Mitch went on the ultimate guys weekend with my dad and brother up in Cody, WY. They fished, they rode horses, and they shot some stuff. Ya know, guy stuff. He came back refreshed, with a renewed love for the West.
My brother Steve (or Chuck as he's known to the family)
May 11 was the big day! We headed down to USC campus early for the Main University Commencement. Mitch sat up front (and 9 seats away from Arnold Schwarzenegger), while we sat in back. After, we headed over to The Ostrow School of Dentistry's Graduation ceremonies. It was such a party - the band came in playing, followed by the graduates - it was an awesome experience.
Mitch recieving his diploma. Woot! Woot!
It was a loooong day, and our kids were such troopers. They just napped on the go.
Posing with the band.
I think someone's excited for her daddy!!
Us with the Salmons. I think its safe to say these were our first dental school friends. We met up with them for a fun trip to Big Bear early on in our first year. We hit it off, and are so grateful for their friendship. I know we'll stay in touch with these people for-ev-er!
The Graduates...
...and the ladies behind the graduates!
Congratulations Mitch! We are all so proud of all the hard work and sacrifices you've made over the past four+ years. We love you and will follow you wherever you take us. Can't wait for our next adventure in the state of New York.
The night before graduation was the Senior Banquet downtown in LA. It was a fun night to celebrate the last four years, the hardwork, the friendships and everything our husbands have accomplished.
Me and "Lindsey Polemans". Finnley always calls her by her full name...its the cutest. This girl is THE BEST, and made my experience in South Pas a complete blast. I'll miss her and her sweet little Maya.
Mitch and some of the ladies from USC's Dental School.
During Graduation week, Mitch's IV Team got together for a Senior Dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy. It was fun to meet the people I've been hearing so much about the last two years, and to see Mitch recognized for his work in Anesthesia.
Me and Jamie with our new babies. We went through many, many nights and weeks without our husbands due to school, and have lots of great memories together.
Mitch with Drs. Lee and Gotschalk, Dental Anesthesiologists of Solis Surgical
Mitch with the "One and Only" Dr. Stanley Malamed.
While I went to freezing cold Utah for spring (winter) break, Mitch went South to Belize for the annual AYUDA trip. This year they spent twelve days in Belize and Guatemala, providing care to locals. (Click here to see last year's trip.) I envy Mitch and the opportunities he's had to serve underprivileged people and under-developed communities through dentistry. I look forward to the days I will get to tag along and provide care as well. I'm not going to let you think he only served, he got a lot of playing in as well. Think shark dives, spear fishing, night snorkeling, Tikal ruins, bike rides, and much more.
The clinics are set up in vacant buildings and they use old military cots, plastic tables, and folding chairs as their operatory. They get to see many more patients and do a lot more procedures in a shorter amount of time than at school - where one appointment may take 4 or more hours. So, not only are they providing a service, but they are getting a ton of experience in a short amount of time.
Dr. Done and a few of the guys - Mark, Josh, Bridger and Luke. Dr. Done was one of the founding members of AYUDA and organizes all the service trips.
Swimming with sharks...lucky dog. If you didn't know, Belize is known for the amazing snorkeling and scuba diving. I'd say Mitch took full advantage of it and saw a ton.
I don't think I'd do well with the Belize food. American chains aren't aloud into Belize, so its local food only. Mitch took a few pictures of the food and let's put it this way, I would have lost some weight. ;)
The spear fishing expedition. I think Mitch said he swam for six hours straight with no luck. His swim suit wouldn't stay put, so he was burned from his behind to his neck. Out of their whole group they only caught 3 fish, but it was still fun and he said he'd do it again. Kyle was the winner of the group catching 2 of the 3 (although the second one looks more like bait). Way to go Kyle!
The whole group!
The 4th years! Now that the old seniors are graduating, Mitch is officially a 4th year dental student. Man, the time flies.
After the clinics, the group boarded two huge busses and traveled to Guatemala to tour the Tikal ruins. They woke up at 4 in the morning to hear the "awakening of the jungle" and were able to climb all the pyramids. Some were insanely steep and unsteady. Mitch said it was amazing, and huge, and only 30% of the ruins have even been discovered. I asked him if he thought it was a Book of Mormon city, and he said most definitely. I mean, doesn't the picture below just scream Samuel the Lamanite?
Mitch had an amazing trip.
And this is just for fun. They found a tarantula in their hotel room (along with a scorpion behind their headboard and a baby viper out front- no joke) and this is the video of them killing it. Listen for Mitch's laugh...it makes me smile every time.
