Knott's Berry Farm

Spent a perfect day (minus all of the 8th graders) at Knott's with the Raissle's and Macias'!  I would almost call this a tradition now.  These kids range from 5-17, but they sure love each other and get along so well!

 We spent time in Camp Snoopy (Parker and I laughed so hard on the little coaster)

 and on the bigger coasters.  I only did one, but loved that Nolan asked me to ride with him on Jaguar!

 The wait for lunch took forever, but we enjoyed a nice time at Johnny Rockets to beat the heat and refuel.

 So proud of Nolan for conquering his fear and doing Silver Bullet for the first time.  He loved it and did it a few more times before leaving.

Taylor and I were ready to leave early so Parker joined us.  He watched darts and college baseball with Matt before crashing sitting up...so sweet.  The rest of the group closed down the park and ate their traditional dinner at Outback Steakhouse.  Back to AZ in the morning, but a great visit!!

Graduation Open House

Time to celebrate with family and friends!  This afternoon we hosted an open house with lunch catered by Rosa's.  Thank you to Allison and Gigi for helping decorate!

 Pictures through the years

 and a dessert table celebrating Taylor's newest adventure at KU.  Allison did the cutest job putting it together!

Taylor has made some amazing friends through all of her school years...some since Kindergarten and some as recent as senior year.  Thankful for all who came over to support her.

 Loved seeing the Guinn's and some of our favorite "littles".

 I didn't get pictures of everyone, but had time to visit with some of our dearest friends and family.

 The Brink's 

 So blessed to call these ladies friends...so many memories with them!

 I couldn't thank the Raissle's enough for making the drive from AZ.  I know they said they wouldn't miss it, but schedules are crazy and it meant so much to have them there!  We also love anytime we get to spend with the Macias family!

 Godmother and Goddaughter...a special bond!

 Caitlyn, Carson, Kerstin and Summer

 Lauren, Taylor and Emily all reunited!

 Claire, Lexi, Vanessa, Devan, Madison, Jacob, Garrett and Trent...couldn't ask for a better bunch for her to spend her high school years with.

 Jack and Jake were Junior class presidents this year and will sure miss all of these Seniors next year. They will do great things at GOHS!

The smiles say it all.  These 2 are happy to have long distance dating behind them and look forward to seeing what the future holds at KU.  It was a great party celebrating our graduate and I didn't shed a single tear!  I put together a slide show that captured 17 years of memories and I took today to really just cherish all the people that have impacted Taylor's life!

GRADUATION DAY

I shed a lot of tears this morning as I stared at this hanging in the hallway.  It represents so much...17 years of parenting, countless hours at the kitchen table helping with homework, thousands of school lunches prepared, daily carpool conversations, weekly Friday flag salutes, chorus programs, soccer games, back-to-school shopping sprees, friendships, PTA, field trips, leadership conferences, college applications, AP testing, yearbook signings, award ceremonies, college acceptance letters and so much more.  So many memories crammed into these school years that have prepared Taylor for this moment.  Tears of joy, tears of anxiety, tears of life-never-being-quite-the-same...but most of all...tears of amazing pride!

 We felt blessed to have Gigi, Grandma and Papa all here to help us celebrate.  

 It's hard to believe it has already been a year since Taylor was there to cheer Andrew on at his graduation and I know Taylor was so happy to have him there for her.

 Jenna and Taylor have remained so close despite going to different schools.  I'm so glad we were able to snag an extra ticket so she could hold my hand during the ceremony.

 This girl has my whole heart and I'm still not sure how to wrap my head around her moving away.  I'm just going to think happy thoughts and be excited for what her future holds!

 Despite over 5,000 people trying to get into Great Oak, I was so impressed by the organization and flow of the process.  We got 6 seats up in the red section bleachers and wristbands for Grandma and Papa to sit on the field for easier access.

The music played as the 800+ graduates made their way around the track and to their seats.  Taylor spotted us in the stands and gave us a wave.  It was magical! 

 The student and staff speeches were impressive, the music was emotional and poignant and the students and crowd were respectful.

Then the students lined up by row to receive their diplomas.

 3 stages were used to call all of the graduates' names.  It was a well-oiled machine!  Taylor shook Mr. Rodriguez' hand as she received her diploma and we cheered loudly from the stands.

After everyone took their seats on the opposite side of the field, the valedictorian asked the students to move their tassels to the other side of their mortar board and declared them the graduating class of 2017!  Caps went flying through the air and the crowd roared

and the fireworks show started!  What a celebration!

We found Taylor on the field and spoiled her with flower, candy and money leis and lots of flower bouquets!

 It's official!

A final picture with Mr. Skaggs and the WSB crew!

One last stop to her senior parking spot...thanks for the idea Allison!

 Back to the house for cake and ice cream and a few gifts.

 Grandma and Papa gave her a new laptop for college!!

 We gave her luggage and Gigi gave her a beautiful bracelet and a very nice Target gift card to furnish her dorm.  Thanks to all!  Let the grad parties begin...