June #2: Gemma Graduates

Just a couple of days after returning from California, we packed up and flew to Seattle.  Daughter Jessica and husband Chris were celebrating the graduation of their oldest, Gemma, on June 20th.  We arrived on Tuesday and stayed until Friday, attending Gemma's graduation and enjoying the party that her folks gave her on Thursday.  It was fun meeting up with Chris' family and visiting with nephew Russell's wife, Kristy.  She and daughter Olivia stayed and visited a good long time.  It was great!

Here are Jessica and Chris with Gemma just after the graduation ceremony.  Gemma is a lovely girl, with a pure heart.  She will be off to college in the Fall.  This is the beginning of an emptying nest for Chris and Jess.

We celebrated with a dinner out at "909", the restaurant Jessica works at.  It was yummy.  Here is Gemma at our dinner table with her sibs, Miles and Peyton.

Gifts go along with graduation.  Here is Gemma opening hers.  One of my granny plans is to draw a portrait of each grandchild when they are grown and "finished".  I managed to get one done for Gemma.  It isn't perfect, but here it is.

I love spending time with our Gendreaus.  They are warm and welcoming.  The three kids are bright and loving.  This was another great family week.

We flew home on Friday night, arriving at 11:30 PM.  Ugh.  Layne picked this flight because the price was right.  We stayed up even later to prepare for an early departure the next morning for yet another trip.  We began that on 2 hours of sleep!