Sunday, June 14, 2009

Graduations and Milestones

This last week was a week of milestones for the Wilson Family. Everyone had a little something; let's go in order of age.

Ben
Ben graduated with his PhD in Electrical Engineering. He's not actually done yet, but you can walk if you plan on graduating summer quarter (July 29th, mark your calenders). PhD's get super cool caps and gowns, that make them look like Vasco da Gama or Henry VIII. They also get hooded by their advisers. Interesting fact: by July 29th Ben will have been in college for ten years, ten months, and one day.

Ben celebrated this fabricated milestone by jogging up Mount Pilchuck with Brandon. This was a home-by-lunch hike that packed a lot of punch.

Bri

Bri was working a little magic of her own. She's been taking one institute class a quarter since she got her bachelor's. Well, she graduated from Institute again. This was the fifth time. She would like to share a thought:

"I started attending institute in fall 2001, and basically didn't stop. I knew I wanted to take a class but then I realized I could park for free all day if I took a morning and afternoon class. This was great considering I commuted from Snoqualmie to UW. The institute program has been a guiding light for me throughout college and now into four and half years of marriage (2.3 kids later). With the many trials I have faced no matter the size, institute was the basis for my spiritual development. I have a stronger testimony of the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ, have developed scripture study skills, and I have always had others to ask questions to, to help me along the way. I know that our Savior lives and loves us, I know that the Book of Mormon is true witness of Christ, I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and restored the church in the latter days. These are all testimonies strengthen by my attendance and personal study. I hope that my understanding will be pass on to my children and strengthen my family. Thanks to all who have help me along the way."

Ginny

After nine months of being potty trained Ginny final past that last lingering hurtle. She ditched the bedtime pull-up. That's right, Ginny is now sleeping away in her big girl panties. Both she and her parents are ecstatic.

Violet

Last of all is Violet. Her milestone is that she is now considering maybe trying to walk. This is a change from not wanting to walk at all. In the mean time she's living up her last remaining time as a free-loader.


BNT

Baby number three is now thirteen weeks old. He/she is now a member of the bigger-than-a-peach club!

7 comments:

Claire Roach said...

Oh, congrats on BNT!!! You guys are great parents. Glad everything is well.

Shaela said...

wow, what a week! Congrats to all of you... especially Ginny. Yay for the raise in income! :)

Missy said...

Wow, a PhD! What an amazing accomplishment! My Ben is jealous. He really wants to go back to school to get a graduate degree.

Bri, your testimony is very strong. Thanks for sharing, and congrats on graduating from Institute again!

Good job Ginny on the night time potty training! We just finally got to this point with Henry, too. It's great!

Fun that Violet is thinking about walking. Gwen didn't walk until she was a week away from 18 months. She had me a little worried.

Your kids are so cute! I can't wait to see them soon!

mandi said...

I'm not sure which is the biggest accomplishment, but let me just say that I think graduating 5 times from institute is freaking amazing!! I love that you kept on going through babies, marriage and life happening. Your testimony is what will get you through the rest of life happening too! Way to go!

Jessica said...

Congratulations! What a great post with great pictures!

~Aimee~ said...

Wow!! So much exciting for one family! :-D CONGRATS to Ben on his PhD! That is amazing. WOOHOO!! And Bri, a 5th Institute diploma?! Dang girl!! You Rock! Yay for all the kiddos too!! :-D

kilaMOMjaro said...

Great accomplishments all!! I'm so proud of everyone. =]

<3
Gramma