the one where Kalyn Marie graduates from UT

I have a college graduate.  Holy Smokes!  Miss Marie graduated from the Univeristy of Texas a couple of weeks back.  Yep.  I have a college graduate!!!  Did I just type that?  It’s crazy to think about it.  But I do.  We found out literally a month before graduation.  She went in to meet with her advisor and he told her she had enough hours since her semester abroad all transferred.  So, let’s throw together a weekend in Austin and have a graduation celebration!!!!  A few family members couldn't make it on such short notice and I was completely bummed about that, but some did and for that I'm so grateful. It was such a lovely weekend!

I’m secretly convinced that Grandma, Davida, planned this entire affair as in called her advisor and arranged for this to happen.  I mean, after all, she didn’t want to choose which grandkid was her favorite.  Originally slated for May graduation, Kalyn and my niece Brooke’s were on the same weekend.  Now?  With Kalyn Marie graduating December, no one will ever know who her favorite is.  Yep. Her secret is safe.  LOL

We stayed at the Lonestar Court which is located in the Domain.  It’s an awesome place that I highly recommend.  It’s close to West Campus off the MO and HELLO!  Shopping and EVERYTHING right there.  It has a cool laid back vibe without smelling like weed and provides you with everything you could ever need in a hotel.  A cool place to drink and breakfast.  Yep.  We are easy to please in this family.

Her graduation was early on Saturday, so afterwards, we took a tour of campus and just enjoyed the fabulous weather!  It's was awesome!  And campus is so pretty.  Her friend, and old roomie, Christine gave us a tour and she was great at filling it with the perfect amount of trivia and charm.   I'm convinced my Dad wants to adopt her!  

I wore cute new booties that are the RAGE right now, but had to remove them because my feet were killing me.  UGH. Not a smart move and thank you Summer Zoe for letting me borrow your socks.

After the tour, we took several of her close friends and US to Magianno’s for a fantastic dinner and celebration!  It was just across the street from our hotel and everything was just perfect!  The food, the staff, the guests, EVERYTHING.  We all ate and drank and enjoyed the conversation and laughter!  And then after dinner, we walked the domain with all the pretty lights and decorations and jazz band, and then walked back to our rooms and enjoyed the evening.  It was great!  We had bonfires to keep warm and just a wonderful evening.

What’s next for Kalyn Marie?  Well, her lease in Austin is good through June, so she’s concentrating on getting a job.  Anyone hiring?  Let us know.  She’s a great kid and an even better human being, so you should definitely look her up.  I think she’s on Linkedin.  

Congratulations Miss Marie!!!  WE are super proud and even more excited for you!!!  

Love Does,
Kristin

When you get the cousins together, it's always fun!  Jack is graduating from Prosper High this May and planning on attending A+M.  Yep.  Please pray for him.  And us, to keep our mouths shut and not do all those lovely Aggie jokes!

 

Jason and Davida enjoying dinner.  We laughed all weekend long!

 

Emily and Jason

 

Devin and Kalyn.  He hates having his picture taken, but he's getting better at it since dropping at the weight.

 

David and Davida

 

We had dinner there at the Lonestar the first night.  Wasn't the greatest food we ever ate, but it got the job done.  Afterwards, the campfires were great for sitting and visiting.

 

These two are always good together.  

 

I think we stayed up later then the kids!  Give us a weekend and we'll take a mile!

 

This was the walk to breakfast the next morning.  Note the house shoes?  I love this place!

 

Great atmosphere!  You'd never know this was Austin.  HELLO!  LOVE!

 

Getting ready for the ceremony.  She was kind of nervous.  Crazy huh?  I guess it's such a life changing thing. 

 

Fresh breath is important.

 

Kalyn Marie graduated with honors.  Super proud!

 

Because of parking and traffic and construction, we dropped her off close and we did the hiking.  

 

They had several graduations going on at the drum this weekend.  I think we were the 2nd of the day.

 

BIG HUGS AFTER!!!!  It was crazy trying to find her!  But we did and took a ton of pictures!!!

 

The entire gang!  Minus me with the camera.  

 

I love this with Christine in the background!!!

 

So, so happy my Dad and Sheila could make the trip!

 

David and Davida with the graduate!!!

 

Jason and Emily with her as well!

 

Her bunch of great friends!!!  I'm so happy they all came out to celebrate!

 

Several graduates decorated their caps.

 

At the bar watching the game, this guy bought Kalyn Marie a drink in honor of GRADUATING!  I told her to wear her gown all week.  HELLO!  It might get her lots of free stuff.  LOL

 

Taking a tour of campus during the BEST time of day for portraits.  LOVE!

 

Gorgeous day to graduate!

 

We stayed on these steps for a while and just enjoyed the day!  Just a mix bunch of people all connected to Kalyn Marie.  

 

If you look closely you can see the girl in the background photo bombing our shot!   Too funny! 

 

Because UT grads can wear black, Kalyn Marie wore her high school grad robes.  Very cool.  

 

My poor niece!  I always torture her with photos.  It's just too much fun not to, and she's gorgeous!  

 

Kalyn Marie is used to it and always takes great photos!  Can't believe she graduated!!!!