We went to Gulf Shores. Each of the kids took a friend, so there were 8 of us all the way there and back in our new-to-us car.
It was a great trip. Here is a photo album in a format that is new to me. You may have to click or select something...or just try waiting a few minutes for the photos to load?
Today's the day! Sylvia Claire's graduation from high school!
We really could not be more proud and in awe of our daughter and who she has become and what she has accomplished! She is so driven, empathetic, caring, forgiving, analytical, humble, talented, enthusiastic, daring, sweet, funny, and lovely in so many ways.
We had a quick lunch with the Mc fam who came for the weekend. Jeremy grilled some brats, and we had lots of leftovers from the open house yesterday. It was so wonderful to have them all here, and we wish we could've spent more time with them in the midst of the busy weekend!
Sylvia drove herself and Caeden and I to the school. The graduates had to get photos before the ceremony, and the band had to set up and get their instruments ready.
Isabella, Sylvia, and Alexis taking their instruments out to the band's spot for the ceremony before going to get their class photos taken. The last time they will play in the band...
It was the absolute perfect weather for an outdoor ceremony, thank the Lord!
Junior high band members played with the band for the ceremony.
Caeden and his buddy Miles, goofing around in the band before the ceremony
The graduates processed in and sat in the stands,
while the audience was seated on the track and football field.
Departmental awards were announced, and Sylvia received the Science and Foreign Language departmental awards as well as the John Phillip Sousa (band) Award.
She is also the winner of the Erthel Rose Scholarship.
Principal Burke's speech:
Sylvia's speech was the longest part of the ceremony, and it was very touching.
She took the opportunity to honor every one of her graduating classmates by sharing what she sees to be some of their best qualities.
Sylvia's speech:
Receiving her diploma from the school board president
How blessed to be able to spend a day together, our family of five at home,
celebrating the birth of Jesus, our Savior.
Caeden was chosen to open the first gift. His sisters have been talking about the gift they got him, and quite honestly, he has been worried and wondering!
He was pleasantly surprised and found it very funny that they bought him...
...a very soft and fuzzy tortilla blanket!
Sylvia was thrilled that Annah gave her a fingernail drying light!
Annah got her dad some of his workout drink mixes.
I gave him Crocs of his own so he doesn't have to wear mine when he wants to throw on some shoes to run outside! Sylvia gave him "The Man, The Myth, The Legend" slippers!
Sylvia received some items for her future dorm room and college life. She was confused about receiving a tool kit and so excited to receive a vacuum cleaner!
some of the aftermath
Jeremy and I roasted a 20-pound turkey, and it turned out fantastic! We all were stuffed.
We spent the afternoon relaxing, Annah with her new FRIENDS puzzle.
I know we probably won't have many more years with the 5 of us at home for the holidays, and this year has definitely shown us that nothing in life is guaranteed. So I am extra thankful for this beautiful day with my favorite people. So much love. Thank you, Lord.
