Graduation weekend

The human pet's parents flew into Houston on Friday morning. They headed directly for their hotel: The beautiful J.W. Marriott, located in the center of the city near The Galleria area. They were accompanied by two of the human pet's brothers. The third brother landed at the airport around noon, and the human pet, notified of his arrival, picked him up and met her family at the hotel.

Though the human pet's sister could not make it for the weekend, she was terribly missed. She did, however, make her presence known, even though she was far away. She had thought of other ways to show the human pet she cared.

Like getting her a new Nikon digital camera and lots of pet toys for everyone in the house!

That always says love in my opinion.

By four o'clock, though, the human pet's family was off and running to the university to celebrate how distinctive she was. They arrived super early and were met by one of the human pet's friends, Lisa, and her fiance, James. Together, they claimed one table in the meeting room, and while people arrived, they debated whether or not there would be food.

The afternoon event was not a ceremony per say, but rather, I would call it a reception. It was a meet-and-greet, with everyone who had ever been involved in the Education Department at the university assembled together to meet everyone else who had ever been involved in the Education Department. In other words, if you weren't in the Education Department, you weren't receiving an invite. It was that elite. Or at least I'd like to think it was.

Ok, so it wasn't that elite...

Nonetheless, after the shaking of hands, the distribution of approximately 7.5 hugs, and the applause for those deemed distinctive, the human pet's family made their way to Maggiano's. Amazingly enough, this is the pet's favorite Italian restaurant in all of Houston. Somehow, the pet's father saw her Bat Signal
all the way in Pittsburgh and heeded her pleas. Her family allowed her to pick out what she wanted for the meal, and with drinks raised in celebration, a pleasant end to Friday was written.

Saturday morning found the pet's family enjoying a buffet-style breakfast in the hotel. The pet's youngest brother, Gino, debated over whether or not his waffle was in the shape of Texas. He found it to be an amazing feat of culinary excellence.

By eight o'clock that morning, the family was off to Reliant Arena for the pet's graduation. Everything seemed to move very quickly for the pet on that morning. It seemed one moment the pet was lining up for the procession, and the next, she was back outside with her family, celebrating. The graduation ceremony itself was three hours long, and there were some very nice messages from the speakers. You can tell by the picture on the right that the pet's brother, Gino, was very happy for her...or maybe he was just happy the ceremony was finished. One or the other...

In the evening, everyone headed to Morton's Steakhouse where the pet's father had planned many surprises. There was a private room, three dozen white roses, menus specially printed that congratulated the human pet on her accomplishment, and a wonderful almond cake that had a graduation cap complete with the university's colors on its tassle. The food and company was wonderful, and I must say that Shrimp Alexander should be served in this house from now on!

On Sunday, the family came to the pet's house where she treated them to barbecued brisket, grilled chicken, potatoe salad, and baked beans. There were cupcakes and chocolate eclair squares. Guitar Hero made an appearance or two, and of course, no visit would have been complete without a game of Scrabble, won, of course, by the pet's father.

The last surprise of the weekend came when the pet's parents took her to Lowe's to have her pick out a new patio dining set. The pet was so excited that she hardly knew what to say! It is being delivered today so expect pictures tomorrow!

By five o'clock in the evening, everything came to an end. The family departed from the house, and the human pet did shed some tears. It had been a magical weekend, one she will not soon forget for a very long time.

Thank you to my pet's parents for everything they did for her this past weekend. Thank you to my pet's siblings who took time out of their busy schedules to visit her. Thank you to my pet's friends who cared enough to share in the moment with her. She is truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people, and for that, I am very grateful.