The end is nigh.

We're in our final week now - study study and more study for Ollie...not sure how much more he can cram into that brain but hopefully all he's putting there is staying! And for me, I have finished up at work so the last few days will be focussed on cleaning the house from top to toe - we have prospective tenants coming through on Monday and then the real estate agents inspection on Tuesday so needs to be done by then! - and packing falls into my job description, or at least the start of it - no doubt the majority of it will happen Wednesday morning!

Friday afternoon Ollie took a break from his studies to attend his prize giving ceremony. Wives/partners were invited too, so I had arranged to finish work early. While we had got an incling the occasion was a little more than a casual affair, we hadn't realised how formal it was going to be - luckily we didn't just turn up in jeans!!

We arrived at the college a little early so Ollie was able to show me and Ruth (who came with us also) his classroom, and the desk he had spent most of his time in! Shortly after getting to the graduation venue Ollie and his classmates were all decked out in Caps and Gowns - and all the lecturers and other College staff were in their ones also. A little bit more formal than we were expecting!!!!

After a couple of speaches Ollie and his classmates were all presented with a folder - of the different certificates they had got during the year, their exam permit (Ollie needs this for his final exam on Tuesday!) and....not their ADME (Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering) - their last round of exams haven't all be marked yet so they aren't actually sure if everyone has passed!!!!!! (but everyone has indicated that Ollie will not need to do any resits of the last round of exams.)

Then there were a few photos taken followed by the all important lubrication of engineers - beer, wine etc and some nibbles. Was quite a nice event really, the start of the finishing & leaving doos :)

Here's Ollie in all his finery (and a shot of us together)