Graduation

As we have posted before, Ashley finished her dissertation this semester. A great achievement, yes, but no doctorate is complete without a formal hooding ceremony. Although we had planned to make the 800+ mile journey to West Lafayette, after Ashley traveled for her oral defense (Indiana), NCA (California), and Thanksgiving (Alabama, Florida, Mississippi) ... well ... just WAY too much traveling for everyone that we decided on a more intimate ceremony.


So, Ashley was hooded by Ms. Eden Brooks Bodie, Dean of Eden University, on Sunday December 14.

After the ceremony, we had some family fun time.

And, of course, Eden decided that her dress tasted good ...

The next Saturday (12/20), Ashley's parents came down to help celebrate Ashley's graduation. Eden was happy to see her Granddaddy and CC.

By the way, just a friendly "warning" - if you wear a necklace around Eden, be prepared for her to want to play with and eat it. She especially likes necklaces that jingle.

We celebrated by eating lunch at Islandmorada restaurant, nestled within Bass Pro Shop in Denham Springs. Why Bass Pro Shop? Well, aside from it being Ashley's favorite place to shop (ha, ha) ... there was actually a particularly important reason for our visit ... more to come.