May 19, 2018 Saturday: Graduation, Class of 2018 Tanner Wilkinson

 Tanner, youngest of Trisha, has had an exciting three weeks or so.  
    
     He has turned 18 years of age, "a man", he describes himself!'

     He has signed up and has a schedule of classes for the University of Arkansas, Ft. Smith campus   beginning in August.
         He will be an IT--Information Technology--major.  

     He graduated high school last night--Greenwood High School, Greenwood AR
          Tanner was one of 295 class members.  
           He received a "Honor Diploma", which means he had a GPA of at least 3.5, and included 9 
            honor classes.  

After graduation ceremonies the class enjoyed an all-night celebration called  "Bulldog Breakout!"

Here's Tanner, our proud graduate!  The weather cooperated and ceremonies were held outdoors at the football stadium.

Waiting for the ceremony to begin: front--Brady, Trisha, Jeff, and Landon

Proud Mom, Trisha, and Tanner

Proud grandparents--Gayla, Tanner, Gayla

The family--(L) Glen, Gayla, Brady, Tanner, Trisha, Jeff, Landon

The menfolk--(L) Jeff, Brady, Tanner, Glen, Landon

Brady, Trisha, Tanner

Brady, Jeff (in the land of the Giants), Landon

Trisha, Tanner, Gayla

Are you missing Natalie? She is in China on a mission trip!
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The past month has been busy, filled with family time.  Jeff has been in and out of home, flying for American Airlines.  Trisha is still teaching; Tuesday is her last day.  We have eaten lots of meals with everyone.  

We were escorted to two new restaurants:  "Joe's Pizza and Pasta" which served the best pasta dish I think I have ever enjoyed..."Lobster Ravioli";
 and "Diamondhead", a Chinese restaurant.  I enjoyed the best fried rice dish, and the rest of the family had "bowl and a roll".  The bowl contained various vegetables, rice noodles, and meats.  All dishes came with a homemade eggroll.

Tomorrow, Sunday, we will go with Brady, Trisha, Jeff, and Tanner, to First Baptist Church for a "senior breakfast", and then there will be "senior march" during the worship service.

Shortly after lunch Glen and I will drive to Iberia MO for a short, one night stay at my sister/husband's farm.
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There were nine siblings in my dad's family.  Therefore, lots of cousins for us.

Our family of first cousins has suffered the lost of a cousin in law.  First cousin Mike and wife Beth lost a daughter in law, Jessica, age 44, from complications of a brain bleed.  Jessica is survived by husband Shawn (my second cousin? first cousin once removed? It has all been explained before.) and two sons.  

Visitation is Sunday evening; with the funeral on Monday.

We will go on to Cape Girardeau shortly after the funeral.  We will be there for several weeks.