the beginning of the end

**So I do not know what happened to this post. It posted on Wednesday but then it disappeared! I reposted it but the comments are gone it seems. AND the comments are back. It's a miracle. :) Thanks you all, we love you!!


So my title sounds like a LOST episode (and it is; season 4, episode 1. And no, I did not know that off the top of my head, I had to look it up. :) I am not that big a of a LOST fan), but it felt appropriate as this is some of the early events culminating in Daniel's graduation from Gordon-Conwell. Still to come is a BBQ in honor of some of our friends, Baccalaureate, and Graduation itself. But in order to remain moderately caught up (I am on quite the blogging role, right?) I figured I can post about this stuff.


I mentioned in my post last Monday that we were celebrating Daniel turning in his last paper. And we really were - I was not speaking figuratively. We had a groupon to Latitude 43, a seafood/sushi restaurant in Gloucester to use, so it felt like a good time for a night out on the town, as there was much to celebrate.


We ended up going the sushi route, as you can see. And it was delish. They had both traditional and some more unique options so it was nice to get a variety. (and I just read/realized that last year when Daniel turned in his final paper we went out for sushi! 'Tis tradition.)


Digging in. It should be noted that Latitude 43 also has some delicious focaccia bread you are served before the meal. We may or may not have eaten 2 baskets worth.

We have also semi-joined a softball league with our church. The first game happened to be that same day, in Gloucester. So Daniel played and I watched. I had brought my clothes to change, but there was no where to change, and there were more than enough people playing already.


Not a great picture, but there is Daniel!

We definitely won't play every week, and at this point I am a bit more enthused than Daniel is, but I think it could be fun. We will see... :)

Daniel made me wait until Wednesday after he gave a presentation (his final thing for school) to give him the graduation present I bought him.


It wasn't anything too big or exciting, but it was keeping in my tradition of buying Daniel something clothing/shoe related. I seriously enjoy shopping for Daniel more than myself.


I got Daniel some TOMS. I am officially jealous and I want a pair. Daniel loves them and it already looking forward to getting another pair for himself. If you don't know about TOMS, their premise is that for every pair of shoes purchased, a new pair of shoes is given to a child in need. So it makes you feel good about spending money on them.

The price is really not too bad, I purchased Daniel's from Nordstrom, online actually, with free shipping on all shoe orders! Because most of them are slip-ons, I would advise going in there and trying them on so they fit well. Of course, with Nordstrom's awesome return policy, you could always just purchase first and return if they do not fit right. :) Gotta love Nordstrom.


So, Daniel is officially cooler than me now. Though he does still have this facial hair thing going on, so perhaps we are equal. :)

And finally, last Thursday was the Senior Banquet for graduating seniors from Gordon-Conwell. It was a lovely night spend with friends, though it did last much longer into the night than we were thinking.


We always love a free meal though, and it is nice to get to interact with professors (and their spouses) in a non-classroom setting.


Daniel proudly stroking his beard, I think I am praying that he will be back to his normal, handsome self for graduation. :)

Martin and Debe (Daniel's dad and stepmom) flew in yesterday to visit and partake in the graduation festivities. I am off work the rest of the week, so you can bet we will be busy, out and about touring New England. :)