A Generational Family Milestone

We traveled to Billings, Montana for one reason only; to attend our oldest granddaugther's high school graduation. After leaving Denver and driving north, Billings was strategically ideal for us to fly out of. We made plans to take this RVing hiatus and fly on Alaska Airlines to Portland, Oregon. Denver's airport is a nightmare to fly in and out, so we looked at Billings as the next best option and we weren't unhappy with the decision. The Billings airport only has ten gates but is serviced by Delta, United/Continental and Alaska/Horizon. Parking was nearby and $9 a day, long-term. TSA had no waiting. Unfortunately, our flight was delayed because of a aircraft issue from it's departure location, but we eventually arrived in Portland and our daugther Elisa picked us up at the airport. The airline provided $48 in meal vouchers for the inconvenience and also complimentary drinks while enroute. We had booked an AirBnB for two nights around the corner from Aaron and Elisa's home.

We had a great family re-union with our kids, grandkids and other proud grandparents on Sunday evening, our arrival day, June 2nd at the Edgingtons. Elisa ordered pizza so the meal planning was easy. Tim and Diana Edgington, Aaron parents, and his cousin Seth, all from Missouri were staying at their home so it was a cozy first night get-together. We enjoyed ourselves catching up on life with the extended family.

Graduation was Monday, June 3rd at 4:30 PM and the biggest concern was the weather. It rained most of Sunday night and early Monday morning, but we were prepared for the worst. Fortunately, the weather window cooperated and the graduates didn't need to worry about wearing clear plastic parkas over their graduation gowns. In addition to us and all the family members staying with Elisa and Aaron, Denise and Tom Hatch, Elisa's mom and step-dad were in attendance The graduation venue was Providence Park stadium, the home of the Portland Timbers, an American professional men's soccer club based in Portland, Oregon.

Diana was very cool and composed as she walked up to receive her diploma, but we all went a little crazy cheering her on like any proud family would do in the same situation. The graduation was about an hour and a half long. Apparently there was another graduation for another high school scheduled for 7 PM, so we were ushered out of the facilities fairly quickly. Of course, we stuck around for some family photography outside and then headed out for dinner at Reverend's Barbeque restaurant to celebrate. From the restaurant it was back to Aaron and Elisa's for some games. We returned to our AirBnB and prepared for an early morning flight back to Billings on Tuesday, June 4th.

A quick trip to honor the graduate was well worth the time and expense. Congratulations to our first grandchild on this significant milestone in her life. We hope and pray for continued blessings and great accomplishments in the future.