Graduation 2011

Well, sort of.

We just aren't your "normal" homeschool family.  
We don't do much that is "traditional".

BUT - my mom said that all her other grandkids graduate from 8th grade and get a gift.

So today Jake and Alex had 8th grade graduation.  
Technically, Jake is going into 10th grade but since we don't do things like normal people we celebrated Jake and Alex together.

My folks took us all out to dinner last night.  

And today as they were leaving my mom said, "Oh yeah.  I forgot," and handed Jake and Alex graduation gifts in the front yard.  

Thus deeming it "graduation". (We rock at ceremonies apparently.)

I took it as an opportunity to exploit them all and make them get their pictures taken.  
This is a rare event.  

BOTH my teenagers are smiling.  

This day also marks the first time Jake and Alex musically played together in a recital.

Alex played piano.  Jake played guitar.  

If you know E and I this is pretty much a miracle that they have any ability to carry a tune.  

(and although some of the practicing included claws and tears and a bit of frustration, I am happy to report that they got along beautifully during the recital)

Jake did declare the minute their duet of the Lord of the Rings song "In Dreams" was over that he will never do that again.  

He loved playing in front of an audience. HA!  :)

And while I had people sort of cooperating in front of the camera I threw Beth in. (Let's just say Lucy was not cooperating and we missed her!)

They're so sweet and awesome.  I just love them.  

Sadly, Grandma and Papa B left just before I had the bright idea to take pictures.  Boo.  Next time, I guess.

Oh, and just for fun I got in on a pic (although Eric was not a very nice photographer and I had to crop much of me out of it...or maybe there is much of me so I had to crop the picture.  But whatever.  This is better...)

Hey look.  I think I know where Beth gets her pointy chin!

To return the favor to Big E I took pictures of him and the graduation/recital duo.

Um, yeah.  They are somethin'.

Eric thought the only reason Jake was taller than him was that the ground wasn't level.  He made Jake and Alex switch places.  

And then he made a cheeseball attempt to make his neck look longer.  :)

I think Jake is being nice in this picture; Leaning his head in.  

I have come to grips with the fact that I am short.  There's no denying it.

These kids are growing up way too fast.  

After a season of busy, busy busyness we are strategically planning a summer with lots of down time.  Lots of family time.  Lots of friend time.  I don't want this season to go by so fast. 

You also know you are a true momma of kids that grew up out of no where when you tear up like a big ol' baby during a piano recital.  

Hmmmm.  That might've been me.

For real.  I love these kids.

Comments

[amy smith]

seriously. they are adults. insane.
miss you much.

[Squeaks]

:P lol!

[pam]

@ jtb - Ha! i KNOW. Isn't it GREAT! You're so handsome. (but we're going for haircuts next week. :) hee hee)

[Jake]

GAH! Too many pictures of me!

*disappears*