Congratulations, Graduate!

My little(well, not so little anymore!) cousin, Courtney, graduated from Concordia University this past weekend. I was so happy that Maco and I were able to be there to witness this great event.

Even though Courtney and I are 10 years apart, we've always had a special relationship(Hopefully Courtney feels the same way! :)) I  feel like she's a little sister to me. Throughout the years, I've  loved attending Courtney's sporting events, choir concerts, HS graduation, and more.

She's a wonderful woman, and I'm excited to see what God has in store for her. She decided she wanted to follow in my footsteps and become a teacher. :) Or maybe it was her mom's, dad's, sister's, brother-in-law's, or aunt's footsteps instead! :) Either way, she is now looking for an elementary teaching position, and I know she'll make a fabulous teacher wherever she ends up! Congratulations, Court! We're very proud of you!!

Courtney has a beautiful voice and has sung in the school's choir for the past 4 years. She's the one on the bottom right with the cap.

Accepting her diploma without a handshake from Concordia's president. They decided to forego the handshake due to the Swineflu. Wow! Are we a little too paranoid? It's the flu, people!!!

Apparently the pastor didn't get the memo about not shaking hands, because he helped each person down the stairs touching their hands!!! :) I hope he's ok!

The proud family!!  Aunt JoAnn, Uncle Dave, Courtney, Marlana, & Shawn

Sisterly love!! And an early congratulations to Marlana, who will be graduating from City University in a month!! :)

What a beautiful background!!