Visitors and Graduation!

Graduation was awesome! Jeff's parents came out for it and we had a blast. While they were here we did a little sight seeing.

We drove past the Philadelphia temple, what was done at least.  I was disappointed it wasn't completed while we were here, seeing how it was announced back in 2008, but like many temples, the construction approval had its bumps and bruises along the way. It will be so nice when the temple is completed. Right now the closest temple is the Washington D.C. temple, two hours and $40 of toll roads away.   

This is what it looks like right now.

This is what the completed temple will look like.

We went to the Amish Smorgasbord Shady Maple-twice. I love that place! I want to move to Amish country so I can eat there everyday. Actually, Amish country itself is a pretty special place. I have taken a few trips out there and really enjoyed it. I should have taken pictures of the inside of Shady Maple so you can see how big and magical the place. Goodbye my love. Until we meet again...

We went to the Eastern State Penitentiary. When we first moved to Philly I heard about what an interesting place the penitentiary was but we had yet to go. So when Jeff's dad suggested it, I was all in. The prison was as interesting as everyone said it was, but it was also much bigger than I thought it would be. Walking around with flip flops that were too small and being eight months pregnant made the visit very tiring and a little uncomfortable but it was definitely still worth it. The prison was the world's first “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. In order to do so, when the prison first opened and for many years following, it was one of solitary confinement. At one point in time, it housed Al Capone. That is a story itself, but I won't go into it. Just know he had the Ritz Carlton of jail cells!

One day we went to the Independence Seaport Museum on Penn's Landing. I had walked passed the museum countless times when I took Sev on walks but never actually been inside it before. After going to it, I realized I should have taken Sev inside, he would have loved it. The museum is a maritime museum, and even had a World War Two era submarine. Seeing the submarine was really cool. I can't believe how many buttons and controls it had. It must have taken a lot of skill to make and run the submarine. Very impressive!

In case you're wondering what there is to do at the museum....

And last but certainly not least... Graduation! Graduation was held at the Academy of Music. It was built in 1855-57 and is the oldest opera house in the United States that is still used for its original purpose. Jeff and I had been there three times prior to graduation; once to see Phantom of the Opera and twice to see Les Miserables, both of which were amazing performances! The Academy is gorgeous inside!

Chandelier

 
Jeff had to be to the center early so all of us just drove into the city with him. While Jeff was doing pre-ceremony stuff, his parents and I ate at Subway. Walking around that day was a little chaotic due to the rain and wind, but we survived.

There was a small pre-ceremony reception where they served lemonade and pretzels. The pretzels were shaped like a tooth. I thought it was super cute. Jeff said it looked like a decayed tooth. I'll tell ya, a decayed tooth never tasted so good. I will miss Philly pretzels too. 

Because we arrived early to the ceremony, we got great seats, only they didn't last long. Apparently they were reserved for Temple Dental Alumni families. It was kind of funny because I went to the bathroom and came back to find some Asian family sitting in the box that we were sitting at. I was so confused until I spotted Jeff's dad. The new seats were actually pretty good too, so it wasn't a big deal that we had to change. We weren't expecting Jeff to come out in the first row though so our pictures of him weren't that great.

Jeff walking in

Jeff is in there, I promise!

The Dean welcoming everyone. Jeff liked his dean a lot.

Walking up to get his degree.

Introducing Dr. Jeffrey Michael Lake

The dental school a capella group sang.

My necklace moved as the picture was being taken. That is the white dot on my chest. 

Jeff and his parents

Dr. and Mrs. AND baby Lake :)

Missing a some friends but here are a few.

After graduation Jeff and his parents went out to dinner. I wasn't invited. Just kidding. I didn't feel well so I went home and rested. Overall, the day was a wonderful and memorable experience. Having Jeff's parents come out made it more special too. Hard to believe it is all over now....