Our Last Graduation Party!

This past Saturday evening we threw a graduation party for our youngest child, daughter Emily. We waited until August to have the party as my parents were travelling abroad all summer and just returned home on Friday.  It was a fun party, it was great to see my parents again after a three month absence, and good to see all the family and friends who turned out to share in the celebration.  During the party a massive storm rolled in, the sky became as dark as night, the rain was torrential and horizontal coming from the north, the lights flickered on and off a few times but thankfully the power did not remain out. It was interesting riding out a big storm while the house was absolutely brimming with guests. Emily really wanted to have a bonfire at her party, for most of the summer we were in a drought and under a burn ban. A week before the party the burn ban was lifted and Emily was thrilled because now she could have a bonfire and s'mores.  It is ironic that initially we didn't think we could have a fire due to the drought, and ended up not having a fire because it was too wet after the torrential storm.  Anyway, we have s'more stuff hidden away for another day, I find if I don't hide those Hershey bars they just seem to disappear.
Emily did not want a traditional graduation cake, instead she picked out a Cinderella princess cake for her party. Dave cooked burgers, brats, and hotdogs for everyone, we had of course pictured a picnic type party with everyone outdoors enjoying the evening, playing horseshoe or corn hole, but it was not to be.  After the storm there was a most spectacular sunset, the sky simply glowed orange and was amazingly beautiful.
So here it is a new school year beginning and for the first time in about twenty four years I don't have to go school shopping, go to registration, or anything and you know what I love it!
Here are some pictures from the festivities

The cake.

My Mom with her great grandson Charlie.

Daughter Emily on the right with her good friend Katie on the left.

My Dad.

The amazing sunset, the camera simply does not do it justice.

Son Matt on the left, with a neighbor boy (all grown up now), and our nephew Eric, they were admiring the sunset.

My Mom and Charlie and my nieces Carly and Caitie