June 13th, 2015
Sydna's high school graduation.
I couldn't believe Sydna's high school graduation had finally arrived. It truly came by so fast. I still remember when she entered middle school and thinking, she still has five years until she graduates and turns 18. Well, that time has arrived. I don't feel old. I feel accomplished along with her. However, I feel that the most challenging time for me is right now. Continuing to stay consistent in raising her because even though she's eighteen she still needs guidance and correction at times, but given that she's now 18, things are definitely more challenging. Beginning to loosen the reins is definitely distressing. I am counting on God to help me not become overwhelmed with worry whenever she wants to venture out on her own.
All seniors were to be dropped off at the high school at 9:00 am. From there they all boarded buses and were taken to another high school that has a big football stadium. We arrived at the graduation site at 9:45 am. It was a very sunny morning, not a single cloud in the sky. We sat way up in the stands because that part was shaded. It got full to capacity, the overflow had to sit on the visitors side.
We got her peonies, her favorite flower.
My mom and sister are SO proud of her. They are both so close to my kids and they both feel like my kids are theirs. Such great comfort to know that I can count on family.
The proud parents.
Thank goodness there was shade because I wore all black.
The buses arrived close to 11:00 am. Everyone began to cheer. I got goosebumps and at one point I began to tear up. I had to hold it together because I didn't want to look like a hot mess, literally. We still had pictures to take.
All seniors got paired up with someone. Good thing Sydna told me which side of the field she was gonna sit at so we knew where to look.
It didn't take her long to find us on the stands. This is when I became teary eyed again. She looks so nice wearing that gown even though she didn't think so.
Our daughter!
The tossing of the caps.
I lost Sydna among all the rest but she told us that when she threw up her cap it went sideways and landed behind her. LOL. My sister Claudia took video of this and Sydna was able to find herself on it and we could clearly see when she tossed her cap and landed behind her all quick. We couldn't stop laughing.
It took us about fifteen minutes to finally meet up. Tons of people. When we did it was nothing but joyful celebration.
With Ama {that's what she calls my mom instead of grandma. Ama is another word for mom}
With my sister Claudia or Tia Claudia to them.
And with her siblings. Riley was being silly and didn't want to look at the camera.
After the ceremony, we went home to change and to freshen up. Once we got comfortable we went to Red Robin for lunch.
Here she is. Our graduate! My parents gave her a beautiful pair of diamond earrings. My sister gave her a very pretty necklace. And we plan on getting her a car ... that is whenever she gets her drivers license. I think she still needs more practice behind the wheel.
And upon her request we took the ferry to Bainbridge Island for some ice cream.
Being out here felt so good, so fresh. I didn't want to go back in but Riley began saying that he was cold, yeah right. What a raincloud! Noticed lots of small jelly fish in the Puget.
This place has so many flavors to choose from that it makes one become dumbfounded. It took me a while to finally decide on chocolate and pistachio. Ohmygosh! both flavors were so good! The chocolate flavor was SO darn good and I loved the pistachio. I think I will be getting these two from now on whenever we're here. I forget what everyone else got, lol. I was too busy enjoying my ice cream and waffle cone that I had been craving for several weeks.
We had to wait 45 minutes to take the ferry back to Seattle. My sister did a good job keeping Riley entertained. I definitely got a mental break from Riley the few days my mom and sister were here because all he wanted to do was to hang out with them and I was totally fine by that.
My sister is so thoughtful. Even though we spent the entire day celebrating Sydna and even though we went to a creamery of her choice, she still wanted to get a cake for both Sydna and herself since June 13th was also her birthday. I hope you had a nice birthday Claudia!
Sydna
You've reached the end only to find a new start.
Who knows what other surprises God has over the horizon. I do not know what lies ahead, but for today I pause and praise Him ... and thank Him for the memories.
Congrats!!
ReplyDelete