He did it, he did it, he did it, Yeah! (Yes, that was to the tune of the Dora song.)
We've talked about this so many times over the years. Was it worth it? Absolutely. If we had to do it all over, Derek would still be graduating 10 years after starting as a freshman in 1999.
We were married in November 2004 during a short Thanksgiving break. We finished out the year at BYU and working at the MTC. 2005 brought about new adventures as we moved to Cozumel, Mexico for an internship. It was especially applicable to Derek's major, as he was studying international business. A job offer in Grand Cayman was extended during our time as interns. We felt it was the right thing to do and so we went. Our stint in the Cayman Islands lasted 2 years and resulted in yet another professional opportunity back here in Utah. After diving into the world of product development and sourcing, the company downsized. The last ones in were the first ones out and that included Derek. So with Eva 3 months old and my maternity leave up our plans changed. Derek would be the stay-at-home parent and I would be re-entering the work force.
We took a look at our priorities...get me back home, take time to finish school, find Derek work. When we found out Baron would be entering our family it all seemed to work out. I would stay home after he was born. 6 weeks before Baron entered the world, Derek established his company with a trip to Bangkok and 6 weeks after his birth Derek strapped on a backpack and took the hike up those never-ending stairs on the south side of campus. He started back up full time in January of this year. He created his schedule every semester to allow for a few days to be dedicated to his company
Beckett & Robb.
Between growing a company from scratch, taking classes full time (and me part time,) callings in the Primary and Young Men's Presidencies, and soaking up every snuggle and kissing every boo boo, we've been a bit busy. But who isn't, really? Between the odd schedules, the 9pm dinners, and the midnight peeks in on the kids after not seeing them all day, we can genuinely and unequivocally say we are happy. It's been stressful, but there has never been a time that we felt like it would have to be years from now before we could appreciate this year.
Maybe it hasn't been the typical 4 years to graduation, but it has been full of education nonetheless.
BYU holds their graduation ceremonies over two days. On Thursday August 12th we went to the Marriott Center for Commencement. We really appreciated the family support!
I couldn't have handled the kids on my own up there. MiKayla, Chad, Mom and Dad were such a big help and great cheerleaders to Derek.
After Commencement we stopped for a little photo op. It was a pretty happy day for the whole family.
Derek told me about when his mom dropped him off at BYU in 1999. Mom talked about how the Y on the mountain was soooo cool.
Future BYU Grad!
Derek received his degree in Latin American Studies from the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies. Convocation was held Friday, August 13th at 8 am.
Here I am happy as can be, even though I did get a ticket on the way. I didn't have my license, our car's registration was expired, I was doing 15 over the speed limit and our tint is illegal. But the police officer was super nice and just busted me for the registration. Thanks!
We did a really fun party for Derek on Friday. Since he graduated in Latin American Studies I decided to do a spread of Latin American cuisine. Above you can see Carnitas (spicy shredded pork) from Mexico and Popusas (chicken and cheese inside corn tortillas) from El Salvador.
Here are some Empanadas (seasoned ground beef baked in a pastry type dough) from Chile.
This is one of our favorite dishes and we didn't know how it would go over, but people loved it. It's Tinga (super spicy pork in a chipotle pepper and chorizo sauce,) also from Mexico.
We also had Zuko juice and Mexican coke. That's kind of the best.
And some not so Latin cougar pride cupcakes. Go Blue!
Way to go Weetie! You've done such a good job. We love you!
Back in August we took a trip to The Living Aquarium. It's just a little guy in Sandy, but it was fun. I'm really enjoying the curiosity and interest Eva shows in things she learns about. We're having a lot of fun exposing her to new experiences and seeing what she thinks of them. She likes to tell Derek about her day when he comes home. She tells him everything she does and it is really sweet to see what is important to her. She has started to say things that she likes and talks about what makes her happy and what she did that was fun. These conversations are so special as it gives us an opportunity to see the world as she does.
The Penguins by far were her favorite. She's been talking about Pinguinos ever since she saw them at the Boise Zoo over Memorial Day weekend.
She touched the stingray and thought that was pretty cool. It made me think back to the time we spent on the sandbar with the stingrays in Grand Cayman. They are so soft and graceful. I love them!
Mommy and Eva enjoying all the fishies!
I think Baron was just happy that I didn't make Eva sit in the stroller and he had more room.
This picture kind of makes me laugh because it's like Eva is one of those Sea Shepherd animal rights activists yelling at some big whaling vessel. 
She sat on the "Sapo."
He was a real good boy. He was kind of serious about some of the things he saw.
Just checking it out.
