Onto the Next Chapter...

 Our girl is officially a high school graduate.  She's worked hard, is smarter than us, and is a simply a wonderful young lady!  We couldn't be more proud of her.  With South's graduation landing in the last time slot for WCPS (7 PM at E.A. Diddle Arena) on Saturday, May 22, we opted to do a celebratory brunch that morning at our home.  Breakfast is easy, cheap and everyone eats it.

I'm a Snapfish person - they do quality work, turn around times are fast, and there is usually a hefty discount applied.  I ordered her graduation announcements from there and inserted a small brunch invitation inside.  I love how the announcements turned out.

 

Family and friends came over on Saturday to honor our girl.  Chicken minis, fruit, breakfast casserole, quiches, donut holes, cinnamon rolls, lemon bites, cheese/crackers and cookies filled our table. I'd ordered all our plates, cups and napkins from Amazon.  How did we ever survive without Amazon?   I found a delicious punch recipe on Tiktok which has become my new go-to for recipes.  We also had tea, water and juice boxes.  It was a celebration!  

My super talented friend Emily (aka the Cookie Artist) made these lovely treats. 

 

 On Friday, I grabbed balloons from Dollar Tree.  I'll only say this a million times, but if you are buying balloons anywhere else, you're over paying unless you are looking for something very specific.  They are $1, and there is an abundance of choices.

I booked the Sign Gypsies in early April. I was a little worried Saturday morning because I had confirmed with them that I needed everything set up before 9AM.  As the clock ticked away, they still hadn't show.  I shot them a quick email around 8:57 and got an immediate reply (which is great customer service).  They had quite a few to set up that morning and were running a little behind.  They made it a little after 9, and it looked incredible.  Such a fun way to celebrate a special occasion!

Basketball has been such a big part of her high school career and life. I wanted to hang her Senior banner but was struggling with where to put it.  It's big, bulky, and awkward.  I finally found the perfect spot - outside - on Miles's golf practice net!  Problem solved.

WE LOVE OUR TRIBE!!!

I wasn't entirely sure how many guests to expect.  We had more than enough food and continued to enjoy it even after the brunch.

Saturday was busy.  Karson left her brunch and headed out to a few more graduation parties.  She and Matt had to be at Diddle Arena around 6 PM.  The boys and I rode over with my parents.  It was a nice ceremony - one we're thankful that this class of 2021 was able to receive.  I have no idea how many in-person days they even had this year, but it was very few.  I'm thankful they were able to have at least two monumental moments - Senior Prom and Graduation.  Although the year was difficult, there is still much to be grateful for.  Karson was recognized for multiple achievements - Governor's Scholars, AP Scholar with Distinction, 4.0 every year and scholarship recipient.  

Matt was able to give Karson her diploma!  It was a special moment for these two and an emotional one.

Her UL roommate and long-time friend Piper.  These two started as little Panthers at Plano

 and will continue their journey together in the Honors Dorm - Kurz Hall - in Louisville.

This girl!!!  I know she's going to do something incredible with her life, and we're excited to see what her future holds these next few years.

She's been through UL freshman orientation, signed up to rush, and has an advising session on Thursday.

All These Emotions....

This week is entirely overwhelming.  It's hard to concentrate.  I have little focus.  My little girl is grown.  Years of hard work in the Warren County Public School system, and the chapter closes tomorrow (with the conclusion of a very strange Senior year) and culminates in a Saturday graduation at E.A. Diddle Arena at 7 PM.  The gown and stole are ironed, graduation announcements have been sent, and we're working on a Saturday brunch to celebrate with family and friends.  Our girl will get her cords, sashes, and patches this week.  We've got her final senior photo session schedule with Erin Denny for Friday at Baker Arboretum.    

 

She's worked hard these last four years - earning 12 institutional credits from WKU, 15 transfer credits through AP College Board -or- ACT Credit, and 3 institutional credits at Skyctc for a total of 30.  The AP Stats (3 credits) exam was yesterday, and she plans to take a 5-week summer course in Eng 102 at Skyctc (3 credits).  Transcripts are being ordered and processed. Her advising and orientation with the University of Louisville is next week. Ahhh...everything is happening so fast!

This class has made the most of the 2020-2021 school year.  Let's hope the college years are a little more upbeat and exciting!!