Big Jack's graduation weekend

Jack has truly become family since we've moved here to Provo and we're so grateful for it. The kids call him Big Jack to distinguish him from Baby Jack :-). They introduce Big Jack to other people as their uncle. Jack is many wonderful things-- he's selfless, kind, loving, creative, and so real. He's been like a brother to me and such a big support the past 8 months as I've been going through a lot at once-- adjusting to having 3 kids, moving to a new place, struggling with anxiety and depression, and doing some self-discovery. He's helped our family with so much and has taught us a lot. We've had so many fun memories with him. This past weekend he graduated from BYU with a degree in Music Dance Theater and we had a really fun time celebrating his accomplishments and him as a person and saying farewell as he moves on to the next phase of his life.

This is us a few weeks ago when we went to a fireside put on by Thomas McConkie (author of Navigating Mormon Faith Crisis, a really great book, I highly recommend it). We were shameless groupies who asked him to autograph our copies of his book we each had and got a pic with him :-)

 We went to Jack's final broadway showcase that he will perform next week in NYC!

When we moved into our new house in Provo a couple weeks ago Jack was a HUGE help. He helped us move a ton of stuff. He unpacked and put away my entire kitchen and office. And he played with the kids so I could do a ton (he's soooo great with kids!!). I remember him asking if I could use his help the next day (after he'd helped for a few days in a row while he was totally busy with his own life) and I said, "yeah I could but this isn't fun and I don't want to make you do more and I know you're busy," and he said, "I have time to come back tomorrow so I'll be here. And sometimes you do things that aren't the most fun because they're important." He walks the talk.

 Jack is an artist and Josh and Emma loooove coloring with him.

Trevor, Josh, Emma, and I went to Jack's convocation. Jack sang a group number with the other MDT grads.

 Afterward we had a party for him at our house. Jack's brother Sam and his wife Tiffany came and Jack's sister Ellen and her cute kids came. Polly, Amanda, and Melinda came later. Brandon was out of town and sadly missed out on the festivities but was luckily back in time to say goodbye before he left.