Charles' Graduation ~ June 24th

It's been two weeks since Charles' high school graduation, and I still feel like I'm recovering. :) Of course, he has moved on with ease and is busy working full-time, the realities of that part of life just starting to hit... "I have nothing to look forward to...", with balancing two jobs, sometimes on the same day. With hopeful plans to attend the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford in September with 3 courses re:criminal justice, Charles needs some definite cash in the bank account. But I'm jumping ahead of myself already. While I slept off a night shift, Scott was around to see Charles out the door on time for a limo ride and photo shoot with friends prior to the 5 pm ceremony. On the weekend, Charles was sweet to let me go with him to the florist to order a boutonniere and corsage for his date. (James did that with his friends.) Neither of us knew what we were doing, but I'll figure this out by the time it's Lewis' turn. Anyway, I never saw his boutonniere in the end as it was crushed by the afternoon. Oh well...

 Apparently skinny ties are in this year...

 And all the guys decided to wear white shirts, so that was that.
Nice to see Charles' high kick since returning to Taekwondo this year!

It was taking forever to find Charles prior to the ceremony. I finally found him outside, wolfing down burgers with his buddies. :)

Waiting to start... hard to believe in 3 years it will be Thomas' turn!

With Charles having a larger class that James', we hadn't anticipated the auditorium being so full. (We had good seats last year...) Up in the balcony we went, wishing that I had brought binoculars. (And a fan...)

The speeches were very meaningful by the students, teachers and one of the parents... such an enjoyable evening. When Charles was introduced, it was with the comments that you could always find him wherever the group of girls was, and that he was still deciding on his future career goals of modeling or owning an A&W franchise. At least in an earlier speech, he was referenced as being a future police officer. :)

 After receiving his diploma...

 Everyone looked so lovely and handsome.

 The balcony view... was hard to get good photos.

 So much potential in the room... Congrats!

 As per his usual, Charles was very low-key.

Trying to get family photos in the midst of the crowd is always daunting, moreso when the grad in question would prefer to be out with his friends. We did what we could quickly... At least this guy was smiling tonight!

 So sweet to see James catching up with alumni friends and his favourite music teacher.

 Such a blessing to have the grandparents attend. They don't think they'll be able t
o make it to Nora's graduation but it's something to strive for. :)

 With Uncle Stu living here now, it's great to have him around for these special moments.

 Grandma is shrinking? :)
You'll notice that James dressed himself...

 Proud of our son...

 Unbelievable, all the boys are smiling! We wish Nora could be here, but it
would have been too difficult to sit through. (For both of us...)
Many people at school have no idea we have a little girl! 

Charles brought Alannah as his date for the evening, whom he met in his grade 11 classes this year. It was funny to find out that she briefly took classes from Scott years ago. She was lovely in every way...

 Charles with friends Jonathan and Myron on the left.

Close friends for many years...

 Myron, too.

 The group from the limo ride... hope I see those pictures someday.

 Many of these guys have memories together that span the years.

 Trying to hide my purse that I didn't coordinate!

We also enjoyed time with Charles once the boys had gone home, reflecting on how Charles has matured into a remarkable young man. We were so glad to be celebrating together, with other parents remembering how many of the students looked in Kindergarten, which didn't seem that long ago.

Heading into the church gym for the banquet was awesome as we were at table #1! And we were even called first to go for dinner at the buffet... so exciting. :) Our table of ten was delightful.

 With Myron and Jonathan's families.

 Alannah brought the colour to our table of black attire.

 The grads all sat together so enjoyed themselves even more.

 Surprising what you'll do if your friends suggest it....

 All the grads who've attended SCS since Kindergarten. (It was always 2:1 girls to boys.)

 I survived the night pretty well considering that I was seriously sleep-deprived!
 Perhaps thathelped numb the maternal emotions, or maybe the
 first child graduating is just more difficult that way. :)

But not until we celebrate Charles' graduation in our own way... the work wasn't over yet! :)