J.D. = Jackie's Done!

It took me until 6 am on Friday morning, but I FINALLY finished and turned in all three of my papers! I took a nice long nap, woke up, and got ready to walk across the graduation stage and accept my fake diploma (they mail the real ones after they check to make sure you didn't flunk any classes!).

Me and my bestie, Libby, in our last pic together before becoming Juris Doctors!

This weekend was FANTASTIC- I have never felt so loved! Mom, Dad, and Kelli arrived from Phoenix on Thursday night, and took Justin and me out for dinner at Joseph's Steakhouse in downtown Iowa City. I'd never been there before, but it definitely lived up to the hype. Absolutely delicious. After the graduation ceremony on Friday, my grandparents and Justin's parents joined us at my place for a few drinks and snacks.

Justy got me cooking lessons in NYC as a grad gift... is this some sort of hint? hehe ;)

Dave drove all the way to Cedar Rapids after the ceremony to pick up some surprise kolaches for the party!

There's nothing I love more than seeing me and Justin's parents together- they really hit it off and enjoy each other's company. I think it's because Dave and Dave are so similar, and Jan and Cindy can relate to each other on what it's like to be married to such goofballs :)

Dave M. and Dave V. telling stories at dinner

Cindy, Justin's Grandma Pat, and Jan... BFFs!

On Friday night, we headed downtown for dinner at Givanni's, where a few more aunts, uncles, and cousins joined us. The food was amazing- it was sooo funny to watch everyone passing their plates around to give each other a taste of their food. Dad made a toast to my graduation, and somehow everybody at the table ended up making a little speech. It was REALLY sweet, but a little bit overwhelming... my mascara was not prepared for that many tears! All in all, we had a spectacular evening and I couldn't have asked for anything more.

After dinner, a few of us younger cats made it over to Brother's, where we met up with my friends Libby and Justin. My sister LOVES Brothers, and this night was no exception. We had a great time, and stuck around until bar close. Then we headed to Mesa Pizza. Anyone who knows Iowa City knows that a night out at the bars just isn't complete without a heavenly slice of Mac & Cheese pizza. Kelli was skeptical, but we dragged her down the street to stand in line for 30 minutes for this delicious, melty, cheesy goodness. Let's just say she wasn't disappointed...

On Saturday, we headed up to New Hampton to celebrate with even more friends and family! We spent the evening at Chaff's and had a great time. Law School was no day at the beach, but the party was definitely worth it :)

Jan looooves her nephews!