Graduation Day

Friday afternoon we left Ocala and headed for a part of the state that we have never been to before - the state capitol of Tallahassee. Daryl's cousin Clark was graduating this weekend from Florida State University with his Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education Social Sciences (the same degree I have from USF). Daryl is the oldest of the nine Davis grandchildren and Clark is the youngest. 

Years ago we promised Clark that when he graduated from college, despite the fact that it was FSU, that our family of diehard UF fans would go to graduation. It was our pleasure to make good on that promise today. We refrained from wearing orange and blue and kept the Gator chomps to a minimum. 

We stayed at a Red Roof Inn near downtown Tallahassee and met up with Clark for a bit last night. This morning we were up bright and early to get to the Civic Center for the 9am graduation. Clark's mom (Aunt Jani) had saved us great seats. And it was a nice bonus to find out that half of the fall graduates walked last night so this ceremony only took 90 minutes. 

After a few pictures outside the Civic Center the newest college graduate in the family wanted pictures taken at the football stadium. So off we went. We had to stand in a line for pictures at the Unconquered statue. Davis napped and the big boys entertained themselves with running around. 

Clark found a celebrity in front of us. That's former WWF wrestler Billy Gunn. His son graduated today and they were directly in front of us in line. He was so cool about having his picture taken with Clark - and Clark was glad to repay the favor taking a picture for the Gunn family of all of them in front of the statue. 

Then we wandered inside the stadium. Everyone was ignoring the sign and traipsing all over the field (including Billy Gunn) so we did too. 

Clark's mom (Aunt Jani) with Davis. 

Parker wasn't with us in this family shot because he was having too much fun running in the stands. 

Best picture of the day! 

A little more running in the stands.... from Parker and Wesley who both ran all the way up to the top of the steps. 

One more stop for pictures....the graduate wanted to show us the College of Education building. 

 

Clark also got to pick the place for lunch. We ended up at Hobbitt's and it was very good. Plus they all cheered when he came in with his cap and tassel and gave him 25% of his meal. And yes, Davis has an obsession with ranch dressing. 

We said goodbye to Clark and Aunt Jani and headed back for home. It was pouring by then but we did swing by for a look at the actual Capitol building. 

So there you go....quick trip, new places, great company for an awesome celebration. We're super proud of Clark - not only did he graduate but also he's been hired on full time as a teacher at the high school where he interned at this fall. Congrats to Clark!