A Graduation Celebration

Last weekend we loaded up the car and drove to Ohio to help celebrate Justin's graduation from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Jason's mom got her Masters, too, so it was a double celebration. We had a great time, and I finally got to meet the whole family, which was wonderful. We are so proud of Justin and Lynda--lots of hard work, and they deserve a vacation (we vote Washington DC). You can see here a shot from the balcony of Justin getting his diploma, as well as a couple Small Family Photos. There are lots more pictures in our album on the sidebar, though, so peruse at your leisure.

I have every intention of staying more on top of the blogging, and hopefully this innundation of entries will get a little more under control! I'm hoping the long weekend will afford us a little extra time to get things caught up.

The Volcano

Waiting in Line
Originally uploaded by jmsmall2005.

Waiting in line at Kings Dominion is not a very exciting picture, but take a look at the coaster behind Jason. Blasting straight out of a volcano at top speed, suspended from a twisting roller coaster seat. Sounds fun, huh? Well, Jason liked it. Turns out I'm a wee bit afraid of roller coasters. But we had a good time "regaining our youth" at King's Dominion.

Our First Strawberry

Our First Strawberry
Originally uploaded by jmsmall2005.

Okay, so it's not enough to make a milkshake, but we are awfully proud of this beautiful red strawberry. Who knew I could grow something?!? Jason and I sliced it up nicely and shared it. Yum!

Incidentally, since this strawberry was picked our plants have become strawberry-producing fiends. I'll have to show you soon, they are almost ugly there are so many berries growing!

High Drama

That is how Jason described his recent trip to Abuja, Nigeria. He was with the Deputy Secretary of State on a mission to close the Darfur peace talks successfully. With 36 sleepless hours, much well-placed diplomacy, and nail-biting to the very end, they came away with a win! A huge step toward peace in Sudan!

Jason can write more about his experience later, but I just have to brag on him a bit. Attached is a picture I swiped from the AP. Deputy Secretary Zoellick is third from the left, and Jason is next to him. For more official details, take a look here.

Two Weddings and a Nephew

I told Mom today that Jason and I will lay low at least through the summer, because ALL of her children experiencing Major Life Events at the same time might be too much to take.

On Sunday, Jenny's picture popped up on my phone, and finally--FINALLY!--it was the call we've all been waiting for. Ring on the finger, wedding date for August (yes, August), and much giddiness on her part. Ours too--Chad is a great guy and we're looking forward to having him as part of the family.

Really, though, that is three weddings for my parents in a year and one week. Crazy, no?

As for the nephew bit, it will be baseball caps instead of frilly dresses this fall--Shaanti's having a boy. We can't wait to meet the little chap!