Fadgen's Adventures: Taylor's Graduation!!!

Last weekend was a big day for the Fadgen family. Rather than the usual outdoor mountain adventure, this was to be an indoor celebratory adventure.

Tamara and I left Boise Thursday evening to pick up Dylan in Logan, UT. He had just finished his first year of college that morning and needed to move out of the dorms ASAP. My parents had left Las Vegas the day before and we all met up Friday morning for breakfast while Dylan loaded up all his belongings. Once he had the truck packed we all convoyed north to Bozeman.

Taylor has been studying Microbiology at Montana State University for the last four years and was now one day away from graduating. We were there to celebrate with her.

Everyone met up Saturday morning at our favorite Bozeman area bakery for breakfast.

The boys sucking down some coffee

Dylan, Taylor and Chase (Taylor's BF)

After running some quick errands, it was time for us to head to Brick Breeden Fieldhouse for the afternoon graduation ceremony. Much to our surprise, Taylor was up on the big screen when we walked in to the Fieldhouse. She was up there thanking all of her professors for the previous 4 years!

After a not so painful period (i.e, short) where the required speakers said their typical encouraging words to the new graduates, it was time for the procession. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) the microbiology students where pretty close to the last ones to get their diplomas. No worries though, as the bench seats were mighty comfortable!

All smiles!

We're done - let's celebrate!

Taylor and her friend, Emma, showing some Cat spirit.

Following the ceremony we walked out on campus for some photos in a couple of places Taylor had chosen. By this time the morning sunshine was gone and a cold wind was blowing making for a brisk walk. Oh well, after all, this is Montana in the spring.

Proud parents

Proud and slightly cold grandparents

Goofy brother

Relieved boyfriend

With the bronze bobcat

That evening we all went out for a celebratory dinner followed by drinks at one of Bozeman's finest whiskey bars - Copper. While enjoying a few rounds of cocktails, we had three generations of us do a shot to celebrate the graduate!

Mom, John, Sonya (T's roommate), Taylor and Chase-post shot

Dylan taking in the whiskey bar crowd

Sonya, Taylor and Chase

The weather Sunday was gorgeous allowing us a chance to walk around downtown Bozeman browsing the tourist shops. Once finished with that we looked for a place to do some day drinking, but were a little too early. Undaunted, we headed back to Taylor's place to sit out on the patio to enjoy the sunshine.

Grampie and Dylan Sunday afternoon

Monday came around too fast and we all split up and headed our own directions. Grammie and Grampie; south to Las Vegas, us; west to Boise and Taylor; back to her apartment to prepare for the next chapter of her life.

It is an understatement to say that we are very proud of all her accomplishments. We can't wait for the next ones.

Love you Zoopies!