Grad 2023

He did it!  And I took a ton of pictures! :)  What a handsome lad.

Leah didn't work Thursday, so she was able to come to Blake's grad as well.  

These two boys have been good friends since we moved here in grade 4.  I know I have mentioned it many times, but it has been so nice to have someone with the same standards that also didn't want to go to the parties in the high school and that he had some fun adventures with.  

Nice to have the grandparents come.

There was a morning cap and gown ceremony, where they received their diplomas, had a little spiel about what they are doing after, and a few speeches. Next was a 5 hour break between.  Blake checked cows, hauled water, climbed the bins, and went for a drive.  They had a blast. 

Then we went back for formal pictures, banquet, and another ceremony.  This one they had their escorts do a walk with them. 

Leah told me to take a pictures in this pose, I was laughing and said, "it is not a wedding photo Leah." So as a joke I took it and sent it to her.  But actually I am glad I had a least one picture of the flowers Blake ordered.  I love that he had just a touch of orange in them. 

Blake and Gilbert went paintballing to celebrate their grad.  Avery was going as well, buy last minute had to work and couldn't go.  They had a grand time. 

It was a fun day. Hard to believe my youngest has graduated from High School.  Blake is a great kid and super smart.  I am amazed at the grads he pulls, with out much effort.  In the historian's speech they kinda called him out on it, which was hilarious.  They said there was the kid that sat at the back of the room playing games on his phone and still aced the test, Blake.  We all had a good laugh.  They did a good job on that speech. He is kind, a hard worker, funny, and loves to tease me constantly.  We are really going to miss him. 

Congratulation Blake.  Job well done. 

And that is a wrap on High School in our house.  On to the next chapter. 

Photo Dump

Late update, so it ends up just being a photo dump of miscellaneous things. Blake went biking in the coulees and loved it.  After he thought it would be fun to try out Dave's road bike.  When he saw the outfits and shoes and everything he was excited to try it all.  He really enjoyed it and looks forward to riding when he can. He will often take off on long motorbike rides as well.  He has done a lot of exploring.  Just as I start to get very concerned about his, I hear the bike come roaring down the road. 

I asked Cora to send me some pictures of her and Ammon for my parents digital photo frame.  She said first she would have to take some.  So I explained I didn't want formal pictures, just her day to day life.  This is what she sent.  Haha girl still loves to fit in the dryer. 

Got a few more wedding pictures.  These are the last and I love them.  Natalie Toone did her photos, she did such a great job. 

Love this smile.

Just a beautiful sunset.  I live in such an amazing part of the world. 

Blake has been working hard, studying hard, playing hard.  He is so close to being done.  Just 3 more finals.  As he was helping Dave with the co-op a few weeks ago, he was taking rests between the work and I just loved my tired boy who was still giving his all.  He is going to be an amazing missionary. 

For the last 18 years, it has been a rare occasion when I did not stand at the window and watch to make sure my kids got to and from school.  18 years, that is a long time.  Last bus ride was Monday.  Another big last.

Blake went to Prom. Even had fun. :)

Leah and I have been having picnic lunches in my car each time I go grocery shopping.  I love having her close enough to do that.  I swing in and pick her up at noon, we drive to a parking lot and just chat for and hour.  Just us.  I would love if Cora was down this way too.  Maybe some day.