Matt's 5th Grade Graduation

This morning was quite an eventful experience! Matt crossed the stage and got his "certificate of completion" of elementary school. He was so handsome and so excited. What we didn't know was how many awards this guy was going to bring home. Matt participated in many different "extra" activities at school. He was recognized for being in the school choir, for being an anchor for the PSE morning news and for participating in the 5th grade track meet. The first individual award was for the student who made all A's on every report card and all E's on conduct. Matt won this "distinguished honor roll" award - he was the only one!! He also won the Principal's Honor Roll (all A average in each class), Perfect Attendance for all of 5th grade, Good Citzenship Award, and the President's Gold Academic Excellence Award (all A's for 5th and 4th grade). He stood proud (as he should have). He worked so hard to earn these achievements. We're grateful for both boys and how special they are.
Now...we are excited about a family vacation to regroup after a long school year. We'll post pictures from Sunny California.

Jack's 8th Grade Graduation

Well...last night was the big night! Jack graduated from middle school. I know this isn't the biggest milestone in life, but it sure was something for us. It's so hard to believe that 9 years of school has past and that Jack will be going into high school (a phase that I am completely freaking out about). But, Jack is more than excited about all the adventures that lay ahead. I'll keep praying for all of this and know that by the time it happens, I'll be okay with it too.

Back to last night...it was fabulous. 117 8th graders crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and special awards. Our principal and staff of teachers created special awards for every single student. Some were funny, some were fitting and some asked for forgiveness. Jack received the "I know I shouldn't say this out loud, but I'm going to anyway" Award. His was very fitting. He also received the President's Gold Award for Educational Excellence. That was very exciting. His GPA was 3rd in his graduating class. Two very deserving girls beat him out for the top two spots. At the end of the ceremony, there was a tearful (at least for me) picture slideshow of all of these kids from 6th - 8th grade. Before the lights came back on, the 8th grade staff sprayed the graduates with a dozen cans of silly string. It was awesome.

We ended the evening with a dinner out at a little divey mexican restaurant. We packed the place out, but service and food were excellent. I was sad as I looked over this crew of amazing young teens and wished it could continue on like this forever. But, most will go their separate ways for high school and make new friends and new memories. I hope for Jack that he will remember this time in his life.... and smile.