Celebration

After graduation we went to Jacob's favorite restaurant, Don Jose. No surprise to most of you. Not the fanciest place, but it sure has yummy food! We always compare other Mexican restaurants to this place now, and we haven't found any that we like better.

Sat. May 17 was the VCU Commencement. Here is Jacob walking in with the other graduates. The school of dentistry led the walk in to their seats.

Finally, a diploma!

We had a little party with some of our friends Sat. night. The cake says "Congratulations Dr. Burch!"

Drew, Jacob, Matt, Sam, and Josh

(top) Lisa, me, Emily, Lara, (bottom) Rebecah and Brooke

We have made such good friends in Virginia. Thanks to all of you for your love and friendship. We will miss you!

Introducing...

Dr. Jacob Allen Burch, D.D.S!!
with Jacob's family
with my family
with all the guys from Meadowbrook
Friday, May 16th was Jacob's dental school hooding ceremony where he officially became a doctor. It was an exciting day. Dental school is finally over! (There were some days we weren't so sure graduation would ever come.) I am so so proud of Jacob for all of his accomplishments. I think I can brag a little and say that he graduated #6 in his class of 92 . He worked so hard every day that he was in school and never gave less than 100%. His patients at the school loved him and were sad he was leaving. I know he is going to be an amazing dentist! Congratulations Jacob, you did it!!

Senior Gala

May 15 was the day of our senior gala, the night I'd been looking forward to for a long time. We got all dressed up, took pictures, and went to the Omni Hotel in downtown Richmond. After the cocktail hour we went into the ballroom for dinner. I was expecting a nice sit down dinner where we would be served by waiters. That's what we'd heard about previous dental school galas. Of course, Jacob's class would be different. We had a buffet. Yes, that's right, a buffet. Now, normally I have nothing against a buffet, but I was not expecting it in a fancy hotel while wearing formal clothes. Most of the food was pretty good and some of it was not. Our table was also in a bad spot- in the corner right where everyone had to stand in line to get their food. So, if you can't tell already, I was pretty disappointed with the dinner.

But there were good parts too. I had fun getting dressed up for the night in a pretty dress (thanks Stephanie!). A few of Jacob's classmates had put together a slide show that was really funny. Mostly, I enjoyed being there with all of our friends and celebrating the end of dental school.

Virginia Beach

Jacob's family came on the 13th to be here for his graduation and mine came very late the 15th. We went to Virginia Beach with Jacob's family. The weather was pretty nice, but not really warm enough to swim, at least not for me. Jacob and his sisters and nephew went in though.

ShayNiel and Jacob

Jacob and Teagan

ShayNiel and Rachel

Kaden

This is my favorite picture of Jacob and his sisters running into the water. Very Baywatch, don't ya think? :)

Update

Wow, it feels like forever since I have posted anything, although it's only been 2- 1/2 weeks. But it's been a very busy 2-1/2 weeks, so that's my excuse. I will try to update you on everything that's happened lately.
Here we go...

Farewell BBQ

Last week our ward had a BBQ for those of us who are leaving soon. They do it every year and this year it was our turn. We have made some great friends here and it is sad to see everyone go their separate ways. But it is also good to be moving on in the next phase of our lives. We had great weather and even better food. Thanks Meadowbrook for all the wonderful memories!

Most of the guys that are graduating

all the wives

Williamsburg Fun

We were able to go to Williamsburg for a few hours on Saturday to see Jacob's aunt Marlys who was in town visiting Brandon and Elizabeth. It is always great to see them again. They took us to Duke of Gloucester street, which we had only seen one other time. We went into some of their favorite stores, which just might become my favorite stores (mostly the candy shop).

Here is Jacob with a tie very similar to the one that his dad has worn every Sunday since his mission. Seriously.

This is Elizabeth trying on one of the many beautiful (and expensive) capes they have in the Scotland House.

Aunt Marlys and Atticus (who had missed out on a nap, I think, but was still adorable)

Atticus and his beautiful mom

Jacob and Brandon

Us with Atticus. Yes, Jacob and Atticus were matching. We figured everyone would think he was our son, not the Moons. Atticus would not come to me, only to Jacob. Maybe it was b/c Jacob shares his blonde hair and blue eyes?

I am holding a Virgil's rootbeer from the Wythe candy shop. It was well worth all the sugar it contained.

Thanks Moons for showing us around. We'll miss not being so close to you anymore. Good luck in Alabama!

Baby Breakfast

I went to a combined baby shower for 3 girls in our ward who are expecting soon: Brooklyn, Brinley, and Amy. In addition to getting ready for a new baby, they are also getting ready to move across the country. (Stressful!) We ate a delicious breakfast and talked and watched the girls open a few gifts. We all teased Brooklyn for hosting her own party at her house. (But she wasn't planning on it being for her.) Here are some pictures of those who were there.

Brooklyn

Christina and Brinley

Amy E & Katrina

Amy A & Traci

Heidi

Pajama Party

Last week we had one final girls' night for those of us who are moving soon. We wore our p.j.'s and brought treats and stayed up late talking. We played a fun game to see how much we know about each other after 4 years. I learned a lot of new stuff about my friends. It was fun to get together one last time. (I hope no one will get mad about me posting pics of them in their pajamas. You all look wonderful!)