

He did it! Brett graduated! In Abby's words at commencement: "Yay Daddy!"
We are so proud of him and his hard work. One simple piece of paper can symbolize so much...time, discipline, hard work, dedication, endurance, and let's be honest: $$. These years of law school have been a wonderful experience and have definitely changed us. We wouldn't trade the experiences we have had for anything. We are very grateful for the people we have met, the many things we have learned and the Lord's hand in our lives. Thanks to our family and friends who have helped us through the years. We are blessed!
Now, on to face the BAR exam in July! Good luck Babe and CoNgRaTs!


DONE! Done! DONE!


Graduation was held on the National Mall in front of the Capitol, which made it a fun atmosphere. The weather was perfect, and we had just enough sun to give Brett an awesome tan line from his hat.
Round II...receiving the long awaited diploma. (This is where Abby 'lost it.' I have to give her credit, she did pretty well for 6 hours of meetings. )

Brett with his parents.
It was nice to have our parents out here to celebrate. Thanks for coming!

Nani
Pops

I made him pose at the Jefferson Memorial...

We had to get a picture in front of the Supreme Court.

Great friends...

The law school had a big party for the graduates at the Air and Space Museum. It was a good time, which included FREE unlimited Gelato ice cream. Yum.

Here are a few videos from graduation. Abby was actually good and even played quietly during Michelle Obama's speech. Phew.

The Great Outdoors

We have had a few mornings to spend with daddy before he starts his hard core classes for the BAR. Because daddy has been stuck studying behind a computer for the last few months, we thought it was a good time to enjoy the outdoors. We needed to stick close to home, so we chose some nice places around the city. Abby LOVED spending time with daddy. (As you can tell from the pictures, Abby insists on wearing a dress wherever she goes. She is all girl.)

ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Abby found a baby turtle along the way.

THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM

These columns were transported from the Capitol when it was reconstructed. Here are the original columns from Abraham Lincoln's time.

She kept saying...'Pretty flowers Mama.' She also always wanted to check out the bees. Abby loves bees after watching them from our bay window with Aunt 'Sippy.'

Hand and hand with daddy.

Feeding the fish. (There were some big ugly ones.)

Great Falls

Watching the falls.

All within 30 min. from our house. Sweet.

A Mother's Imprint

"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world."

— President David O. McKay

To our Mothers,

Thank you for showing us what LOVE is all about. We are so GRATEFUL for your great influence on our lives. Your imprint can never be erased. WE LOVE YOU! xoxo

Out of Control

This little girl makes everyday a fun adventure for sure, and we love her. (You can't truly enjoy a fruit smoothie without smearing it all over yourself and the walls.)

Taste of Country

Recently, Abby has become quite fond of a particular book 'All Things Bright and Beautiful.' It was a cute book my parents gave me for Easter when I was in college studying to be a teacher. I love childrens' books and have a little collection. I came across this one a month ago and thought I would read it to Abby. Ever since then, she won't put it down. It has become a family favorite for sure. She asks me to read it to her everyday and will point at all the animals as we read. Because of her love for this book, we decided to get out of the 'big city' for a bit to spend the morning with our good friends at Frying Pan Farm. Ahhh...a little taste country does the heart good. Abby LOVED seeing all the farm animals and kept waving to them, saying 'hi'. The trip was definitely a success! I have a feeling we will be returning soon to our 'small taste of country,' hidden in the big city.

Jensen and Abby driving on the country road.

Lovin' it!

Watch out, here she comes! Keep your eyes on the road...

Talking to the chickens.

All Things Bright and Beautiful
By Cecil Frances Alexander
(You will probably recognize this as a song.)

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,
Each little Bird that sings,

He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,

The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky,

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,

The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,

The rushes by the water,
We gather every day...

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell

How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

The book says it the best. :)