May is the season of college graduation. Jac and Zac have two cousins graduating this year. One, Crystal, graduated from San Diego State. She plans to continue on with law school. You go girl! Two, Bryon, who graduated from UPenn's Wheaton School of Business. Bryon has been here on the east coast and we have served as one of his home away from homes during the times he has not been able to return to California for holidays. We joined a large representation of the Arnold family to take part in his graduation ceremonies.
In days gone by when Bryon was a youngster and Uncle Chuck was a bachelor, they had a very special Uncle/nephew relationship. Chuck would work a 4am- 2pm shift then after work help his sister and brother-in-law with after school day care. He would pick up Amber and Bryon from school and care for them until their parents returned from work. Chuck did this long enough that the teachers once wouldn't release the kids to their Dad, Michael, as they believed that Chuck was their dad. I've known these kids for 12 years. They are all grown up now, adults, as we are reminded how we are not so young anymore. All of us as a family have become quite fond of Bryon. We thought a road trip to join his graduation festivities would also be an educational one for the little ones even if it meant to play hookie from school for a day. The kids got to see an Ivy league graduation, what it's like to live at school and check out their big cousin's apartment, and they got to join up with many relatives that we see all too little due to distance.
Bryon and Jacquelyn
Zac with Uncle Mike and Aunt Arlene
A thumb wrestle while waiting for dinner.
Jackie whipping Uncle Mikes butt in the game.
Chuck, Zac and Aunt Joann
Chuck's sister Arlene and her daughter Amber.
The prestigious Wharton School of Business
Bryon marching in with his friend Dale.
Dale graduated with a dual degree of engineering and finance. He's 'wicked Smahht'!
Bryon's fan club
Congratulations Bryon!
A once in a lifetime moment.
Proud crying mom (left), Grandma Helen on right.
Cousin Katie with Bryon and the kids.
Proud parents, Arlene and Mike.
Bryon and his girlfriend Lauren, she graduated last year from UPenn with a degree in Bioengineering. She will be on assignment for 9 months in Switzerland starting this August.
The whole clan who came from all over to celebrate with Bryon (minus Jyrki, who took the picture).
Once in a while I get out from behind the camera for a photo.
Bryon with his older sister Amber.
Bryon has taken our little ones under his wing.
A few of the future college graduates of our family.
Akseli and Zachary. Akseli is another fraternal twin. His sister is Noelle shown in the picture above.
Bryon has accepted a job in NYC and will be living in a Manhattan luxury apartment with his friend Dale. 
He was a player of the Champion football team.
The kids checking out Bryon's apartment.
Chuck Sr. better known as "Gramps".
The little kids up in Bryon's room playing video games while the big kids were downstairs exchanging gifts.
Bryon and his Bro's.
We made a quick stop to see the Liberty Bell, but it was closed, so this was taken at night from a distance through a window.
Late night snacking at a detour to some landmark 'Philly' cheese steak joints before bed.
Jackie is seriously pooped, but won't complain because I warned her she would have to be a big girl for this grown up trip. Such a good girl!
Geno's steaks have been featured on TV as a landmark food establishment and for the messages from the establishment's owner, see below.
On the way home, we took a detour for a family field trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The kids toured both, but had to fill out a workbook at Lady Liberty. Upon completion of the workbook, they got a badge for becoming a junior national park ranger.
We are pleased that Bryon is starting his adult life on the east coast and won't be far away. Good luck Bryon! 
