ASHLEY GRADUATES FROM COLLEGE

We descended on the Southern Oregon University football field at 7:30 a.m. this morning under cold and cloudy skies to await the graduation ceremony for the class of 2011. Ashley received her bachelor's degree in elementary education during the two-hour event.

Later in the day, about twenty of us met in our backyard for a party to celebrate Ashley's achievement.

Debra and Ashley before the procession begins.

Empty chairs awaiting graduates.

Family in the audience.

Where's Ashley?

There's Ashley.

Chairs occupied.

The receiving line.

Ceremony completed.

Mom and grad and dad.

Later in the backyard.

Rylie, the Weathersbys and the hot tub.

Makiah on the stairs.

Silas flying.

Silas and Rylie.

Alexia and Bethany. And Devon, too.

Shade seekers.

Four-year-olds.

Visiting.

Grilling.

Baylee.

A visit from Kim (Ashley's fourth grade cooperating teacher).