My beautiful niece, Elizabeth graduated from high school last Friday. She has been such a precious presence in our lives from the time she was a tiny baby to the beautiful young lady she has become. Elizabeth loves all things beautiful from the outdoor world to a perfectly prepared meal to pretty hats to fancy jewels to random acts of kindness. Now she is embarking into her own self created lovely world.
We all arrived extra early to park and walk into the stadium. The Southern Oregon sunshine was out and felt so good after the wet spring. Here is Grandma Jojo, Mama Trina, Little Sister Margaret, Grandpa Bob, and Father of the Graduate, Rob.
Dozens of undergrad girls dressed up in their prettiest dressed and decorated arches with flowers and ferns. Part of the fun of decorating the arches is to find the roses grown in neighbors yards and parks. The graduating class marched onto the football field through the arches for the ceremony. Friends and family from near and far filled the stadium on both sides of the field to celebrate the accomplishments as the band played "Pomp and Circumstance".
There were speeches from classmates, administrators and a surprising visit from the Oregon's Attorney General, John Kroger to address the class of 2011. His message had three bits of advice for the graduates: dream big, thank their parents, and give back to the community. Here is Miss B, receiving her diploma from the superintendent of Grants Pass School District.
It was a perfect evening for all 380 graduates Grants Pass High School, Class of 2011.
The following day was party time! My sister Trina prepared a feast unrivaled by anyone in town! She orchestrated dished to be brought in by family, and baked so many tasty things at home like delicious herb bread, made pesto, bruschetta, lemon squares, brownies, and pumpkin cake.
Here is little sister Margaret serving up some "party punch". She is always a grand hostess and loves a party anytime! Margaret declared the punch the perfect summer time drink.
Trina put several types of meat on the BBQ. Here is the salmon that was cooked to perfection and another contribution from family. Aunt Val has a special way of bringing good food to celebrations. Jose Sr. all the way in from Guam for his own graduating son helped man the BBQ.
Uncle Tim is serving up some Family Farm Ham (thanks for roasting that one Trina!) and baked beans. You thought I was joking when I said an unrivaled feast!
Grandma Jojo and Cousin Glenn joined in all of the festivities. They are the best conversationalists and Glenn has a few stories up his sleeve that are so fun to hear. The laughter warms the heart for days afterward.
Cousins Elizabeth and Jolene spent a lot of time together with Karyn growing up. Jolene helped prepare food, helped get Elizabeth ready for graduation, and helped calm nerves around the big event.
Two of the great grandsons, Tyler and Ryan, took time out of all the party play for a hug with Jojo and Bob. They were off for more party punch as soon as the hugging was finished!
Congratulations Miss B! We are so very proud of you with all of our love. Remember to dream big! xo~
My beautiful niece, Elizabeth graduated from high school last Friday. She has been such a precious presence in our lives from the time she was a tiny baby to the beautiful young lady she has become. Elizabeth loves all things beautiful from the outdoor world to a perfectly prepared meal to pretty hats to fancy jewels to random acts of kindness. Now she is embarking into her own self created lovely world.
We all arrived extra early to park and walk into the stadium. The Southern Oregon sunshine was out and felt so good after the wet spring. Here is Grandma Jojo, Mama Trina, Little Sister Margaret, Grandpa Bob, and Father of the Graduate, Rob.
Dozens of undergrad girls dressed up in their prettiest dressed and decorated arches with flowers and ferns. Part of the fun of decorating the arches is to find the roses grown in neighbors yards and parks. The graduating class marched onto the football field through the arches for the ceremony. Friends and family from near and far filled the stadium on both sides of the field to celebrate the accomplishments as the band played "Pomp and Circumstance".
There were speeches from classmates, administrators and a surprising visit from the Oregon's Attorney General, John Kroger to address the class of 2011. His message had three bits of advice for the graduates: dream big, thank their parents, and give back to the community. Here is Miss B, receiving her diploma from the superintendent of Grants Pass School District.
It was a perfect evening for all 380 graduates Grants Pass High School, Class of 2011.
The following day was party time! My sister Trina prepared a feast unrivaled by anyone in town! She orchestrated dished to be brought in by family, and baked so many tasty things at home like delicious herb bread, made pesto, bruschetta, lemon squares, brownies, and pumpkin cake.
Here is little sister Margaret serving up some "party punch". She is always a grand hostess and loves a party anytime! Margaret declared the punch the perfect summer time drink.
Trina put several types of meat on the BBQ. Here is the salmon that was cooked to perfection and another contribution from family. Aunt Val has a special way of bringing good food to celebrations. Jose Sr. all the way in from Guam for his own graduating son helped man the BBQ.
Uncle Tim is serving up some Family Farm Ham (thanks for roasting that one Trina!) and baked beans. You thought I was joking when I said an unrivaled feast!
Grandma Jojo and Cousin Glenn joined in all of the festivities. They are the best conversationalists and Glenn has a few stories up his sleeve that are so fun to hear. The laughter warms the heart for days afterward.
Cousins Elizabeth and Jolene spent a lot of time together with Karyn growing up. Jolene helped prepare food, helped get Elizabeth ready for graduation, and helped calm nerves around the big event. 
Two of the great grandsons, Tyler and Ryan, took time out of all the party play for a hug with Jojo and Bob. They were off for more party punch as soon as the hugging was finished!
Congratulations Miss B! We are so very proud of you with all of our love. Remember to dream big! xo~
I think it is so wonderful, how in America, young adults get such a send off into the world when they graduate and boy did you give your niece a good send off.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful family filled feast.
And Congratulations to Elizabeth. x