Memorial Day 2012

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Southern Illinois celebrating a number of birthdays in the family (including Grandma Jaskowiak who is now 98!) along with three graduations!  Below are some pictures around the pool and from the party:

Lantern Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden

During our Memorial Day weekend in Southern Illinois, we decided to take in the Lantern Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden.  The Lantern Festival runs through mid-August and is strongly recommended for the entire family.

The garden was transformed with Chinese lanterns and inspired sculptures.  The pictures below are just a few of beautiful images:

If you look closely, this is a man sitting on a dock fishing.

There were two of these dragons.  The entire body was made with Ceramics from China

The picture does not do this area justice!

Loran's Graduation

We had a VERY busy and momentous weekend.  Friday night, we traveled to Southern Illinois to attend the Caterer sampling for Loran's wedding.  On Saturday was Loran's graduation from SIUC where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Dietary Health, achieving Summa Cum Laude (perfect 4.0 GPA).  She has also been selected for a Fellowship program, which means she will be paid to complete her Masters program.  We are so extremely proud of her and expect nothing less from Sophie and Abby!! (we hope!!)

In addition, Andy and Margret had their fourth child over the weekend, Beau Francis.  Everyone is doing well (pictures to come)!

 Fellow Graduates (One of three sessions!)

 Our Girls

 The HAPPY Family!

 Space Shuttle Captain Mark Kelley gave the address - really great speech on setting lofty goals for your life

After Graduation, the entire family went out to eat at Hunans in Carbondale