Alyx's Graduation

Another graduation done. It's been a whirlwind of a year, but Alyx did it, especially all the work she put in at the end of the schoolyear. No way we wouldn't celebrate that.




Here's the graduate leaving for the ceremony.




We had a party the day before graduation, professionally catered by Stacy, Shirley, Suzanne, Carole and Vicky. It was the real deal with food quite a few notches above rubber chicken.




More of the spread.




The Great Wall of Alyx. Notice Emily's ghost in the lower left.





Us in the back yard, along with Mom and Carole.





I think that smile on Alyx's face is real. I offered her no compensation for it.

Facial Hair

What started out as sheer laziness has blossomed into a legitimate beard.
I have no idea whether I'll keep it or not. There's always the possibility of shaving various parts of it and leaving interesting artifacts behind. Here are some options. Your votes are more than welcome, though I guarantee nothing.













This one just makes my eyes water for some reason.

Matthew's Graduation

Yes, the boy has graduated. We made another trip up to the windy city for graduation, which was on the same day as Mother's Day and the twins' birthday. We planned that.



Here's Matthew whining at the Weber Grill because I didn't let him get ice cream.



With two of his friends, Leslie and Jordan.



With us at the Weber Grill.



Cole on Michigan Ave. enjoying a free sample of Coke.



Crossing the Chicago River on the bridge that Batman crossed in his last flick.



One of the twins took this lovely shot at an El train stop.



The Logan Square stop on the train, which is where Matthew just found an apartment.



Troublemakers on the train.



The stage at the Wheaton graduation. 600 graduates are enthralled with President Litfin's speechmaking skills.



Matthew crossing the stage to receive his sheepskin. Notice the military gentleman to the left reaching for his sidearm.



The proud parents with said graduate.

Guess who got another tattoo?

Nope. Not me.




Matthew got number 2 when he came in for Alyx's birthday.




The word "freely" is now on his rib cage. The question I get when I tell others about it is "Ace?" Those of you who are old enough may get it. If not, it's not really worth explaining. No, it's about how he wants to live his life. If that could only apply to rent in Chicago.

Alyx turned 18

Back in March. We decorated the backyard, complete with lights, candles, centerpieces and whatnot.
Matthew flew in for the occasion, and me, Stacy and the twins were servers.
I think Alyx was actually impressed.



The table setup with the centerpiece, Stacy's idea.



Partygoers with the guest of honor in the middle.




The siblings.



The ambiance.

I'm a loser.

Yep, it's been way too long since I posted anything to this blog, much to your chagrin, I know.
Well, the wait is finally over. I've got tons to add. Hold on.