Permission to grow up

Back in 1999 the government started issuing quarters for each state and like most people we started our collection. At the time Kent said that he wasn't in any hurry to complete the set because that would mean that Erik would be turning 15. Well as time marched by and the collection became more complete we could see that day coming. Since Erik was the last one we still didn't want the day to come so we never completed the set, it was missing just the Utah quarter. So over the past 3 1/2 years we have had the Utah coin in our possession but we really didn't want to add as that would mean we would be saying out loud that Erik had grown up so we simply avoided it. Several times Erik had that quarter in his hand and we would just look away, laugh or say something like "sorry we don't know where the book is" or "no we can't put it in because that would mean you are grown up and we won't accept that". Well since he has graduated and is ready to head off to college and his mission we felt that time had come to give him permission to "Grow Up". So for one of his graduation presents we gave him a card and a note in regards to this along with the quarter taped to the back of the card. It's kinda one of those things that brings a bit of tears to your eyes but it had to happen.

So the time has come.

Congratulations my grown up young man! Love you forever!

Graduation, Graduation, Graduation

A major milestone has occured in our life. Erik graduated from High School, earned his AA degree from Green River Community College and completed Seminary so we have had 3 commencement services in 5 days.

It began on Friday June 10th with the GRCC graduation at the Showare Center in Kent. I estimated that there was around 500 kids graduating and they said about 130 of them were running start students.

Erik looked mighty proud to be sitting with such a large group.

Kent was able to be at all of the ceremonies also so that was great.

Then onto Seminary graduation. Erik was deterimed to achieve that same goal as all of the other Olson kids in that he never missed a day in 4 years and he earned his Seminary pin all 4 years also.

Today, June 14th was his graduation from Lindbergh High School. There was around 250 kids in his class and even though he attened GRCC the past 2 years he wanted to be a part of the LHS graduation.

We are so happy for him as this part of his life ends and the next exciting chapter begin. We have several trips planned over the summer and then he is set to begin BYUI in September before leaving for his mission probably next January.

Way to go Erik!!!!!