Dr. Keith Jones!

Ladies and gentleman - Keith Jones is now a D.D.S.! Wooooohooooo! To say that I am excited and proud is a huge understatement. I could go on and on about how full my heart is to see him fulfill his lifelong dream. Years of hard work, all night study sessions and prayers have led him to this moment. Keith and I started dating his sophomore year of college, so I've been right by his side through this 8 year journey. I feel like I've graduated, too!

For the past two days we have celebrated with a hooding and awards ceremony, a party at our house, the big graduation, followed by another celebratory dinner out. It has been so fun to toast Keith with our family and friends! Below are pictures from the ceremonies - I'll be making a separate post on the party at our house, because y'all know I went ALL OUT. He only graduates dental school once!

I took over 200 pictures, so these are just a few highlights:

First up, we had the hooding and awards ceremony. This was just for the dental school and his graduating class of 76. 

They received individual awards and were 'hooded' by teachers, mentors, or dental family members. Keith chose for my father and grandfather (both dentists, from LSU and Baylor respectively) to hood him. It was one of the best moments of the whole weekend. Keith was the only person to choose 2 special hooders, and it was very sweet.

I wish my picture wasn't blurry of my dad and grandpa hugging Keith, but I hear that some friends got a better version. And I will be stalking that school photographer for his copies!

Keith is shaking hands with the deans, chancellor, and key professors. At this time, Keith was also given his awards - 7 total! I was so proud and blown away. There are only a few people in his class that won multiple awards, so I know Keith was really humbled to receive so many!

So many awards, it was hard to carry them :)

Later in the program, Keith had the opportunity to speak as the Class President. He did an excellent job!

I helped him with his speech earlier in the week, which was fun. He made me tear up giving it!

 

Afterwards, we snapped a few pics with this classmates and family. I am one beaming wife!

Here he is with his very best friend from dental school, Miles. These two walk away from this experience with diplomas and a lifelong friendship. 

One with the wives! Through dental school, we watched Miles fall in love and marry Caitlyn. So special!

Keith with my grandfather, Dr Lindy Bollen, and my father, Dr. Lindy Bollen, Jr. Obviously, I have a love for dentists!

My grandmother loves Keith as if he were her own grandson.

Keith with Dr. Lloyd

Sweet Katherine!

Next, we headed to the house to get ready for the party, and snapped a few more nice pics in the front yard:

Keith with his grandparents.

His beautiful, sweet Aunt Peggy.

Keith's parents and siblings.

One of his mentors, Dr. Ben Burris.

A congrats hug from his lovely wife, Bridget.

My proud Dad, who switched to a bow tie to play bartender :)

{Then, we had a really awesome party. I'll be sharing those pics in my next post.}

The next day was Graduation time! The day it became official. Of course, we took the opportunity to take even more pictures:

My mom LOVES Keith so much. She was just as proud as I was :)

More with his 'hooders' - they are excited to welcome Keith as the next dentist in my family!

Proud siblings.

Ceremony time at the FedEx Forum!

That's a lot of health professional graduates! Medicine, Pharmacy, Dental, Nursing, Allied Health, etc.

Keith's class being presented for graduation.

About to go on stage!

Accepting his diploma from the Dean of the dental college.

Keith was surprised when he went in for the hug. I think those professors really loved him and are sad to see him go!

The UT Chancellor.

And afterwards - here we are!! Dr and Mrs Keith Jones!!

Proud parents, indeed.

We had another celebratory evening over sushi. We all put on our comfortable clothes and relaxed. All of the pomp and circumstance of ceremonies can make you tired!

It's over - yahooo!

Keith and Ryan accidentally matched.

Our cute, sweet, short moms! I love that they are friends :)

Group pic! What a fun night!

Congratulations, my dear. We made it!