I cannot believe the time has come to watch my oldest Graduate from High School! This was a really surreal yet fun and exciting day. We headed to the Taco Bell Arena at BSU at about 9:30, Kenedy had to be there at 10 and we wanted to get some decent seats. Once we got there Kenedy left with her cap and gown to go find her fellow graduates and to get ready and the rest of us went through security to find our seats. I thought it was kind of funny that there was absolutely no outside for or drink allowed, we all left our water bottles in the cars, yet they didn't see the treats I had in my bag, because they were looking in bags, and when the security girl had Rylee open her purse she saw it was filled with cheerios and laughed and let her through. So maybe no food unless you are a cute 11 year old:).
The Graduation ceremony was only about an hour and 20 minutes long with the actual handing out of the diplomas being the longest part of it. The principal spoke for maybe about 5 or 10 minutes and then they had two student speakers, McKoy Bartlett and Macey Williams. They both did a good job although much of their speeches sounded the same, and I am quite certain most of the student speeches given at Graduations sound pretty much the same. Once they finished, about 5 to 10 minutes each, the Diplomas were handed out. It was a bit of a wait to get through all of the 350+ students but not bad for a Graduation Ceremony.
After the ceremony the Graduates flipped their tassels to the other side and then walked out. I loved that Kenedy was able to spot us in the stands and I waved like a proud maniac when I saw her waving at us. That made me so happy!
After the ceremony we met our Graduate behind the arena so we could congratulate her and take pictures.
Ashleigh made Kenedy a candy lei which is tradition in our family to do. It seemed to be tradition in a to of families because I saw quite a few, but none as cute as Ashleigh's. She did Almond Joys and Peanut Butter cups, two of Kenedy's favorites, and the colors matched Meridian school colors which was clever and fun. Ashleigh also had money tied around it.
Let the picture taking commence...
I wanted a family hug picture which Ryker was not wanting to participate in, stinker.
Grandma Bonnie and Grandma Alison
Matt, Isabelle, Kenedy, Ben and Emily Andrew, Kenedy and Ashleigh
Breana and Kenedy Heather and Kenedy
Some of Kenedy's cheer friends came to support the graduates which was nice of them. In the upper pictures it's Chris, Carlee, Hannah and Sami
In the bottom pictures are Carter and Wilson two of Kenedy's good friends.
Once we were done taking pictures we all headed out to the parking lot. Kenedy spotted more friends on our way and so I was left with her to take pictures while everyone else went to the cars.
Quinn, Gabby, Carter, Kenedy and Wilson
Kenedy and Kody Kenedy and Audrey
Kenedy and McKoy Kenedy , Tori and Kaitlyn
Kenedy, Ashlynn and Makayla Kenedy and Ashlynn
Gabby and Kenedy Makayla and Kenedy
Danny and Kenedy Maddie and Kenedy
Jeff Hills (Teacher), Logan, Kenedy and Luke President and Sister Kropf
After we got home I had about 15 minutes to get ready for her Open House. I did an ice cream sundae bar with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, brownies, peanuts, sprinkles, whipped cream, blue gummy sharks, yellow and white sixlets and chocolate and caramel topping. We also borrowed Carrie Roberts(our Ward YW President) popcorn machine and had yummy popcorn.
Kenedy had a lot of family and friends come to wish her congratulations and we tried to get a picture of her with everyone but some managed to sneak out before we could.
Trista and Kenedy Sara, Kenedy and Trista
Kenedy, Amelia, Kylie and Andrew Sara and Kenedy
Kefford, Kenedy and Danny Ricks Kenedy and Kirsten Chidester
Kashyap Family Russ and Holli Pollock
Dustin, Sadie, Kinzley, Whitney, Kenedy and Madi Zimmerman Family
Uncle Ron and Cecily Froeher Qiana Brielle, Hazel, Asher, Xander and Tayvia
R. Ethan and Kenedy
Bottom Left: Sean and Arin Lamb