Official Commencement for Joe's Doctorate of Philosophy in Education with an Emphasis in Equity and Diversity

What a night! What a night!!!

Where to even begin!?!?!?!

We got to Lawlor Event Center at around 4:20. It was freezing and they had to move it from the quad to inside. The students actually booed the President over it. Because obviously, the President is to blame for the weather. Oh Nevada students.... why do you drink so much alcohol before the ceremony?

Papa saved us seats and it was packed!!

Right away we were able to see Joe walk in. He was one of the first 5!!

The kids were incredibly patient. We didn't bring bags because we knew it would be checked and a hassle. So they took a couple bathroom breaks and survived the really long speeches. Fortunately, PhD students are first so we got to go wild for Jody right at the beginning of the procession.

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!! How on earth did this crazy man do it all!!!

But do it he did.

When it came time to cheer I went a little wild. 10 years (at least) of our 17 year marriage have been dedicated to higher education. Law school, Masters, PhD.

We couldn't be prouder.

Well done Jody. Well done.

We celebrated with pizza and the very best sundaes!!!

I ate waaaaaaaay too much chocolate!!! And loved every single bite!!!

Maria highlight:
Dancing the orange dance and saying, "I've popped an organ."

We have video/blackmail.

Later on the drive home we got to see Reno at it's finest!!

Road rage in a Subaru. They rammed a huge truck going on to the freeway. Glad there were no gunshots. There was a cop of course... but the cop didn't see. Fun times. When I told Eli to make good little boy friends he said, "Ya!! Of course!! And make friends with nice trucks."

It was a wonderful night!!! Thanks Dad for always treating us out!! And Thanks Dr. Lykes for the ultimate reason to celebrate!!!

YOU!

Black Grads. PhD Celebration #2

When it comes to Joe's PhD, I have a hard time finding the right words. Basically, to boil it all down, I am truly happy that my husband is happy.

He has worked beyond the concept of hard, he has dedicated himself and now here we are.

The program was well done. I still think Joe could have done a better job as the singer for the Black National Anthem.

Here he is!!! No handshake, but a swell pat on the back!!

The joy/crazed looked of an almost done PhD student.

I love cake. We all love cake.

Cake is magic. Cake is key. Cake motivates.

We ate way too much cake.

At one point Eli was flapping his arms and screaming, "I can fly!!! I can fly!!!" while running around in circles.

So grateful for family support and love.

Hours later, Joe is still talking to other people. But it was OK because it's his night!!

Congrats Dr. Lykes.

You're almost there.