Joe/Linda

While family was in town, we wanted to treat them to a little fun. First up, a trolly ride to the Greenville Drive baseball game! 

Next, a sightseeing trip to one of the key Revolutionary War battles...the Battle of Cowpens.

It poured down rain while we were there, so we missed out on seeing as much as we would have liked. 

Once the rain stopped, a school bus filled with students pulled in and that was our que to leave. So we grabbed some local cuisine like a Carolina chili dog (hot dog with chili and cole slaw on top), a Beacon burger a-plenty (chili hamburger with onion rings and french fries piled high on top), and some shrimp & grits (official state food for SC). 

The next day was perfect for the lake, so we loaded up the jet ski and kayak and spent the day in the sun.

Joe fell out after trying to hot rod the jet ski, but the water felt so nice he didn't mind.

Even the little one got to enjoy the day with us since it wasn't a school day! I think she approved.

Commissioning

After four years at the University of South Carolina spending weekends, early mornings, and a significant portion of his time with the Army ROTC program....

...our son graduated cum laude from the University of SC with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the Darla Moore School of Business and a minor in Military Sciences! At the same time, he transitioned from being enlisted to being an officer in the US Army. 

His class all took their oath together as newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenants, then each walked across the stage as their name was called. A 4-star general was the first to shake his hand.

We then followed our new officer over to take his second oath to support our state through the National Guard.

I was so proud!!! 💙 This is where he received his plaque.

Once fully commissioned, his rank was pinned on by his dad, Eric, and his grandpa Mike.

For his first salute, he asked his favorite NCO (non-commissioned officer) to take that role. The NCO salutes him, and for the first time, Lt. McConnell returns the salute back. 

This event was the first time we saw him in uniform. Luke did a great job keeping it hidden from us. We were beaming with pride at his accomplishments and his decision to serve our country! He is so handsome, and we are so proud to be his family. First, a photo with the parents....

Then, one with is siblings...

And finally, the whole crew who came to visit...Grandpa Mike, Uncle Joe, and Linda. 😊

Opening Game

Our professional home baseball team, the Greenville Drive, had their opening game on a chilly Friday evening mid-April. I was given some sweet tickets to the rooftop at Fluor Field complete with an open bar and free food!

The views were spectacular! I didn't capture the fireworks in time, but it was an awesome experience to watch from this location. 

My dates were the best, too!

These seats basically spoiled me from ever enjoying general seating again. So bougie!

Bake Sale

Our youngest is in Student Council this year, so she had to participate in raising funds for spirit week. Her friends decided to host a bake sale at the school.

The weekend of spirit week, two of her friends came over and baked for 7 hours! They made a mess for sure, but they also cleaned everything up.

They had a great time mixing, baking, and wrapping everything! The cookies, brownies, 7-layer bars, pumpkin bread, banana bread, and peppermint bark was sold out by Wednesday.

So that evening, she made a few more things to sell on Thursday/Friday. 

In total, they raised $350! Way to go!

Live Stations

After a two-year gap, our church youth group performed their Living Stations this year during Lent. As one of the teaching assistants, I had a backstage view to all the set up and action. Here, Jesus falls for the 3rd time.

It was a silhouette scene where the students portrayed each station of Jesus walking the road to calvary. In this station, Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.

After each scene is set up, the students hold their positions while music plays. Then a voice shares what it must be like in Mary's heart as she watches her son die for us. 

I was amazed at how well the students performed! It was such a moving experience, even backstage.

The final scene was well choreographed. Kuddos to the teacher for making this all happen!

Intro to Alex

Previous blogs may have casually mentioned Ashlyn's boyfriend, but who is he?  This is Alex.

They met playing volleyball through the church young adult group. Sometimes they are partners on the same team, and other times they play against each other on opposing teams, but they both take the game very seriously. 

They compete in mud runs, too, and usually with a great group of friends who are just like them...high energy and athletic.

With their busy schedules, they try to schedule dinner together a few times a week. 

One thing that sets them apart is spicy foods. Alex didn't grow up eating jalapeños like our family, so what tastes like a bell pepper to us is super hot to him. But he's made huge strides in acclimating himself, like doing the deadly hot One Chip Challenge. 

Well done, Alex. You've earned your seat at the McConnell table.

Match Day

 On Monday, March 14th, Ashlyn got the notification...

In the medical school world, this is HUGE. Med students study four long, hard years in hopes of landing a residency at their favorite hospital in their dream field. While Ashlyn and her closest friends all matched, they didn't know where they were matched, and in some intances, which program they matched in.They decided to all be together when they found out. We made a sweet celebration out of it with the cutest cookies!

The match information was delivered via e-mail, and the students gave their phones to a parent who could keep a straight face (not me). She wrote each of their match information down on a poster and handed them out upside down.

At the count of three, they turned over the cards. One, two...

Three!!! It's surgery in Birmingham, AL for Ashlyn, with her friends getting Radiation Oncology in Virginia and Internal Medicine in Florida. Congratulations, ladies!

Next, she talked with Alex who was on face-time during the reveal. This was just as much a part of his future too, it seems. 

Way to go baby girl! We are so proud of you getting your 1st choice! You worked hard for this, and we can't wait to see you become an amazing surgeon!