Abigail's Graduation Party

On July 5th we celebrated Abigail!!! And it was so - much - fun !!! 

Here was the set up - everything red for Fairfield of course! 

And our smiling girl -- I was so excited to celebrate her! 

I loved having her college flag in our tree. This tree, named the "birthday tree" has held so many parties over the years! She's been a tea party, a mermaid under the sea, a rainbow party and so much more! 

Last minute step up before family arrived... 

One family picture of our girl! 

Then once the guests started arriving I just couldn't take all of the photos I wanted - I want to mingle, host, serve, and do our program (that part coming soon). 

This is Abigail with our goddaughter. They have known each other their whole lives. 

Anna served all of the drinks. 

And then we feasted on chicken parm, salad, rolls, and pasta with sausage from such a delicious Italian restaurant. 

So glad I took a few moments to get pictures of Abigail with her family! 

Scott and I prepared a special ceremony. We talked though it and each part was carefully chosen and all typed out. 

Part One: Opening Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and peace and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 

Scott spoke about how this particular scripture applies to the significant change in Anna's life. 

Part Two: Gifts and Meaning

 "Oh The Places You'll Go" -- I had every single teacher she ever had from Kindergarten through Twelfth grade sign in. After Abigail opened it and knew just what it was, I read the letter that her kindergarten teacher wrote.  And I read it aloud. (no picture of me reading it) 

Dear Abigail, 

Oh what fun we had in Kindergarten! You were the sunshine of the class, there was never an idea you had that we didn't all LOVE. You are the most enthusiastic people I have ever known. You always shared you happiness when others needed it. What a gift to hive. As you start on the rest of your journey I know you will touch many people with your love of life and desire to have everything be just so wonderful for everyone around you. Your mountain is waiting and I can only imagine what wonderful things you will do having a spirit made of love and sunshine! 

Much love, 

Mrs. Mulready 

Part Four: Prayer/Blessing

We invited Anna to come up and we said this prayer over her. 

Graduation Blessing 

Scott: May the Father of Life pour out His grace on you;

may you feel His hand in everything you do

and be strengthened by the things He brings you through

this is my prayer for you. 

Tara: May the Son of God be Lord in all your ways;

may He shepherd you the length of all your days,

and in your heart may He receive the praise;

this is my prayer for you. 

Anna: And despite how simple it may sound,

I pray that His grace will abound

and motivate everything you do;

and may the fullness of His love be shared through you. 

All: May His Spirit comfort you, and make you strong,

may He discipline you gently when you’re wrong,

and in your heart may He give you a song:

this is my prayer for you. 

Part Five: Video

I don't have a photo to show you what this looked like, but we borrowed a huge screen and projector from Scott's school and showed this movie to everyone. It was the first time Anna saw it.

While Anna cut and passed out the cake we showed this slideshow. 

That very same night after family left all of her adorable friends came over!

They had

snocones

cotton candy

popcorn

smores

pizza

It was awesome! 

We are so beyond proud of you Abigail Mei! May you follow your heart, hold tightly to your catholic faith, and love you life. The journey has just begun! 

 

Abigail's High School Graduation

 On Wednesday, June 11 Abigail graduated high school. It was spectacular. I'm sure every high school graduation is marvelous. This one seemed oh so special because it was our youngest and our last high school graduation. So much has led up to this day. There have been years of 504 teacher/parent meetings, conferences, late nights every night and she did it. And I've been celebrating leading up to this day for what seems like a year. In posts like these: 

Abigail's Fall Senior Photos

Abigail's Winter Senior Photos 

Abigail's Spring Senior Photos

Abigail's Summer Senior Photos 

Her friends photoshoot leading up to graduation 

A cap and gown photoshoot 

There were concerts 

Prom

And more concerts 

And more 

There was dancing in Pops and Jazz 

and oh so many things not here on this blog

June 11th felt like all of a sudden even though so much was leading up to for so so long! She up on her cap and gown and just like that we were here: 

It happened so slowly with so many stages and events this year but wow... I was surprised when this moment was here! 

I love this girl so so much! 

Her cap turned out so cute! Sparkly, with the symbol of Fairfield. 

For big events like graduations I don't mess around I get there hours early. My thoughts are always, "there's only one high school graduation for my baby... why would I wait at home when I could be there waiting with the seat I want".  But boy was it sunny and warm. So with an umbrella from the car we had our shade and the exact seats I wanted! 

We waited for a few hours (yes hours) and all of a sudden (here we go again, like I wasn't expecting it, it felt like all of a sudden) we heard graduation music. Anna popped up on this chair to film the graduates processing in. (just like 4 years earlier when Abigail did the exact same thing!) 

The whole graduating class processed right past us and it was amazing. This is when the tears started to fall. 

Just look at that smile! 

I know seeing her walk in was the very best part! 

We loved the ceremony -- the speakers, the music, all of it! 

Her name was called -- how awesome it is to hear your child's name being called. Such joy! 

And this is it! In this one picture she graduates! 

Lots of hands to shake and then she got to walk right past us again! 

After a lot lot lot of other names their caps were tossed in the air! 

It took us quite a while to find our little girl but we did and we were filled with emotion and so proud of her! 

My baby girl! 

Over the moon joy filled friends! 

Love this one! 

It took us a while to make our way over to family but we did! 

I adore these next two with Anna! 

adore, adore, adore... 

More friend pictures on the way out and then these last two joy-filled ones. 

We are so proud of you Abigail Mei, and we know that God is going to direct your steps over the next four years and beyond!