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Tim's A & M Graduation
McGoveCo is at work while we travel to College Station. Papa drives and Nanny is the backseat driver while "The Energy Department" Geologist Jay talks on his cell phone about his latest well and the Project Engineer Consultant Elizabeth outlines her proposal to a client.
Future Engineer Patrick and Engineer or Forensic Scientist Joe hold down the third seat.
The Petro cousins join us at Tim's apartment. Steven, Josh and Patrick sit behind the 3rd seat as we all pile into the Yukon. Since Papa has a handicap sticker, we can park close by. 12 people are a perfect fit!
Josh, Jay, Steven, Steve, Patrick, Elizabeth, Andy (who just arrived from University of North Texas), Joe and John pose outside Reed Arena, where the graduation is held. Kyle Field, the football stadium, is in the background. Deb Petro and Nancy are both taking pictures.
Tim has his cap and gown in hand and is ready for the ceremony - one of 4 graduations held at Texas A & M.
This is a shot from the large screen at the top of the arena.
The flags of each department are displayed on the stage, as well as the department Deans, guests and dignitaries.
We stand for the National Anthem and the "Spirit of Aggieland".
The graduates file in and fill the seats while the screen gives close up shots.
A & M President Dr. Eddie Davis introduces the speakers. Tim and Chelsea had the honor of eating dinner with him at the President's Home on campus two nights before. Former A & M graduates, the Hughes twins, and their family had made a generous donation to the University and asked for a student from the Geotech Department to join them. Chelsea was selected and she asked if Tim could also attend.
Chelsea will get her diploma in August. (A schedule error showed her having taken the wrong History class. She took a Senior level class instead of a Freshman level class!!!)
Patrick displays the diploma for Tim with proud Mom and Dad.
The Ledwig's hosted a party for the couple at their lovely home. Left to right are Monica Simmons (Chelsea's youngest sister), Chelsea, Elizabeth and hostess Joan. Unfortunately, the Wanns, who came for graduation, couldn't make the party. Melody and Jim now live in Waco and their son (Tim's best friend) Nick and his wife Stori live in Houston.
Back to the camera is Sharon Simmons (Chelsea's mom), Elaina (her middle sister), her roommate and boyfriend, Patrick, Josh and Jay
Chelsea and Tim open the picnic basket from his parents, but the main gift is ...
His car loan is "forgiven". Tim shows the amortization table marked "Paid in Full" to Patrick. (Bet Patrick will NOT forget that gift when he graduates from college!) Nanny's designer card holds a check, which hit the wallet at once.
Tim grabs Mom as they both rejoice in the graduation.
Deb and host Jerry Ledwig are ready to eat.
Chelsea's parents - Sharon and Woody Simmons. Monica is looking at a scrapbook and John is watching the group.
John and Nancy pose.
Jay and Tim
The kitchen is a busy place with Jerry, Chelsea, Deb, Elizabeth and Joan.
Tim takes all of us on a tour on Saturday. Mom is sticking close to her graduate!
In Kyle Field, Steve and Jay wish they could toss the ball, but Final Review of the Corps of Cadets is getting ready to begin and the stands fill. Watching are Steven, Tim, Josh, Patrick and Joe.
Deb and Elizabeth have joined them, as you can see the slogan, "Home of the 12th Man". Old Ags, Jay and Elizabeth gave a "gig 'em".
We tour the Sports Complex and see the indoor pool, with diving platforms and pool at the far end. Elizabeth remembers her school days here with only an outdoor pool for her daily swims.
Elizabeth salutes the Corps as they march in to the stadium. (Think you are supposed to FACE the Corps, Liz!)
Patrick and Josh munch on sandwiches left from the party as we enjoy the pool at the hotel.
Steven has the football, which the boys enjoy in the pool. Actually, he has come for his sandwich.
Tim enjoys one.
Jay and Liz relax.
As do Steve and Nanny ...
Chelsea and Liz ...
Liz and Deb ...
Jay and John
Sunday finds us eating again, as Elizabeth gives Nanny a Mother's Day card.
Tim, Josh, Steven, Patrick and Jay
And last, but certainly not least, is Baxter, who made the entire trip and was a perfect dog. (Oh dear, he doesn't know he's a dog. Sorry, Baxter.)