Congratulations Mike!!!!

Congratulations goes out to my brother Mike. Two weeks ago (May 1, 2009) he graduated from college. I know for certain I will get this wrong but I think he got his degree in International Management. (Am I a bad brother? Probably.) After spending a few months debating, he finally decided that he was going to walk in the ceremony.

We walked into the converted gymnasium and found seats on the 2nd row. We needed to be close to get the best pictures. Mike had a pretty good contingency of fans cheering him on. In addition to me, my parents, and Chris, Ali and her entire family were there to support him. Which I know meant a lot to him. When the graduates walked in, we were all searching for Mike. He found us quicker than we found him as by the time I saw him he was waving to us. The ceremony was very short and all of the speakers were brief in their remarks. I think the longest segment was the piano number, but it was also very enjoyable. I may have dozed off listening to the music.

It was time for the graduates to take their walk. Mike stood up and started towards the front. I took several pictures, but none of them were any good. I was really disappointed in my picture taking abilities. Regardless, I watched Mike receive his diploma and could not have been more happy for him. He has worked full-time and gone to school full-time for so long, I am so glad he will be able to take a break and just work for a while.

After graduation, we went to dinner at one of Mike's favorite places, Brick Oven. Okay, I confess; Brick Oven is one of my favorite places and I may have helped Mike make the decision on dinner locations. Dinner was great, sitting together at dinner and just being happy for Mike. I hope he enjoyed it as much as I did. I am very proud of my brother Mike and am excited at all his accomplishment. Congratulations little brother!