Friday, May 15, 2015

Arielle's Graduation

Homeschoolers  are naturally a bit independent, opinionated, sure of  convictions and tend to think outside the box. It's only natural this tendency would spill over to graduation plans.
The 6th Graduate from Meadow Creek Academy of Excellence

We've enjoyed the gamut of Graduation Celebrations over the years. Bre (1st) had a full up "normal" graduation with a co-op in Eagle River, AK. Remembering her singing "Everything to Me" by Avalon at that graduation can still move this mommy heart to tears.  This graduation had very little "unique" points or parent involvement; but it was big and well-run.  Krista (2nd) opted not to join with the co-op for graduation. Instead we had a celebration in a community center. Friends and family gathered, we had dinner, a diploma, cap and gown, speeches, worship and it was great fun. Krista encouraged us when she shared her learning disability and how the family had helped her conquer. Josiah (3rd) graduated with a the local co-op in San Angelo, TX. It was also a "normal" graduation - with slide shows, displays, parents giving diplomas and speeches - etc. The highlight of THIS graduation occurred the night before - the girls showed up at the rehearsal and all of us were able to be together to celebrate. Jamin (4th) also graduated in San Angelo, with the local co-op. Another wonderful experience. We left San Angelo days after graduation and headed for Japan.  Jared (5th) didn't want a party or a ceremony. He joined with the kids from Edgren High School in Misawa for the baccalaureate hosted annually at the chapel. I remember Michael encouraging the kids at that event that everyone will talk about success during this season - but the key to success is how you handle failure - and we'll all have a bit in our life.  His "ceremony" was at Hirosaki castle. He walked across a favorite bridge in cap and gown and flipped the tassel as he stepped off the bridge....and had his photo taken with lots of Japanese students and tourists.  While this wasn't the "typical" graduation - it fit Jared. We've told the kids they can have what they want. And now we're ready to graduate our 6th - Arielle. Yes, that is ODD. We are beginning to face the fact that we will not always have little kids in our nest.

Our local co-op has a rule  you must be a member for two years to graduate with them. We've only lived in CA about 1.5 years. We were told there are no military exceptions....I am quite sure I could have pushed but really Arielle decided she didn't want to force her way in. We planed a simple ceremony, dinner, slide show etc at the chapel with friends and chapel family. About two weeks ago she asked if she could change her mind. It is HER graduation. She wanted to have a simple dinner with family in TX.  Today was THE DAY. Upon further investigation we discovered she wanted to go to Dairy Queen and have a Reese's Blizzard - that's IT. Um.....we all went to dinner anyway. The photo is truly terrible; so I won't share it.

After dinner we met up with the Armstrong family (who are family friends - Deja is a sister friend so they made Arielle's cut). We took over Dairy Queen.  It was unique - fun - casual and perfectly fits Arielle. I worried she would be sad Emma is in Moscow - and she was - but it was really fun to have the time to celebrate together. Deja will text Emma photos.

To make the day PERFECT - Arielle received a phone call alerting her to the fact that she has been accepted to New Hope Christian College.

Note- photo and posts from each of the other graduations can be found by searching (top left box) for "child's name graduation."
She fell asleep waiting for everyone - we couldn't resist
There had been that bad storm the night before - little sleep

De'Etta & Deja - Sister Friends

Feeding Frenzy at the DQ pick up window

Michael and Doug  catching up

Zander's choice - my splurge

The kids played games while we talked

Zander & Eric

Ellie  & Arielle

Elisha - the first baby Stacia ever held!

Ellie & Stacia have been friends for years 
I didn't seem to catch a photo of Egan. How could THAT happen.....and because we miss Emma and it wouldn't be the same without a photo of her.....here's Emma....she had the audacity to go to Moscow instead of attending the DQ Graduation. ::snort::  We're proud of you Emma.
Chasing her dream at the Bolshoi Academy of Ballet

1 comment:

Laura said...

Love how Arielle knew exactly how she wanted to celebrate!!! It looks great! Congratulations to all!