We have a high school graduate! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind - all leading up to graduation! The following pictures are not in any particular order as I gathered from a variety of people.
Grandma Gonzales and Uncle Tone made the long journey to Cleveland to celebrate with us. It was so wonderful they were able to be here in the chaos and it meant a lot to all of us.
Graduation was lovely. We had to get there obnoxiously early as they decided to do graduation at a local church that was not big enough for everyone to have a seat. Also, we were worried, rightfully so, about getting good seats to be able to see properly. Though it felt very silly at times, our mission to get good seats worked. Grandma and Tone probably felt like we were crazy for being so early to the event, but it was a zoo! I felt bad when close to 1/4 of the guests had to just stand in the entry way of the church for close to 2 hours.
After the graduation we made our way to Mitchels for some much deserved ice cream.
By the time graduation was over, light was fading fast and it was hectic trying to get pictures in the dark. They were also celebrating with cigars, which is fun, but only a few robes melted or got burned. :)
It was...cold. Like fall weather cold. We were all freezing and Grandma had to escape to the car to stay warm.
Parents were already annoyed with the school administration on the venue and the staff's plea to not cheer during the ceremony was quickly ignored. I was entertained as the cheering slowly got more and more unhinged and all the parents and students were here for it.
We finally convinced Grandma to just sit inside while we were ushered out to wait in the rain. The staff wasn't about to tell a lovely Grandma to stand in the rain. Having Chris and grandma on the inside helped snag great seats.
I did have to work during some of their quick visit, but the crew managed to do some thrift shopping while in town!
There was also a request for a live prom dress try on as well.
Noah joined us for some games!
We wanted to celebrate graduation even more and treated the group to Strip steakhouse. It was delicious! So much food! Plus, Chris booked the chef's table, which brought on even more food.
Earlier in the week was Heidi's Baccalaureate at school. This was basically a full mass, plus a crowning of Mary plus some other graduation stuff at the high school.
They had bag pipes to play the processional. Why, no idea, but it was cool.
And finishing with some other random pictures from her friends.
Just like that - Senior year is done!!! What a fun, but crazy-busy time. Now it is prepping for Heidi to turn 18. Lucy wraps up school this week, and prepping for the graduation party in a few weeks that is turning into lots of house projects! Thank you again for the Gonzales' traveling up - such a great visit!