Celebration of Blessings

After 4 years, and a lot of hard work, last week we had the opportunity to attend Jeff's graduation from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University. We are all so proud of him and this wonderful accomplishment.

Graduation was held at the Paramount Theater in downtown Oakland. The outside is reminiscent of the 1920's, with the inside full of murals and exceptional design.

The boys enjoyed watching movies on Gram and Grandpa's iPods during the ceremony.

It's official....DOCTOR LeCheminant!!

I couldn't stop smiling; I am so proud of Jeff and all of his hard work!

We were so happy that Jeff's family came with us. For some reason I didn't get a picture of the whole group but his brother's Derek, Nic and Jason with his son Mo also joined us as well. They have all been a great support over the years and it was so nice to celebrate with them!

After the ceremony we enjoyed lunch at the Cheesecake Factory in Walnut Creek. Jeff's parents gave him a very fancy 'LeCheminant' brand watch. Yes, it's a real company out of England.

When Jeff started school I had Trey put his footprint on a card with the saying, "In the end it will be worth every step". That has proven to be true as we have added two additional footprints since school started so the kids gave their dad a very fitting book!

The night before graduation Jeff and I attended the Doctor's Graduation Ball that was held at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley. What a beautiful hotel, plus dinner was delicious.

Little miss Avrey joined us at the ball. She was so good and everyone loved seeing her. Thank you to Kelley, Jaimi and Sarah for the darling dress; she really was the bell of the ball!

It was so nice to go back and visit our bay area home. We loved living there, and minus the cost of living we really miss it. Gram and Avrey enjoying the sun at Crissy Field in San Francisco.

Grandpa and Kaden watching the boats!

We also had the chance to celebrate Grandma Chem's (Jeff's grandma) 80th birthday while we were there. She is an amazing woman and I am so glad we got to be there. Avrey is the first great-grand daughter in their family so it was very special time for all of us!

The kids with Great Grandpa and Grandma Chem.

Before heading to CA we went to Utah for a week to introduce Avrey to her extended family. While we were there we had the opportunity of blessing her. For some reason in all the craziness I didn't get a picture of just her so I need to do that! As she was being blessed I realized one of her greatest blessings is her extended family. I feel so fortunate that my children have great loving examples from all of their aunts,uncles, and grandparents!

Avrey was encircled by Uncle Jason, Grandpa LeCheminant, Uncle Kris, Uncle Spencer, Grandpa Gillespie, Great Grandpa Peterson, her dad, Uncle Matt, and Great Grandpa Bellows.

Avrey with her great Grandpa and Grandma Bellows. She is their 79th great grand child.

Avrey with great Gram and Grandpa Peterson. Thank you to all who could be there on this special day for Avrey and our family.

Altogether we drove more than 2400 miles and although the time in the car was very long we feel so blessed. It is an amazing time in our lives right now and we are so glad that many of you could be with us. We love you! Now...on to Denver!