mama mondays: field trips, graduations and piercings

I missed Friday’s post this week. It might have something to do with the fact that we had an 8th grade Mass, graduation and reception Wednesday evening, followed by an early Thursday morning bus ride to Valleyfair amusement park in the Twin Cities.

Here’s Liv getting ready for the special evening on Wednesday.

That night, I had to set my alarm for 4 a.m. That about killed this not-such-a-morning-person mama. The bus was scheduled to leave at 5:15.

It was the 8th grade field trip; boys on one bus, girls on the other. I hung out with the girls, many of whom were bright-eyed and pony-tailed.

It rained all.day.long. The second photo is of a bottom-up view of raindrops dropping. The kids made the best of it, though. A fun, though sopping, time was had by all. As our bus was pulling away to head for home, the sun came streaming through. 

 

Friday was the first day of summer for the kids, first day of “oh no, now what?” for me. I started with a birthday coffee with my nearly-12-year-old.

Saturday was her real birthday. After family brunch at Ihop, where she was sung to by the staff (and turned the color of a raspberry in the process), I surrendered to the relentless request for double pierced ears.

It came with a condition. No more body piercings or markings as long as you live in our home. There, it’s black and white and I’m sticking to it.

The rest of the weekend was filled with parties of graduating high school seniors we know.

Back to our own daughter’s graduation. It’s only 8th grade but this means we’ll have two in high school next year. Hard to believe.

Here she is at the end of the ceremony…

And at the reception doing the Charlie’s Angel pose with a friend…

And with her Daddy…

I can wait for the wedding dress, thank you. But these moments are to be cherished all the same. It’s been a wonderful weekend of celebrations.

Wishing you all a memorable Memorial Day!