The Graduation!

Well, he did it!  My oldest child has finished all of the requirements of high school and received his diploma this evening, but not without a whole lot of chaos and mayhem leading up to the big event.

I truly believe that Satan was hard at work trying to ruin this special day. The day started out by having to run all over the place and get things for the graduation reception and ordering a cake for the graduation party at the beach house for Sunday.  The little ones were in rare form and didn't make things a whole lot easier with all of their antics.  Although I must say that Woobie was actually very well behaved and agreeable all day.

In the midst of running errands I was trying to secure quotes for insurance for Peanut who now has to have his own policy related to his less than perfect driving record in the last 5 months.  I was letting Grandma drive while I made phone calls.

Then about 1045 my Dad called to tell me that his car broke down in Lakeland on the way here and was being towed to the Mercedes dealer to get it fixed.  No idea on his ETA at that point.  Instantly that threw another wrench in the works because he was going to watch the munckins while I went out to the school to set up Peanut's reception table.

A little while later Peanut informed me while trying to go get an estimate for the repair of his latest fender bender that his car wasn't running right and he was on his way to CMC to get it looked at.  He however still needed to get a haircut and I needed to finish making his poster for his table so Grandpa was recruited to pick him up at car repair place and take him to get his haircut.

Meanwhile, we tried to get the little ones to take a nap while we worked on the poster to no avail of course.  None of them would go to sleep.  Grandma and I decided to take them with us out to the school in hopes that at least Missy would take a nap.  To our surprise she stayed awake and Schnooky fell asleep.

Woobie went into the cafeteria to help me setup while Grandma stayed in the car to watch Schnooky and entertain Missy.  Then I decided we needed some goodies for the table and went on a quest to find some candy and a bowl to put it in.  2 stores later mission accomplished and Schnooky was awake. 

We all trapsed into the cafeteria to set up the rest of the table and then it was time to high tail it home to meet Grandpa Rob and get ready for the big event.

In between all of the adventures I was still attempting to find a half way affordable insurance for our teenager!  I think I finally found a company that shows mercy on young drivers with a not so spotless driving record. 

I finally arrived home around 330 and the rush was on to get everyone ready to go including finishing the powerpoint presentation for Peanut's table.  The kiddies were pretty good while I worked on that and Peanut was busy ironing his clothes for the ceremony.

Peanut's car was ready right about the time Daddy got home so Daddy took him to pick up the car and then hurry  home so Peanut could get dressed and fly out the door with Grandma and Grandpa to make it to school by 6pm. 

In the meantime, Grandpa Rob arrived to the chaos of Peanut leaving and trying to get all the kids ready.  I jumped in the shower with barely enough time to spare and then Missy decided to have an atomic meltdown about what she was wearing and carried on for over 30 minutes while Daddy tried to bribe her into getting dresses.  Poor Grandpa Rob just paced and watched the boys while I got ready and Daddy dealt with the tiny tyrant.

Finally, we left a little late of course and were met with a torential downpour on the way to Mount Dora.  We pulled up to the gym right at 7pm and unloaded everyone.  We arrived to our seats just in time for the graduates processional.  Poor Daddy was late because he had to park the car a mile away and dodge the raindrops on the way in.

In keeping with the theme of the day my picture of Peanut walking down the aisle was blurry and of course there was no second opportunity.  Most of my other photos of the ceremony were not that great either.  Thank goodness some other folks snapped photos too and posted them on Facebook.

The little ones did very well during the ceremony.  They were a bit antsy, but all in all did well.  After the ceremony we got some family photos and some photos with Peanut and the President of the school as well as teachers, coaches and friends.

We all then went to the cafeteria where all of the graduates tables were set up and people were visiting each table and seeing what the parents had done for their Senior to recognize all of their achievements throughout the years.  Some of the tables were pretty fancy I must say.  I think Drew's table turned out pretty well if I do say so myself.

We then hugged Nana, Papaw and Aunt Jennie as they needed to head back to Bradenton.  The kids munched on cake and candy as well as yummy punch and then it was time to pack up and head home.

Peanut stayed behind with all the Seniors to embark on their surprise Project Graudation Night.  He would be out all night and come home the next morning!  Daddy got unanimously voted to be the one to pick him up at 0 dark 30 the next day!!!

All and all despite all of the obstacles and chaos of the day it was a great ceremony and such a joy to see our oldest graduate from High School and begin a new chapter in his life journey!

It's time for the real world now buddy!!!