April 22, 2012

Pomp & Circumstance

This weekend, Chin's family came into town to celebrate the end of his college career. We both felt like graduation snuck up on us, like we had no time to recuperate from finals before all of a sudden he became a BYU alum. Graduation ended up being everything Chin hoped it would be. Even though we're still unsure about what our future holds, graduation gave closure to Chin's four short years at BYU. It was a big finale to the end of a small chapter of his life. 
As I've been reflecting on this past weekend's graduation events, I've thought a lot about how fast these few short years have gone by. Next December I'll have graduated as well, in a short 3 & 1/2 years. It feels like just yesterday I graduated from high school. I was a naive and immature 18 year old, who had absolutely no idea how quickly life can change and how big the world really is.

Anyways, I've said it once and I'll say it again. I'm so proud of Christian. I know that this past year was his hardest yet in terms of uncertainty and the amount that he had to push himself in several areas of his life.
But I'm proud of him for sticking through rigorous classes and several disappointments along the way.
Just some of the shots from this weekend:

Chin's younger brother (who is also 6'8" but only 17... where do they get all this height from?!) missed a few days of high school to come join in on the fun
 

 Chin's parents. I have the best in-laws I could ask for!



One of the nights we headed to Shoots, a Chinese restaurant in the Riverwoods. We had never been there but heard great things. We weren't disappointed. We went with Chin's parents and my sisters and their husbands. I was so happy that they could celebrate with us. The only thing they lacked were waiters with photography skills...

The grad


On Friday we seriously ate out every meal and I wanted to die. Not really but I felt like I might because I've never been so full. We celebrated with Chin's side of the family at Market Street Grill, one of the Pingree family favorites.

And on a semi-related note, Saturday we celebrated with our friends Ali and Aaron (as if we hadn't done enough celebrating already). We headed to Ruby River for yet another dinner out. And even though we took pictures as couples, I'm really obsessed with Ali so I put this one on here instead. Love you Al Pal.

Pretty blooms outside the Marriott Center

Did I mention we celebrated a lot? Oh wait did I mention I'm proud of Chin?
Kay I'm done. 

7 comments:

Lynne said...

Man oh Man! Wish we could have been there! Congrats again to both of you. (P.S. Some CRAZY polka dotted pants) Seriously lovely pictures though.

Amber said...

Congratulations! Proud of you and Christian!

Jaraka Drew Hansen said...

Yay! Love Graduation! And Also Love Those Pink Pants!

Melissa said...

I'm obsessed with the pants. Congrats Chin!

Shelby Clark said...

Hayley! You guys are the cutest! Loving your outfit (as always)! Congrats to Chin for all of his handwork and efforts!

hayley jo said...

You guys are the cutest couple ever. I really mean that!!! I can tell you two are so sweet to each other. Also, Christians little brother has grown like a foot since I saw him at pageant in 2010!! Crazy!! Anyways looks like you are having fun, congrats on your upcoming graduation!

Carolyn Fjord said...

Again, Congrats to Christian!! I'm so happy I got to be there and share a small part of the celebrations! I love all of my nephews & nieces! You two are going to do great things together!!