Project 365, Week 24

This week we were officially done with school and summer kicked off! YAY for summer!!

June 12

After a weekend of high school graduation celebrations, Monday morning brought an 8th grade promotion. Aiden was less than thrilled about the whole thing, but it only lasted one hour and now he's officially in high school (we're still not sure which one).

One of the best ways to kick off summer is games in the middle of the day with cousins.

We also went out for our traditional last-day-of-school DQ treat.

June 13

We offer to pay for the kids meals when they are out spending time together. Its my way of giving them a little nudge towards becoming great friends, a life-long gift.

June 14

Amanda and a couple friends baked and decorated a couple cakes.

June 15

My morning walk was glorious.

June 16

We gathered at my dad's for a Father's Day celebration. We ate breakfast by the fire, drank cowboy coffee and played croquet. It was a beautiful morning to honor this guy who has worn so many hats through the years, but his very favorite is being a dad.

June 17

Bright and early this Saturday we headed to Tennessee. I'll include this weekend with next week so the entire trip is together.

Class of 2023!

Commencement was 10 AM, on the soccer field she played on for her four years of high school.

While the band played a couple songs, the graduates all went out into the crowd to deliver a carnation to their parent/s. Avery walked over to hug me and the moment was weighty and emotional and sacred.

It was very special to have all of the grandparents who were able to be in attendance.

Many have asked how I feel about Avery graduating and, while I feel a sense of motherly obligation to be sad that my baby is growing up so fast, I'm actually not sad. I live with a perspective different than most and I'm just grateful. 

Eight years ago, Dr. Temple at MSK looked me in the eye and said, Lisa, I'm going to get you to your kids graduations and weddings. I remember the exam room we were sitting in. This day, I got to a high school graduation and my heart is full of gratitude.

So I throw up my hands And praise You again and again

'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah 

And I know it's not much But I've nothing else fit for a King

Except for a heart singing hallelujah

Back to the house for last minute preparations and welcoming guests. Avery's favorite food is Mexican, so we just went with that theme.

It was a beautiful afternoon and she was surrounded by people who mean the most to her. 

As a bonus, we got to keep Lainie and Katie overnight.

...and closed out the evening with the Boyds on the porch.

This is the yearbook "ad" I had made for Avery. I remember the punch-in-the-stomach feeling as we walked away after dropping her off for her very first day of school. It felt so wrong and sad. But it didn't take long to see how much she thrived at St. Mary's and enjoyed learning and excelling. And now she is nearly grown...what a blessing she has been!