Growing Up and Moving On

Sydney graduated from 8th grade on Thursday. While I don't find the actual graduation to be a major educational milestone, it definitely is a time for celebration. In a small town, the kids in your class become an extension of your personal family. There are the ones you love and the ones you tolerate, but still...they belong to you...

Syd doesn't believe me, but with the move to high school, those connections aren't as close. In some ways that is good, but in others, it's a little sad. Luckily, she spent the last week of school "partying" (as only silly 8th graders can) with her friends.

On Wednesday, my mom hosted a little luncheon for the girls. The highlight was the chocolate fountain, and the sunglasses.

Thursday morning the kids showed up to school, ate juice and doughnuts, and were back home by 9:00. (I've got to get in better with the 8th grade teachers). That evening, they met at the high school for a few pictures before the big moment...

This is the boy, Chad, that Sydney marched with. She claims that they were the best marchers there. (I'm sure she drilled the poor kid until they were perfect). He brought her that pretty rose. What a cutie!

Later, Sydney was announced as the Co-Valedictorian with Savannah Brown. We sure are proud of her and all of her work.

Finally, they had an after-graduation party with lots of food, music and dancing. The evening ended with an hour long swim in the pool in raining 58 degree weather. Not that it bothered anyone but the lifeguards.

And now she is on to the High School! Heaven help us all!