the graduate

I'm always shocked when I see my brother. I guess sometimes I still expect to find the 14-year old kid I remember from when I first left for California. But my little brother has evolved, he's grown. He has become a pillar of a man, and I am so proud of him. He is strong, driven, charming and still eligible?!?!?

Tolu graduated with his MBA from SMU this past weekend. We were fortunate to celebrate with him and the rest of my family. It was good, GOOD time.

Friday night, we all (Tolu, Folayo, Mom, Dad, Auntie Sade, Dayo, Paul, Maya, Cole and I) went to dinner at this great restaurant in the West Village of uptown Dallas called Mi Cocina. The food was delicious - ESPECIALLY the tacos! We enjoyed margaritas (some a little more than others) and lots of laughs together.

Maya and Cole loved staying up late and swimming in the attention and affection of their grandparents, uncles and auntie. Maya seemed particularly fond of the music that night. She had a personal dance party right there in the restaurant.

Saturday was graduation day. After a mellow morning, a little shopping and no naps (oh my) we left for the Cox School of Business ceremony on campus (which is BEAUTIFUL, by the way. I had no idea Dallas is so green). The program was short and sweet and before long, Tolu emerged from the building with diploma in hand!

The fam

Mom and Tolu

Tolu and Dad

Tolu with John (our long-time family friend who drove in from Arkansas)

Miss Maya

Paul and me

Abi, Tolu and Folayo (aka the FAT Posse)

Later that night, we met up for dinner at Kirby's, a steakhouse near campus. Tolu once said there is not much to do in Dallas other than to eat and shop. Beyond the graduation and an excursion out west the following morning, that's what we did, isn't it? I guess you could say that we've done Dallas!

After four days with little routine, three late nights and virtually no naps, the kids were just nutty by our last night. They were bouncing of the walls (literally) as we packed our suitcases, Maya decided the hotelroom floor was just the spot to relieve herself, and our night... oh our night! It was definitely... memorable. It was kind of a hard way to end such a great trip, but certainly worth it.

We are back home now. Tolu is a master. The kids are sleeping soundly in their beds. 'Twas a good weekend.