James' Graduation Evening ~ June 28th

I am finally able to get to the post that sort of begins to explain why I am so behind in my blogging... not that it was a big effort on my part to graduate on this particular evening, but the ramifications behind this life event for James definitely took a lot of time, emotional energy and expense behind the scenes for me. And to think I get to do this all over again next June for Charles! :) (Some of you likely saw these on facebook... I couldn't wait to post them.) Let's hope this comic won't come true for James... :)

I must say, James was very independent in most of this process and so we generally just sat back and watched things unfold before us. Likely much more of a "hands off" approach than having a daughter graduate might be, although James is like this with most things in his life. Nora and I stood by ready to help out... 

 Good thing James knows how to tie his own tie!

Because we wanted to actually enjoy the graduation ceremony, Nora was not going to be attending with us, and was very excited about going to visit Auntie Kellie. (The recent piano recital was so very "painful"...) So I made sure to insist James have his picture with Nora before picking up his girlfriend Kelsey. I'd have to say hearing Nora say "Congratulations" was one of the sweetest things ever!

 And yes, I did colour-coordinate what Nora was wearing with James' tie...

James tolerates Nora's hug goodbye.

She's just so cute, I couldn't help but put this in here. 

James returned with Kelsey to allow me a few photos before they were to leave to meet up with friends. Seeing Kelsey walk in the front door in her shimmering dress of purple was an unforgettable moment. She looked absolutely stunning, and James looked so very happy (and handsome)  as well. I also thought simultaneously that James had raised the bar for his brothers' future graduation dates but quickly pushed that thought aside... it's sometimes easier to be the oldest. ; )

Kelsey helped James shop for a tie to match her dress...
I should pass on a list of things to her I 'd like him to get!

I've never seen James smile so much in one day... :)

James and his friends had rented a limo together and even hired a photographer to shoot them at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver. He insisted that no one else was bringing their parents when I pressed. (Because communication with me is not always James' strength, to put it mildly!)

We arrived in plenty of time at Bethany Baptist church in Richmond and staked out our position for the 5 pm ceremony. Unfortunately it had started to rain outside...

Each graduate was introduced in a very personal way, highlighting their strengths and future plans. James' was noted to be joyful, with a permanent smile, and with hopes that he would come and work for the school one day where he might hack into YOUR computer...

James laughed about that, and was surprised to hear that he would be attending UVIC in the fall... Not!

Things became quite chaotic after the ceremony, as the rain kept everyone inside to try to take photos together. It was such a blessing to have Scott's parents attend. They have a good way of helping him stay on track. James will always listen to Nana...

More photos of James and Kelsey... Scott has a better camera.

James ordered his boutonniere and Kelsey's corsage from his friend's Mom who is a florist. I was so surprised that he did that, once again independently... Kelsey was impressed that he took the time to search online for the one he liked. (Me too!)

My parents were glad to attend as well. I thought this was a cute photo, as my Mom is always looking out for my Dad. I'd have to say this is not a role I've needed to do in my household. Clip-on ties are pretty simple...

Numerous attempts were made at a family photo, and for once James was smiling in every one!

James and his "MAC" friend, Michael. (And I don't mean McDonald's...)

James' Kindergarten teacher made an effort to seek him out. Time flies!

After all the paparazzi, we headed next door to the church's gym for a lovely banquet.

And Kelsey gets to do this next year for her  own grad...

James with his five best friends. As he groups them,
 "Two jocks, two musicians and two tech-ies".

All the grads who have attended school together since Kindergarten.
It was always a 2:1 ratio of boys:girls for this grade.

One last photo before seeing the "kids" off for a harbour cruise. (We made sure to drop off James' truck at the grad's house where they'd finish off the night with a breakfast at 6 am.) It was a lovely evening, and now we know what to expect for next time, and the time after that, and the next one, and the next one... Wow, we're going to be around the school for a l-o-n-g time. We felt very proud of James and his accomplishments, and thankful to God for the many blessings James has received in attending Surrey Christian School for 13 years. Congratulations!

And one last scary thought... :)