Anna's Middle School Promotion Ceremony

Time is such a funny thing; one minute it's forever and the next, it's gone ~ Susan Branch



Wasn't it just yesterday that I wrote this post?

and this one

and this?



Wasn't it just yesterday that I hung her elementary school graduation dress in front of this window for a photo?  It was.  But here we are.  It's not a high school graduation but it was very special and lovely.

(2014)




Anna had her hair done and she looked amazing.  While so many girls wore dresses that I wanted to throw a blanket over to hide too much skin, I was thrilled Anna likes modest, simple, elegant dresses.  This organza one was instant love.



I love my girls.



I love my little family.





It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.  ~ EE  Cummings 



New gold sandals to match her dress.



I adore these two.



This song played as they marched in.  As soon as those first few notes rang out the crowd started clapping and cheering.  It was kind of emotional (even for a middle school graduation).



I kept switching seats not knowing where Anna would be.  But crazy camera Mom that I am, I just didn't stay in my seat.  I had to get all the shots.



Our view.  She was pretty close.  (watching all of the other kids walk in)







The awards ceremony was last week so the graduation consisted of a few speeches and songs.  Then it was time.  I scooted over to the other side of the gym, climbed over a few people, snapped on my telephoto and got these!



Isn't it so cool when you hear someone say your child's name?  "Anna Baker"  I kept thinking at her high school graduation when they announce full names no one is going to be able to pronounce her Chinese middle name.











And just like that, she's done.  Roses in hand, daddy by her side.



Reminds me so much of this picture from her elementary school graduation ceremony.  These two.  They are quite a pair.

(2014 Elementary School graduation night)















Middle school ending has me well, thinking.  I'm not ready to say goodbye to these past three wonderful years.  I'm not ready for her to be a high schooler.  I'm not ready for AP classes and college visits.  But then I think.  I remember that there will be magic in those four years too.  And abundant blessings.



And when I'm not ready to say goodbye yet, I look where I am and look at how long it took me to get here.

And then I know that I'm ready.  Because we've come so far.  With Anna, our little China love, we've come so so far.