Ben's Graduation

It has been a busy two years for Ben and Jamie while he has attended BYU to complete his bachelors degree. As part of the Army ROTC program, he was able to recieve his full Army salary and benefits while going to school full time. They are so glad to be done with school and ready to move on back to the real world.

We didn't have much luck taking pictures, but here are a few. Jamie has a cute slide show on her blog with more pictures of the commisioning and graduation.

When Kaylee saw Ben in his cap and gown, she said, "Dad, what you wearing?". Too cute.

The day before graduation, Ben was commissioned as an officer to the rank of 2nd Lt. My Dad and Craig were both in the Air Force, so that's 3 generations of military men in our family. My parents spent the day with us from Parowan, where my Dad is running for Mayor! Vote for Don Landes if you live there!!!

Kaylee wasn't too sure about all the clapping and commotion of the Commissioning Ceremony, but it was really nice. Notice Ben's Lt. bars on his shoulder now! Frank and Vanez Butler joined us from Richfield. It was so great to be with our dear friends. Frank is retired Air Force. He wore his uniform and administered the oath to Ben. It was really special to have them share this great day with us.
Friday night we went out to Outback Steakhouse to celebrate. Josh and his roomate (and cousin) Danny Jacobson joined us. It was so good to see Josh. He's been in Provo since July 1. He is going to take this semester off and work full time and then attend UVU in January. It has been fun to see Danny while we have visited in Provo the past few years.
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Nick and Renee surprised us with a visit from Star, Idaho on Friday night! It was so much fun to have all the brothers together. It was such a treat to see them. They moved to Idaho a month ago and we miss them.

Craig's brother John and sister-in-law Kathryn Ann came by for a visit while we were in town. They live in West Jordan, and they are currently serving a mission at the Family History Center.

It has been fun to spend time in Provo with Ben and Jamie the past 2years. While Ben attends officer training at Ft Sill, Oklahoma and then job training in Missouri, Jamie, Kaylee and Blake will stay here with us for about 7 months. Ben's assignment is to Fort Polk, Louisiana in March.

We had such a great trip --- the only glitch was 6 hours of traffic after Las Vegas.