Graduation

I am officially a graduate--again! Last weekend I graduated with my Master's in Public Policy. I have always really loved being a student, and so graduation was a bittersweet experience for me. I really will miss going to classes and learning new things, and most of all I will miss the great friends I made. But I am happy to be done! :) Since Gerrit will be graduating in August (with degrees in economics and chemistry), we got to walk together. His parents and little sister, and my Grandma Stansel all came into town to support us. Grandma and Grandpa Winkel also came for both Commencement and Convocation, and Marc and Rachelle joined us as well. We were so grateful for all the support that our family showed to us as we celebrated this big achievement in our lives! After graduation we enjoyed spending the weekend with Gerrit's parents and sisters. We went to Salt Lake, walked around temple square, and shopped at City Creek. It was definitely a fun weekend!

With Grandma and Grandpa Winkel, Steven, Natalie, Rachelle, and Tammy

Gerrit and Jake would've rather been eating wings than walking...

I love these girls! I'll miss them!

Waiting to go into the Marriott Center: Our Master's group with Dr. Wilson. Love these people!

At our program brunch following Convocation

I was pretty excited about my hood :)

With Marc and Grandma Stansel

Beautiful day at Temple Square!

 

General Conference and Easter

I love spring time in Provo. Other than one freak snow storm a few days ago, it has been warm and sunny and beautiful: perfect weather for General Conference and Easter! It was so fun having my whole family in town for Conference. We loved being able to spend time with those we don't get to see very often: my parents, Jonathon, Lauren and Russel, and sweet Natalie were all in town. Conference was wonderful; it is such a blessing to get to hear from our living prophet and apostles. We also got to go with Marc through the temple for his first time, and celebrate his birthday. A week later we hosted Easter dinner at our apartment, which we have done every year since we got engaged (so this was our fourth year!). We love inviting over others who don't have a place to go and celebrating the resurrection of our Savior. It really is a beautiful time of year!

So fun to be with my brothers! 

Our last full family pictures for two years! Marc leaves on his mission in June.

Inside the Conference Center

She obviously really loves me :)

Outside of Texas Roadhouse after Marc's birthday dinner

Sisters! (And a niece :) )

Natalie loved the Foosball table; I found that playing one-handed is quite challenging

 Marc requested a German chocolate cake for his birthday, so that's what we had for dessert on Easter.

Carly, Mike, James, Marc, and Elise in the back; Rachelle is with us in the front. 

 This has nothing to do with Conference or Easter, but I had to post a picture of me and Chelsea at 3:30am after seeing The Hunger Games opening night. It's so fun to have good girlfriends!