Honored on His Birthday

April 16.

Happy birthday, Danny!

Danny turned 22 today, and Fernando and I headed downtown with him to UIC.  Not for his birthday, though--he was being inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, UIC's chapter of the National Honor Society.

Danny's University Choir director Dr. Anderson presented him with his certificate and pin!

Danny posed with the president of UIC's NHS chapter.

Danny obligingly posed for photos with his dad and mom.  We were happy in the Lord for our son's hard work which brought him this special achievement!

In the parking lot, I couldn't resist taking a picture of the skyline, even if there were parking lot lights in the picture.  It was a beautiful sight with the blue, blue sky!

Happy birthday, Danny, and congratulations on your special achievement!


Back to life,
Christine

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UIC Thanksgiving Concert

November 21.

Danny's first concert!  I was so excited!  He had joined the UIC University Choir, becoming well-known almost instantly for his booming tenor voice.  We couldn't wait to hear him sing as part of a choir; it was sure to be beautiful.  And it was!

They sang on a Friday evening, at the Notre Dame Church in Chicago just a few blocks from campus.  It was an absolutely beautiful building and sanctuary.

The program indicated that photography/videography of any kind was strictly prohibited.  So I had to sneak the few shots I took during the program.

The choir lined up along the sides of the sanctuary, and we joined with them in singing America the Beautiful.  Ringed by beautiful voices singing out this wonderful song--amazing!

Various choirs sang--the University Choir, the Women's Choral Ensemble, and the Chamber Choir.

After the concert, and after the kids cleaned up everything, we had just a few minutes to take a few pictures.

Danny with his Grandma and Grandpa.

Back to life,
Christine

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Jacob - Honors Convocation

May 9.

The weekend we thought was so far away was upon us.  What a surreal feeling inside as I watched the graduates enter the fieldhouse for the Honors Convocation, during which these students would receive awards and medals for outstanding academic achievement during their time at Western Illinois University.  And Jacob was to be honored as well.

I have too many images to share them all here; however, I'll let them tell the story of this special day!

Yes, he wore shorts under his robe.  I'm so glad some others did, too!

Getting organized before the ceremony.

My first look at Jacob.  I bawled.

The first medal -- graduating Magna Cum Laude.

The second medal -- successful completion of the Honors College.

Congratulating a friend.

Happy hug from his dad.

Yep, that's Jacob for ya.

Jacob's friend Josh came for the ceremony, and came out to dinner with our family.

After the ceremony, Jacob collected a prize he had won for filling out a survey about his "dining experience" on campus.  The prize -- a Blu-Ray player!!

These lilacs were beckoning me with their scent and color, and the warmth of the sun on this beautiful day beckoned me to take a picture.  So I did.

 


Back to life,
Christine

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Visit my photography website