Harvard Law School Graduation Trip June 4-7, 2009

Robyn and I were so excited to spend a few days with Christian, Katie and Dylan in Cambridge to help celebrate Christian's graduation from Harvard Law School.
Join us in a tour...

Christian trying on his robes at their apartment home the night before the Ceremony. Katie put up a banner and balloons--Congratulations Grad!

Walking to the graduation ceremonies, leaving at 7:00 am. Christian and Katie's home is on the left. Robyn stayed home with Dylan...

Christian with some of his law school classmates, at breakfast, before the graduation ceremonies started.

Seating was unreserved, outside, on folding chairs while the rain threatened. You'd think that after 358 years Harvard could figure out a better way to celebrate graduation. I guess this is the tradition.

The two Katie's--waiting for graduation Commencement to commence.
Katie Perry and Katie Robinson.

Christian and Dylan on the big day.

A nice hug for Mom from the graduate.

Proud papa.

The Cambridge trio

Dylan wants to know: when do I get to walk across the stage?

Hooray, Christian receives his diploma, assisted by Dylan.

We all gathered for a picture after lunch at the law school.

Katie presented Christian with a beautiful frame for his diploma.

Next day, time for sightseeing.
Since Dylan was born on the night of Paul Revere's ride (April 18), he took us on a tour of Lexington and Concord.

The countryside was green and beautiful at Lexington and Concord.

This is a park ranger. She is dressed as the proprietor of a historic tavern on the road between Lexington and Concord, where the first battle of the Revolution was fought. She is explaining the opening events of the revolution. That's a real smooth-bore black-powder musket she's holding, which she loaded and fired for us! Dylan loved the big BANG!

Christian at the historic tavern. That's a raised bed garden in the background.

Dylan and I went exploring in the fields.

Robyn and I took a fascinating tour of the Longfellow House, a two minute walk from Christian and Katie's home. This is where General Washington had his Continental Army HQ in 1775-76, and where later Longfellow wrote of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

The gardens at the Longfellow House. My umbrella broke the first time I tried to open it.
I threw it down in frustration.

Dylan took us to Walden Pond.
Apparently Thoreau liked to swim, because now there's a beach, lifeguard station, serious swimmers wearing wetsuits, and everything!

We visited the New England Aquarium. Dylan loved watching the sea turtles, sharks, divers and other creatures swim by.Christian introduced Dylan to the penguins

We had lunch at a local pizzeria--been there since 1926. Good pizza; gruff service.

Last but not least, here's that part of the University-wide morning graduation ceremonies where they awarded the degrees, by group, to the Law School. Bad view, good event.
Congratulations again to Christian, Katie, and Dylan.

Elder Stephen Davis Robinson---Called to Serve

We had a grand week seeing Stephen off to the Missionary Training Center.
On Sunday, Elder Robinson gave a wonderful farewell talk at Sacrament meeting, "The Four Dimensions of Discipleship--Discipline, Faith, Meekness and Learning."
So many people came to hear his talk, to name just a few: Christian from across the country/Cambridge, Grandma Joyce from Utah, Brent/Debbie/Ben/Josh/Matt/Stephanie/Scott/Chari/Jake from Arizona, friends from his Single's Ward, three returned missionaries from the Carlsbad CA mission came back from out of state, the Martin clan from Corona, friends from BYU Idaho, friends from institute, Barbie and Barbara from former work (R&R), neighbors and family from all over!
It was very impressive to see Stephen's network of valiant and faithful friends. Thanks for the wonderful support. We had a get-together at our home afterwards. President Sterling Brennan set Stephen apart. Those attending gave Elder Robinson good advice and expressed their love and appreciation of Stephen.

A beautiful cake from Paulette Tagaloa of our ward.

The Welcoming Committee for the family/friends gathering: Josh, Ryan and Ben.

Some of the many (60+) family and close friends who came to see Elder Stephen off.

"Barbecue Brent" brazes big burgers

The Martin clan from Corona. Andie looks forward to her departure later this summer for the Dallas TX Spanish speaking mission.

Two close friends: Taylor Rawlings and Stephen Robinson

Grandma Joyce helped soooo much!

Some of the Outhier/Robinson clan: Emily and Roy, Matt and Stephanie

More family and friends

Saying goodbyes...

Brotherly contemplation

Austin and Rachel share a minute on the back patio

Christian and Austin--who knows what's going on?

Stephen says goodbye to Ben and Josh

The Bike that Matt Built:
Matt turns over the keys to the custom made bike that he had built for Stephen's 6'8" frame

Stephen's Missionary Construction is complete--now its off to drive 700 miles to Bountiful, UT

After a day in the temple at SLC, taking pictures in Grandma Joyce's beautiful back yard, just before driving to the MTC

One last hug at the MTC

Saying our goodbyes: As Stephen told everyone, "See you soon in the Lord's time."

Elder Robinson next to the MTC plaque: "Where E'er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part"
Our prayers go with Stephen.

Whiting Ranch Hike

We enjoyed hiking Whiting Ranch with Ryan, Stephen, Austin and Rachel.

A one-armed Stephen-hug

Along the trail

Stephen's Birthday and "First" Missionary Farewell

Stephen gave his first missionary farewell talk on 5/17/2009 at his Saddleback Young Single Adult Ward. Stephen's talk was on "Faith," and he exemplifies this subject. Stephen's bishop (David Beckstead) said several nice things about Stephen. According to Bishop Beckstead, Stephen has a reputation for giving love and service to others, for asking the bishop how he can lighten the bishop's load (and giving him a snickers bar), and for asking "Can I ask you a random question?...."
Jane took this picture of us in the lobby afterwards. We were excited to see lots of Stephen's family and friends in the audience--Lindsey and Hailey from Torrance, Jane and Eric, Eric Nolan, Jason B. from next door, etc, etc.

Last week Mom and Dad, Greg and Jillair and Nathan visited on Mother's Day evening--to help us wish Stephen a "happy birthday" one day early!

Two cakes required extra lung power.

Before the big blowout.

Ryan knows who loves him, and vice versa!

Grandma Marion admiring Robyn's patio/back yard farm.

Stephen L. and Stephen D.