Llael's Graduation

Omar's sister Llael graduated from U.C. Davis this Saturday. She participated in the Chicano/Latino Commencement, and it was tons of fun. There was a reception before the graduation, so we got there in plenty of time to play some games at the Student Center in the building next to where graduation was going to be held. Grandpa Luis bought Helaman a bunch of tokens, and we all had tons of fun spending them (as you can see by the look on Omar's face as he "helps" Helaman do the ski-ball).

The graduation ceremony started with some Quetzecoatal Dancers doing an Indian ceremony. They had amazing costumes and drumming, and we all really enjoyed watching them, even the antsie boys I had on my lap. They were mesmerized by the drumming to the point that Isaiah actually fell asleep.

Then there was an intermission with some more Mexican folk dancing. I love the graceful long skirts as the women twirl to the music. I love all the colors and sounds and vibrancy of this culture I get to be a part of by marriage. The boys were getting pretty bored with the ceremony, but they loved the dancers. Llael said she could see Helaman bobbing along from clear down on the stage. I wish I had more pictures, but everyones camera batteries died at the same time. :(

We had lots of fun, but there was one scary moment. After the graduation as we all gathered to take pictures Helaman ran up the hill behind where we were standing. He was only a few feet from me but there was a sudden swell of people around him, and for a moment, we didn't know where he was. And he had lost site of us. When we found him he was standing there balling, calling for me. He kept asking me why I forgot him. It was heartbreaking. When I explained what happened, he seemed to be fine, but he's been very clingy today. I don't blame him. It made me want to hold on a lot tighter too.

After all the picture taking we all went out to a delicious Mexican food dinner. It was lots of fun to be together celebrating such an awesome event. Graduations are still probably not the most fun way to spend an afternoon and evening, but if you must attend a graduation, try to hang out with the Mexicans!
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