Congratulations to the Graduate!

After five long years of full time college while working for us as our nanny as well, my sister, Jessica, graduated from Sacramento State with a BA in Family Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Apparel Marketing and Design (in other words - don't go shopping without her). This was a huge day for all of us and I was filled with pride. She is the last of the four Davis children to graduate from college. Growing up, my parents instilled in us the value of an education and I always knew I would go to college. It was never a question of if...just where (and I never could settle on the "where" since I attended 4 universities and 3 junior colleges).  We started the day by attending her graduation ceremony.

Our family, her in-laws and her best friend all came to support her.

Here are three of the Davis kids - Jen, Jes and Joe. My brother, Joe, surprised her by flying in for the day from San Diego for her graduation (this is huge since he had a final in his Masters Program the next day and the following day we all left to Hawaii). She was so surprised when she saw him sitting in the audience. My older brother, Jeff, was already in Hawaii.

After the ceremony, we headed to a celebratory dinner at Olive Garden.  We had a lot of fun and Jes got to open lots of wonderful presents - including a new new MAC laptop - jealous!

For me, Jes graduating is bitter sweet.  I am so happy for her and this is such a big accomplishment.  But, she has been our nanny since Dawson was born six years ago.  She has been a second mother to my children and I have LOVED spending so much time with her.  Now she has graduated and it is time to find a "real" job.  I am happy and hopeful for what this next phase in her life has in store and will forever cherish the love and service she has shown our family.  She will need to teach me to make the delicious homemade pizza she makes for us every Friday.  Last month I decided I would give it a whirl and it was not the same. 

I love you Jes - Congratulations!