Sayonara, 6th Grade!

The first year of middle school, over and out! Since Zekers is at a different campus than the littles, he has a slightly different schedule. He finished up 2 weeks before they were done. 

 It's getting more difficult to get pictures of milestones such as this, but I got a few.

He walked away from 6th grade like a boss.

The ALA Tiger Award is kinda a big deal. 

Not only did he walk away with all of these awards, but he also earned straight A's for the entire year.

He makes me so proud!

'Merica

Elijah's 1st grade program was close to Memorial Day, and appropriately the theme was America. They sang patriotic songs and it was super cute. 

Kicking things off with the National Anthem.

Lijee was picked for a small line to introduce one of the songs.

"Our flag has more than one name. Sometimes it's called 'The Stars and Stripes.' It's also called 'Star Spangled Banner' or 'Old Glory.'"

for purple mountains majesty

above the fruited plain

America, America, God shed His grace on thee

 Side note: it was really hot in there that night. He did a super job, but by the end, Eli was over it.

Alex Graduated!

The kids and I were pleased to skip school to be able to attend Alex's high school graduation.

We started the trip with a girls' trip to the nail spa for a mani/pedi. It was Daisy's first time and she thought is was long overdo.

We all enjoyed a little pampering.

Afterwards it was pool time!

Lijee, Daisy, Zeke, Nathan and Nick

That evening we went to a Mass/graduation ceremony.

The next day was actual graduation. Although Alex drove on his own I happened to spy him walking in.

Gramma and her littlest grands.

Waiting for go time...

the proud parents

Two of the most important women in my life.

There he is!

It's official!  Alex graduated with honors!

You can breathe now, Tony. He made it.

Proud momma.

The Hernandez crew.

Uncle Gary and Aunt Linda, Alex's godparents

Gramma and her oldest grandson.

My oldest nephew.

My daughter, being cheeky.

Picture time!

Sister and her boys.

Gramma and Grampa

By the looks of this one would think my Dad has gas and Nick's asking, "Who farted?" Really my father is just socially awkward. Which is worse??

My Mom's telling him, "Lighten up, Francis."

That's a little better.

 Sister and I are testing out our father's awkward 'by-all-means-don't-touch-others' pose.

the Hoard girls

Aw, still got it after 51 years.

 A wonderful weekend celebrating Alex's accomplishment with family.