Senior Moments :: The Big One

As far as Senior Moments go, today was the big one. The only one that really mattered. Walking into the gymnasium to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance and walking out of the gymnasium 2 hours later with a diploma in hand.

Carter had a league of family supporters there – 2 grandmas, 1 grandpa, 4 aunts, 4 uncles, 2 cousins – not to mention some special friends. I had asked my sister Rayna to capture some images, but since I got there early to reserve an aisle seat, I got a few of my own, too. Here are some highlights:

As is tradition, the Knights of Columbus lined the aisles as the soon-to-be graduates marched in. The seniors came in alphabetically so Carter was second.

The ceremony featured some excellent speeches by the valedictorian, salutatorian, Bishop's medalist, in addition to an alumnus keynote speaker. I actually teared up during one of the student speeches. That sort of turned on the faucet in a way it wasn't going to completely shut off.

When the senior choir members sang You'll Be In My Heart from the Tarzan movie, I think both hubby and I lost it. Carter loved that movie around ages 2-4. So much so that we bought the soundtrack on a cassette. He loved the song and would listen with his blanket in hand and sucking his thumb. But he's take out his thumb to sing along to Phil Collins' last word: Always...

So we were feeling a bit nostalgic today and let some tears roll.

I didn't actually sob until the tradition of the seniors presenting a flower to their parents. Rayna managed to capture that for us.

Uff da. Right? Then came the fun part, for real. Getting the diploma!

 Here's a great photo courtesy the local newpaper.

 They added some tape on the floor to indicate "stop and smile" points. Very smart.

When the last tassle was switched over the opposite side, it was time to let the mortar boards fly!

Only one got caught up in the basketball hoop. (Not Carter's.)

 Thankfully, the rain took a break so we could get family pictures outside.

 Carter with Grandma and Grandpa Austin.

Carter with his favorite parents.

 With Grandma Hedberg.

 With Auntie Romey.

 With cousin Colin.

With Uncle Ron!

With Uncle Baird, Aunt Sherry and Cousin Colin.

With girlfriend Courtney.

 With all the senior boys. Remember, it's 2-1 girls per boys in that class.

 Being cool.

 Being with my baby.

After the ceremony and photos and stuff, we had two parties to attend, then it was home to do more stuff... well, besides eat, like today. Should log off soon. Final preparations don't handle themselves. So grateful for help from my family tonight. 

Let's do this!