Graduation Hoopla – The Last

A week ago from yesterday Lucy sat on the same football field where all my kids have graduated, adorned with her own cap and gown. The pink mountains in the distance and the sky tinged slightly pink creating a serene backdrop for this mama heart to watch, sitting wedged into the crowd on the bleachers.

How Graduation day rolled out

Let’s go step-by-step because this is a day I for sure want to remember.

Elle, Claire and my mom had arrived earlier that morning with hugs all around.

Can you tell how Lucy was feeling about that? Grace was dying to be here but had taken off so much work for Portugal that she wasn’t able to make it (thank goodness for FaceTime) and Max and Abby were meeting us in California for the post-grad party. Also, my Dad was in a tennis tournament and also couldn’t come, but was the best supporter from afar.

We got to work making candy leis, doing homework and work, and painting Lucy’s fingernails per her request:

We also got a little swimming in, because what else should you do on the first day to hit 103 degrees in the desert??

My mom and I headed over early to brave the heat and save spots on those bleachers:

While the girls took pictures for me because it had been a scramble to get out the door with all our graduation stuff. You can almost tell that it was beloved sisters who took these pictures since Lucy’s smile is so big.

Then they brought her over to join the throngs of graduates….

…and joined us on the bleachers.

I got teary when those kids started walking out to the music of the bagpipes.

Those kids who have worked so hard through school. Not only the school work and managing classes and tests and grades, but doing the work of “becoming” through friendships and so many experiences.

Can you spot Lucy in that crowd of 818 kids?

Here’s a better close-up…she’s right in the middle looking very hyped for that long ceremony to begin:

HA!

The Ceremony

I was a little worried how Lucy would maneuver the steps up and the ramp down to get her diploma but that girl is a wonder. Here are some photos people sent me and an outtake from the streaming video:

Can you tell she accidentally grabbed Max’s grad robe instead of hers?

When the ceremony was over that field was absolutely FLOODED.

It took us a little bit to find our girl but we did!

This little impromptu recorded dance at Circle K following the ceremony had my heart:

I’ll have to put the video on Instagram.

There was a late, late after-graduation party that was so awesome for Lucy…until it wasn’t. And because of that, the morning after was a little emotional for us all.

But we learned a lot. Every step, good and bad is helping on that college prep course. For me and for Lucy too.

We took everyone out for a post-graduation breakfast before my dear mom had to leave:

Oh I love her so much. And SO grateful that she still “mothers” me even when I’m a grandma.

Sunset on all the hoopla.

The next day we squished into this car to head out to California to celebrate (and meet up with Max, Abby, Murph and Ada…and Dave who had to meet us there too).

Lucy maneuvered this whole trip because she had seen her siblings all do similar things when they graduated. And I have to say she did a pretty wonderful job as hostess. As did these girls at being the best guests. Man, there are so many good people in the world.

I am just amazed at this girl of mine and all she makes happen. There is so much good in store for her!