Father's Happy Day

It all began with breakfast in bed (Rob didn't mind "having" to sleep in so we could "surprise" him), and opening presents. A football and bases to go with our T-ball stuff so we can make use of our big backyard. (We already played T-ball for family night, it was a party.) He also got some new summer clothes (nice try anyway, he took them all back), but he did love the Narnia soundtrack (he loves classical music).

Then Rob and I got our talks ready to speak in church! Gratefully they went well.

We had a nice time at church, and afterward had a Mexican dinner (his favorite), went on a walk, and made big DAD cookies.

It was a very nice day together. The kids got really into it.

We love our Daddy Rob!

(more than ever after spending 4 months without him this year...we're glad that's over!)

Fresh Picked Strawberry Jam

We had a yummy outing on June 11th, when our new friends the Cuff's invited us to tag along with them to go pick strawberries at a local farm. The kids could eat while they picked, and they loved that!

It was pretty toasty outside so we didn't last long, but I did make my first freezer jam with all the strawberries and it turned out very tasty! I had no idea it was so easy!

These are our new friends the Cuff's. Their mom, Summer, danced ballroom at BYU so she's a kindred spirit. Her kids are Russell (Ryan's age- 4) and Natalie (2) and they are expecting their third baby.

Thanks Summer!

Canton's Liberty Fest

We had a blast at the Canton Liberty Fest on June 14th. We went to the parade in the morning, and the rides, bounce houses and petting zoo in the evening.

The parade was fun, the kids loved the treats! There were many churches promoting their church, dozens of dance studios and cheerleaders, a couple bands and clowns, but my kids favorite thing was the shopping carts. There were a bunch of people marching pushing different colored shopping carts and then someone would yell, "There's a sale!" and they would run fast in different circle formations. They keep talking about how funny it was, it was pretty good.

Ellie and Ryan loved the boats the best, but Ryan also loved being able to drive the train!

We also went to a ZUMBA class (a cardio dance workout) that two gals from the ward teach. I loved it because I got a workout, and Ellie and Ryan enjoyed doing it too! They were trying to let people know more about it at the town days so they would come over to the Summit (this amazing recreation center down the street from our house) and take their classes. That is my dream job! Get payed for working out while teaching a class! I loved it.

Trevor loved pushing his stroller around and riding on his daddy's shoulders, but his favorite by far was the petting zoo. He said all the animals names and pulled on a patient little lambs ear. He was adorable as always.

Canton is a wonderful city for families! The library is the best we've ever seen for kids.

We're glad to be here.

Doctor Rob

IT'S OFFICIAL!

Robert's name gained three initials this weekend at his graduation in Glendale Arizona.

He is now Robert S. Soulier, DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine).

We had such a wonderful trip! It was very nostalgic as we enjoyed seeing our friends from Rob's class most of whom we haven't seen in a year or two since the last two years are spread out in different clinics and States), as well as seeing Arizona and our old stomping grounds for the last time in a while.

My mom flew in to Michigan to be with our precious kiddos so we could enjoy the graduation festivities (thanks again mom!). The first night we flew in we went to see the "Prince Caspian" movie, and checked out all the new stuff around the Cardinals stadium.

Early Thursday morning we went to Rob's School (Midwestern University) for the last time.

All the students had exit interviews and a big meeting telling us how we can pay of all our debt, yeah the fun begins...

Then we were off to pick up Rob's parents who flew in from Utah to celebrate with us. We had such a nice time with them! We got to try out a little restaurant called "Mangos" on main street in Mesa. The food was very authentic (even by my chilango Rob's standard) and we loved talking with mom and dad Sou.

We then enjoyed a session at the Mesa Temple together, and the day was gorgeous! It wasn't that hot even, and the grounds were beautiful with lots of desert flowers in bloom.

You can't go to Arizona without getting a picture or two with a cactus.

After the temple we got ready quickly for the Graduation Banquet.

Delicious food, great speeches, awards, a movie, a way cool gift for the students ( a fly fusion pen, have you ever heard of them?) and the students recited the podiatry oath. It was an unreal night. We can't believe that it's really over.

These are the Rigby's who are moving with us to Michigan, Ryan Rigby is in the same residency as Rob (they take three a year) and we're excited to get to play with them (and their two kids Alexis and Kevin) the next few years.

This is a picture of the students and faculty. Rob's graduating with only 14 other students in the inaugural class of podiatric medicine.

7 of the guys were LDS, and so was the director of the program (Dr. Page) in the middle.

This is the wife's club, see those smiles?

Yeah, it's been a long four years and we're done!!

These are the seven LDS couples, we were grateful to have each other during school.

Between us we have 16 kids and one on the way!

The inaugural class of DO doctors at Midwestern put their handprints up on the wall, so the Podiatry inaugural class put their footprints on the wall. We were just glad Rob's size 12 fit on the tile. :)

Rob's dad, Scott, and Doctor Page actually practiced together for several years in Utah and have known each other since High School!

It's always fun to have a reason to dress up

(thanks for lending the dress Jen, and for the Tux danny).

What a hunk!

THE BIG DAY!

Jay Larsen, on the left, is also moving to Michigan a half hour from us.

Michiganders all the way!

I can't believe this picture is real, I've pictured it so many times the last few years.

When we moved to Arizona the fourth year students told us to enjoy the journey because it goes by so fast. I seriously did not believe them.....and here we are.

Long days, short weeks, and even shorter years.

Rob's dad was able to "hood" Robert in the ceremony. It was a precious moment, and I even caught it on tape! I booked it all the way around the auditorium, got in trouble for sitting in the wrong seat and for videoing (they announced not to take pictures, so I thought they just didn't want flashes). So, I barely got it. I'll post it when I get to download it, it was awesome.

Brad Benson went to High School with Rob, and his wife Jeanine I met at BYU when we would double with them. Brad graduated as a DO he just took his stuff off already. They were great BBQ buddies in Arizona. Wow.

After Graduation Rob's dad treated us to the Tahitian Noni Cafe called Motus, and really liked it! (Especially how dad danced to the island music while savoring every bite!). Dad said this meal was a tax write off because he was now taking out a colleague to lunch. Wow.

The hotel on the right is where we stayed, and the one in the middle is where the banquet was.

Rob and I have been married for 6 years, and for 5 of them he has been a full-time student. Wow.

Welcome to the real world.

Thank you to all who supported us in every way the last four years! I'm a beaming, proud wife today, I love you Rob! What an incredible journey.