Sunday, May 22, 2011

A Graduation Weekend in New Mexico

Last Thursday, we landed in Albuquerque and were greeted with the most beautiful sky – it was going to be a great weekend.

NM Sky

We drove an hour north to Santa Fe, where Brother’s school is. We saw some wonderful mountains on the way.

A (1)

In the three days in Santa Fe, we ate our weight in chips and salsa, of course.

NM chips and salsa

On Friday morning, we went shopping on the Plaza, the traditional hub of activity in Santa Fe. In order to set up a shop in front of the Palace of the Governors, the artisans must get a permit from the government. When you buy things there, you are actually purchasing it from the artist, which makes buying things in the store later that much harder. It’s neat to hear them speak about their work – keeping their traditions going is a wonderful thing.

A (7)

C (3)

We wandered around for a bit and decided we needed something sweet.

D (2)

Kakawa Chocolate House was just the right thing. Sipping chocolate. In multitudes of flavors and chocolate intensity. YUM.

D (6)

I picked the Havana Rum and was SO happy.

D (9)

That little cup wasn’t nearly enough! It was so good, now I’m drooling just remembering it.

*****

On Saturday morning, we got up early to save our eight seats somewhat near the front row for our big party.

Santa Fe Graduation Weekend (64)

We picked up a program and settled in under our blankets. It was so cold that morning!

Santa Fe Graduation Weekend (52)

When the ceremony started, there were lots of tears watching the brother get his hood and then his diploma …

Santa Fe Graduation Weekend (78)

It was great. Brother even wore Dad’s high school hockey jersey under his robe, so that Dad was with him on the big day. Which of course, brought Mom to tears when she realized it after he walked down the aisle.

Once we met up after the ceremony, there were lots of pictures, of course. This one of the graduate and my mom is one of my favorites because of the look on Mom’s face.

Santa Fe Graduation Weekend (114)

And in case anyone was wondering, I ended up in the black hat -

Santa Fe Graduation Weekend (146)

It ended up being a wonderful day, despite the cold and very heightened emotions due to who was missing at that very important ceremony. But we got through it and are so very proud of our graduate. My brother is a ridiculously smart kid and I was crying like a baby when he walked across that stage. He’s headed to law school and he’s going to save the world, he really will.

Santa Fe Graduation Weekend (135)

Congratulations to all the 2011 Graduates!

4 comments:

  1. Sounds like it was a great weekend! I wondered what kind of shirt your brother was wearing when I looked the pics on FB. I love that he did that!

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  2. This sounds like such a wonderful trip--congrats to your brother! (Also, I love the hat--super cute!)

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  3. So so cute! Congrats to your bro! :)

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  4. Awesome! What a fun weekend! Love the way the hat looks on you - great outfit! And congrats Brother!

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