Addie Graduation

Addie was the valedictorian of her class. The only one this year. She earned a lot of scholarships from her dedicated effort searching them out and applying early to any that came her way. We are proud of her efforts throughout high school. We caught this quick photo before she left for the ceremonies. 

We don't make our kids sit through the pomp and circumstance. Since the room is always overfull we figure other families are thankful we left ours home too. 

I was out in the hall with Jake who finally fell asleep towards the end of the commencement. My sister Mary took pictures of family that attended. Anna and Joey. 

Papa and Grandma Corn and Grandma Lasley

Grandma and Grandpa Saunders

Sweet Izzy her friend from grade 1. 

And sisters Avery and Millie who are also great friends. 

Brody.

Jake sleeping through the hoopla outside. He is such a champ to survive all these events with older siblings. 

The superintendent and her husband. More Addie fans. 

Dear Gert who hired Addie to clean her yard. 

The principal and his wife. Erin & Chad Hartley. 

Wyatt a friend and person who truly admired Addie's kindness and goodness. 

This was a tender day thankful for the experience with her. She was a power for good, a testament to creating the life you want by doing things that are hard until they are easier, and a friend to all. It has been different each time a kiddo graduates. We will miss her perspective and light at this school. We learned a lot though to apply as the next group passes through those formative years. Life is so good and we were truly blessed by all the new coaches, and teachers, and students Addie learned from and with. We are very blessed. 

Memorial Day

The flowers bloomed early this year. we had beautiful shows of anything from the bulb family however the usual standbys for grave decorating were long gone. Thankfully there are many other places that grow flowers and thus flowers were purchased for the annual tradition of grave dressing. 

Last minute Millie mentioned that the neighbors had some later bloomed not decimated by rain and wind iris. This is one flower some great grandmothers loved we try to remember people with flowers they enjoyed while on earth. Reluctantly I reached out to the neighbor who was generous in their sharing. We went and harvested flowers from our yard and theirs. Snap dragons, roses, bachelor buttons, and iris.

We traveled to aunt Ruth’s where the flowers were divided and arranged. They were so pretty.

Many of the kids helped this year. I love that they enjoy the experience as well.

 The annual picture at cousin David’s grave.

The kids are good sports about carrying flowers all over the cemetery. They shot off a cannon this year my goodness that was loud and surprising. 

After the ceremonial remembrances we headed to my parents for the bbq and visit. It was a nice day full of family and food. The kids enjoyed the hay ride each getting turns to drive the tractor if they chose. When asked if papa should keep having this gathering each young child answered a loud yes! That’s good they desire to continue traditions and pastimes that have been going for decades. It is good to celebrate our ancestors. We are blessed by their efforts.