well... she graduated.
we are VERY proud of her.
the ceremony was outdoors and the sky was so dark... even lightening in the distance.
it was nice to not be SO HOT but the weather was very iffy and made me nervous.
as soon as it ended the entire stadium emptied almost immediately.
it was raining shortly after.
so we did not get photos of her afterward with friends or with her tassel,etc.
but we got this one really quick before the ceremony.
she got a new dress and looked so pretty!
our party almost didn't happen because of the weather.
there was even a tornado 30 minutes away!
i said "well... it's not a TRUE Kansas party without a tornado watch"
she requested rainbow cake.
i hadn't made one in a few years.... remember when i first made it?
way back before they were EVERYWHERE.
BEFORE martha stewart.
granted martha's was very professional looking and perfect.
but mine is filled with a mama's love.
:)
perfection is not the goal.
it was so fun to make it again.
we kept the snacks and drink very simple.
and credit to my boys... they helped me big time preparing the food.
they rocked yesterday!
it was "Duerksen Team Effort" for sure all week long.
that was a huge blessing we kept it simple since it POURED hard rain just before the party.
anything elaborate we would have done would've been ruined.
every party should have a baby.
it should be a rule.
so many of craig's family came by to wish lauren good luck in college and give her hugs.
one great thing about big milestones like graduations or weddings is seeing the family you don't see as often.
lauren with my mom and lauren with craig's mom.
it was so fun to have my friends show up to love on me as well as lauren.
high school graduation is big deal for the kids but also a BIG DEAL for the parents too!
and they snuck off and were cleaning up in my kitchen and doing dishes when i wasn't looking.
grown up friends are the best!
although... i prefer babies at parties that are not wearing K-State onesies.
he is so cute that i made an exception.
i was so busy that i never even got to hold this guy! lauren took over as baby holder for this party.
family friends that we have had since i was 8 years old came to celebrate.
(my dad did not get the memo about the black shirt...)
i LOVE that they came.
that is love ya know? showing up for your people. taking the time. it is meaningful.
it makes me teary.
craig was face timing with his sister during the party.
:)
isn't that fun? she got a little tour of the party and said hello.
2013 is pretty awesome.
i took an after photo this morning since it was too crazy yesterday.
our new little patio that we put in and all the pots of flowers make this place even happier.
it's so peaceful out there.
my chippy painted metal benches got new cushions. (home depot online)
i used all old pots, buckets and planters i already had to plant flowers inside.
the bunting is the same as what i sell in my shop...not weather proof but who cares.
it holds up just fine.
great party.
i think lauren felt loved.
and that was the most important part of yesterday for me.
and now i am going to go sit on that yellow bench.
:)
