Rachel's Graduation

A week after my graduation (May 1 & 2) Rachel and I went down south for her graduation. She completed a Master's in Education from Southern Utah University. Although SUU is in Cedar City, they send their professors around the state to teach teachers and help them get their Masters. So, this was her first time to be on the campus. Also, Rachel finished her program last June, but finally got to walk in May. Several quirks, but I'm so glad she decided to walk anyway. It was really fun!
A delightful fairly recent addition to SUU's very nice campus:

Friday we went and picked up her regalia, then headed to St. George. We stayed with my cousin and his family and had a blast baby-sitting their two little girls and baby boy. Rachel helped them make May baskets for May Day (she'd just done it with her class). They are 4, 2 and 3 months and are delightful. Oh, and I should add, we experienced Signing Time for the first time. It really is fun. My favorite part of it all though, was one line which had special significance in light of this weekend--both for these darling girls below and for being with Rachel. It's the family video of Signing time and in one of the songs it's teaching sister and it says something along the lines of "maybe she grow up and be my best friend." Oh, that everyone could be so lucky to have a sister be their best friend! It is really a beautiful part of life.
Then the next morning we headed up for SUU's graduation. Pres. Monson (and others) spoke at the Commencement. I had a great seat--both for seeing the stage and seeing Rachel; also a nice local lady sat beside me and told me all kinds of cool things. And then the Convocation followed shortly after. Both were delightful and it was fun to go to a different college's graduation.
Lining up:
Rachel getting hooded:
It was a gorgeous day! After a nice lunch on campus we drove up to Manti and enjoyed this wonderful temple! It was Rachel's first time inside and, as always, it was a wonderful experience of personal attention and love.
Maybe my favorite part of the whole day (though it is hard to pick favorites on a day like this) was seeing the baby lambs. It's spring all over central Utah and there were flowers, foals, calves and other great views of spring. But I LOVED the baby lambs. Especially the ones that bounced around the fields. Adorable! I love spring.
And I love Rachel, who has been my best friend for all my life. I'm so grateful for an incredible sister who likes to share her life with me. :)