Oh, my heart.

Graduation. So exciting, such a relief, so happy, such tender feelings, so much reminiscing, such a grand milestone!

I texted Eliza that we needed to get together and celebrate these two babies of ours. We met up at a nearby park for dinner and treats. It was so lovely to spend an evening with the Whit's. I sure love Adren and Kate!

Because seminary graduation is a Stake affair, this is the only picture I got of the night! I was busy setting up and filling in refreshments and wiping up spills. It was a wonderful night, and so fun for me to see all these great kids in the stake getting their diplomas.

Adren and life-long friend Karter

Adren's very last day of school!

I helped the PTA with the Senior Overnighter. I liked that it was just at the school. There were several meetings, and at each one as I heard what others were preparing, I was glad I signed up for decor. With all that was being planned, I recalled mine in '93. The faculty basically said they would have the doors to the school unlocked. It was up to us to entertain ourselves and bring snacks if we so desired. I remember stopping at a corner store for treats and bringing my big stereo and CD's for the night!

I did enjoy helping set up signage for the many activities planned while chatting with friends in the area, and it was fun to see the kids arrive. I waited until Adren came to give him a quick squeeze before I went home to bed. When I was talking with him one of his friends, Christian came up and I gave him a hug and congrats. I had spent time helping Christian read and memorize lines for school plays in elementary, and have seen him here and there over the years. It wasn't until then that this friend realized that I was Adren's mom. "I don't know how I never saw that before!" These kids have become so smart.

I asked one of my dear Laurels who just came home from her mission if she'd do Adren's graduation pictures. It was fun to spend the day with her, our whole family loves Josi!

Oh, Adren. Strange to ponder these years that go both so slowly and so quickly.

I am so happy for him and all the relief graduating brings. I am also so excited for him because life really begins after graduation.

I spent some time gathering and arranging all of his school pictures, which had me teary-eyed while I worked. I had a matt cut at Hobby Lobby and loved the final result. I made him a candy lei and Sharon made him a cute ribbon lei. I hung his cap and gown so the wrinkles would work themselves out by graduation.

I was so looking forward to graduation on the PHS football field! We left our house about an hour before to park and find a seat. If we had left 10 minutes later, we may as well would have walked, the roadsides filled so fast! It was great having it so close by.

I loved spotting Adren as he walked through the Buldog. Note to self: have my kids wear easy to notice shoes!

As the kids were sitting and I was trying to spot where Adren was at, I saw a young man in his cap and gown, sitting and waiting. I had the impression that this was a very special kid, set to do great things. Shortly after, Adren texted me his location. The young man was him!

I loved it all. Every minute, every speech, every tribute. I soaked it all in. I whooped and hollered, full as can be of pride for my boy!

One quick shot before Paul and Sharon headed back to the house. They took us all out for a burger afterwards. I wish I got one of Granny and Grandpa. They came until they called Adrens name and headed back home. I didn't realize they were fighting bad colds!