Rykauna's grade 8 graduation

If you have just read my last post, you know that this is the second graduation we have attended in four days.   This year is a milestone year in terms of schooling.  Rykauna graduated from grade eight  today and will be a secondary school student next fall.

Hard to believe.  I remember doing this myself.  Now I am one of those moms watching my daughter walking across the stage and praying she doesn't stumble in her high heels!  Thankfully she did not :)  It was a hot humid day but despite the lack of a/c in the auditorium it wasn't too bad.

Rykauna was relieved to listen to her name called and hear the "with honours" phrase after her name.  She has worked hard for  her honour roll status.  We are pleased.  Both Steph and I realize she has worked much harder this year than any school year we ever did.  (Except maybe Steph's third year  of his University of Waterloo Chemistry degree).  Her drive and determination are impressive.  Anything this girl decides she wants to do, she will do.  Even if she has to try ten thousand times.

The grad culminated with a dinner banquet celebration at a local golf and country club.  It was a great way  to celebrate with her dear friends that she will be parting ways with in the fall.  Since there are so many high schools in the area, students choose a high school like we would choose car models.  Different schools are known for different specialty programs, but at the end of the day, or four years in this case, they all grant a diploma.  The school she will attend is not the same one as any of her friends.  The school most of her friends are planning to attend, would be over a one hour commute for her.  She thought and prayed about this decision, but in the end chose to attend the neighbourhood high school that is walking distance from home.  We all know the first few days of school will be tough because she will have to make all new friends, but we are also confident she made the right decision.

Here are a few pics of her big day.

Just before leaving home we snapped a quick pic with Grandmaman

Getting her green honour medal

Sorry pics not too clear... we were far away

My firstborn is turning into a beautiful young lady

Rykauna and mom

I love this daddy/daughter pic!

Now only one grad left.  The preschool teacher told me today that Li Lin is expected to show up for her graduation from preschool on Friday.  Never a dull moment.

Last week, Rykauna took an overnight class trip to Niagara Falls, and Logan graduated.  This week Logan is on an overnight class trip to a camp nearby while Rykauna graduated. 

Today I found out about Li Lin's "grad".  I wonder what Hudson's teacher has forgot to tell me?