Proud x 2

It's a pretty much known fact that most parents love to take credit when their offspring do well, but try to blame "other factors" when trouble brews. Both Pete and Steve have had some wonderful accomplishments this year, but Bob and I can take NO credit whatsoever. They are grown men now and their successes are their own. Still, it's hard not to be proud when they work hard, with positive results.

Bob doesn't have too many career regrets, but often wished he had gotten his professional engineering certification. It probably would not have changed his work life, but it would have been a nice honor to have. When Steve became an engineer, I wonder if he internalized that story as he decided pretty early in his career to pursue his professional engineering certification. Steve is an industrial engineer and there is no PE in that field, so he taught himself what he needed to know for the mechanical engineer professional certification. Last summer and fall, we would often see his review books on the dining room table and one look at the complicated stuff he was studying would make this math adverse Mom cringe. The good news that he passed came before the holidays and Bob and I were thrilled for him. Steve and Angie took it all in stride, but Bob and I were all smiles, ear to ear.

Pete has had an interesting career path. I have always loved politics, but somehow my democratic gene was not passed down to my first born. He became involved in Republican politics in college and with a political science major and determination has always worked in the field of politics. Pete is passionate about his work and no doubt, has gotten where he is completely on his own. After working as the Director of the Iowa Republican State Senate caucus for the past few years, he just was offered and accepted the position as Director of Federal Relations for his beloved University of Iowa in Iowa City. It is his dream job and we are so excited for his new opportunity.

Yes, it has been a good year for our Hawkeye alums. Steve became a first time Dad, along with his PE and Pete will have a new home in IC to go along with his new job. And, more than anything, they are happy...which is what most parents really want after all. Way to go, Pete and Steve!