Dessert Spread

We know this AMAZING dessert maker (Aspen's sister-in-law) who we asked to help us out with some treats for Keivn's graduation party.  She went above and beyond with all the yumminess.  I had to give these pictures their own post so you could concentrate on all the goodness.  If you ever need good recipes or something for a party give her a shout...she is amazing!  Her blog is Sara Bakes (http://www.sharedessertcompany.com/) and she has awesome stuff on there.  Also, Kevin's sister Karen helped me by making some incredible favors & drinks.  I am surrounded by so much love and talent it is almost overwhelming.  Enjoy the pictures!!  

Chocolate Covered Pomegranates & Red Vines

Red Velvet Cupcakes with diplomas & graduation caps

Piroulines Diplomas (clever!)

Take home favors made by Karen & Brian Purcell

Soda also made by Kevin's sister (she is so talented)

Alternate View

Alternate View

The whole spread

We didn' get a separate picture but the cake pops with
pop rocks were AWESOME!!

Water with designer labels

Let's Party

After the ceremony we headed over to the conference room at my work to have a party.  We ordered Papa Johns pizza and had a whole bunch of extras & desserts (see next post).  We had such a good turnout and enjoyed seeing all the people who helped Kevin get to his goal.  Enjoy!

Disney Cap (we bought in Feb when Kevin finished classes) & Diploma on display

The Venue

Dessert Table

Julie, Gretchen, Kevin, Stuart & Kira

Karen, Brian, Mike, Emma, Sara, Aspen, Steven, Joel, Jaden & Stacie

Joannie, Brady & Ramon

Cadence, Eliana & Lexie

Grammy & Jasec (a pair made in heaven)

Scott, Kitty, Glen, Jeannie & Lowell

Opening Presents

Abby, Lincoln & Tony

David & Sasha



That night we went with Kevin's Family to Taggert Grille



Graduation Ceremony

Kevin graduated on May 5, 2012 from The University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with Honors (BS/BM...heehee).  I am so proud of him for all his hard work and persistence.  We attended his graduation ceremony at The Maverik Center that morning.  My pictures inside didn't really turn out so here are some that we took after the ceremony way over.

Kevin & Dawnie

Jeannie & Glen

Cadence & Eliana

I couldn't decide which picture I liked better of the Purcell Family - they are both funny!

Take #2

The Proud Parents

Sleepy Ryan

Lincoln looking ahead

I did it!

So Happy To Be Done!!

Surprise!

Kevin received a great surprise on the Friday before his graduation.  Uncle Glen & Aunt Jeannie were able to sneak away for a few days and come up to surprise him.  Kevin had no idea (I was let it on the secret a few weeks before) and I wish I had the pictures of his surprised face.  I told him we were going to one of our favorite restaurants, Joy Luck in Bountiful, and when we walked in Glen, Jeannie, Brian & Karen (part of the secret keeping team) were sitting there.  Kevin didn't know how to process at first but ended up being so glad they were there.  We had a yummy dinner and then went to see The Avengers (AMAZING!!) after.  It was a wonderful night!!

Glen, Jeannie & Kevin

Dawnie, Brian & Karen

Glen Smiling

BoBo Platter - Super Yummy!

Nori's Bridal Shower

My cousin Noralin is getting married this week and she invited us to come to a bridal shower a few Saturday's ago.  Aspen brought the "family" van and we carpooled (Aspen, Eliana, Mom, Ona, Megan, Vida Mae & Me) up to Brigham City.  She got a lot of great gifts and then we made her a "wedding dress" to celebrate the day (this is a Payne Family tradition).  I'm so glad that we could go and support her.  She is AMAZING and is going to be so happy.

Zachary's Birthday

We're so lucky that David & Sasha let us be a part of their lives and celebrate with their children.  Zachary recently had a birthday and we stopped by to give him a present.  We caught him blowing out his candles and opening his present.  These kids are so much fun and just melt our hearts.  We love you Zachary!

I found this Pip Popper in the Phoenix Airport - it was a BIG hit!

Easter

We had such a fun Easter.  Saturday we went to a park and had a picnic with my family.  My mom had prepared "races" with wind up bunnies, chicks and a warterhog?  That one was for Uncle Kevin and he smokes them all.  The kids had a fun time finding easter eggs and playing on the jungle gym.  We had some balls and jumpropes that were a blast as well.

Later that day we went with Scott, Kitty & Ramon to see Zorro:The Musical at Hale Center Theater.  It was a birthday present for Kevin and we loved it.  We were warm from our sunburns but enjoyed ourselves.

On Sunday we had a yummy Easter dinner at Purcell's with Scott, Kitty, Ramon, Joannie, Brady & Ryan.  Honeybaked Ham...need I say more?

We're so grateful for our families and the time of the year to remember our Savior's sacrifices for us!