Photos from the graduation road trip

What a beautiful drive

We drove 26 miles past Estacada to the Job Corp facility at Timber Lake. We drove along the Clackamas River for most of the time. So gorgeous!

I took a ton of blurry pictures as it's hard to get good photos going 55 mph but here are 4 of my favs that turned out pretty swell. I was surprised that mostly all of the fall colors were in the yellow to gold family. The ferns were a darker burnt orange and very pretty.

The proof in writing

There were eleven of us that drove up for the ceremony. Charlie's parents, Courtney and their friend Fiona rode up in one car and we had a full van with Har, Alyssa and her kids, Cam and me. We had excellent seats to see the podium.

Courtney's tears started while "Pomp and Circumstance" played for the processional. She held it together when Charles was presented with his diploma and when he presented her with a rose for all her support.

Wiggles and wigglers

Alyssa was able to take the kids out to run a bit during the speeches. It was a long afternoon for little ones but it was a really nice ceremony for the graduates. As each one was introduced, a bio was read including their highlights at Job Corp and a parting remark for the current students.

After everything was done and photos were being taken, Cameron went outside with Rowan and Katie. I followed and was able to take a few pictures myself :0)

The sky is the limit

Some poor little kid lost this balloon. Once again my trusty camera zoomed in a got a picture as it floated off on the mountain breezes. It would have been cool if the graduates had released  balloons to show how high they can go in reaching their goals from here on out.

Loading up the van

Harlan drove on the way up so I could take pictures. I volunteered to drive on the way back so he could enjoy looking at the scenery.

After their ride up from Sisters on Monday I'm surprised these guys were such troupers to spend another 4 hours in the van yesterday. They are good travelers!

A last few photos of the fall colors

This was up at Timber Lake.

These two pictures were taken on 99E on our way back into Portland. The traffic was pretty heavy but nothing like the freeways were at that time of day. This area is one of my favorite places to take a scenic drive.

Celebrating the big accomplishment

Harlan and I took these kids out for dinner to commemorate the day. I wish Charlie's parents could have been there too.  We'll have to plan to do more blended family things in the future.

Congratulations Charles! 

We are very proud of all your hard work and the sacrifices you had to make to get to this day.