Phil's PhD Graduation Ceremony

This past week Phil participated in the pomp and circumstance of college graduation. He missed his Australian graduation after his bachelor's degree because of our move to Utah, so I insisted that he participate here, especially because he earned his PhD! That's a huge deal! It was fun to celebrate his hard work and join in on the festivities at BYU. Plus, August graduation is absolutely the way to go...less than half the amount of students. Yeah!

Thursday was the commencement ceremony. We got there nice and early, staking out a spot, but again, it was so much less busy than my April graduation ceremony a few years back that we didn't really have to get there until it started. Luckily I had Phil's parents there with me to help keep the kiddos entertained while we waited for the program to start. 

ALL the graduates fit in those chairs down on the floor. I couldn't believe it!

Happy campers

Jayne was excited to be with daddy again afterwards

We celebrated by stuffing ourselves with some food (of COURSE) at Golden Corral buffet.

The next day was the main day of fun, convocation. This is when Phil would be hooded as a Doctor of Philosophy in Micro and Molecular Biology. (Phew, try to say that ten times fast!) We decided to head to campus early for some photos while the little girls were in their prime aka not naptime! :)

Ready to go!

And...cue the pictures. Never too many pictures, especially when you're graduating with your PhD!

Thanks Mum & Dad B for coming out for Phil's big day!

It was a nice day and the girls did great, but by the end of things they just wanted to play!

That afternoon we headed to convocation. Phil's parents, my parents and the Perucca boys all came out to show their support. Shout-out to my sisters who made it so I could go without entertaining two little cuties again :) It was a very nice ceremony. I couldn't help but feel so much happiness and accomplishment for Phil. I sat there not really believing our college journey was ending (theoretically...Phil still had to finish up and do his defense). It kind of felt surreal but also exciting at the same time.

Phil is the one with the white stole around his neck. His two advising professors are on each side, preparing to "hood" him

And a picture of the action up on the monitor...so we didn't have to squint the entire time :)

And a video of the hooding

There were some good motivating talks and then, voila, Dr. Bennallack!

Phil with his advisor, Joel Griffitts

Phil gave his Mum the stole of gratitude for all of her (and his Dad's) support through out all his education. 

We headed back home to reunite with our kiddos and my sisters and snapped some more photos with the Perucca group

...aaaaand then some more food at Wallabys, because, Aussies!

Congrats Phil! So proud of your hard work!!