We Have a Date!!!

It is in the calendar...in ink! June 20 is the date for our long awaited, BIG family celebration of all of the birthdays, anniversaries, home reno house warming and college, high school and elementary school graduations we have missed while in "stay at home" mode. We have finally found a date that we can all be together once again. Some of us haven't seen each other since Christmas!

Of course, these mile stones haven't gone un-noticed. Cards have been sent, face time and Zoom meetings were arranged but...with a noisy, talkative family like ours, none of that comes close to a real life visit.

I have showed you the get together we had for Morgan's graduation from Flagler that we had for those who could make it to Gainesville. She did recently get some out on campus pictures also.

We were able to see Caitlin's virtual graduation from FSU but still don't have any cap and gown pictures to share.

Olivia graduated from the IB program at St. Petersburg H.S. They may still have some kind of a recognition later in the summer but for now, we got photos and then there was a drive-by through St. Pete past all of their houses with an ESPN sports announcer broadcasting all of their names and achievements while they all stood on their porches and waved. Actually, Caitlin's graduation was recognized again at this time also.

And last, but certainly not least, is Presley's 5th grade graduation. I know this may not be a big thing in comparison with other graduations, but, first of all, this is the last of my grand children to leave elementary school. It IS a big thing. No more little ones...and as fabulous as the older kids are, we have had "little" ones for so many years that this will feel strange for awhile.

And then, there's the fact that she missed her traditional walk through the halls while "Pomp and Circumstance" plays and the rest of the school claps and wishes you well as you leave the school for the last time. It is a tear jerker and a tradition that is loved.

But, the teachers did the next best thing. They had the music blaring and the streets roped off as, one by one, the kids arrived in cars to receive their diplomas and awards.

And then, the moms got permission from the city to have a little get-together at a neighborhood park so the kids could say their good-byes. They will be scattering to all of the different middle schools throughout the county so some of them won't be seeing each other every day any more.

So, while none of this has been in ways we are used to, it has been done none-the-less. The kids may have missed some things but they haven't missed everything. They were celebrated and they know they are loved and supported...and, June 20 will be a big day!!!! And, you know, there WILL be pictures!! Lol

Stay safe and stay tuned.