Graduation weekend!

CLASS DAY! 

Friday, 8:30 a.m.

Blue Valley West Gymnasium

At school, more personal with

speakers, awards, etc.

Honorary graduate - the survivor

-which was really funny since there was so much 

construction this year and most got hit a time or two or five.

Teacher, Ben Myers was chosen by student and asked to speak. 

He taught Biology and was one of Jake's favorites.  

The Class Mural was presented, and created by Carter Bryant

All the students signed it and it will hang in a hallway.

Ringing of the bell ceremony.

They ran it their first day freshman year, too.

Kinda blurry but still good.

They finished by singing the fight song.

---

GRAD PARTY

Saturday, 1:00 p.m.

Diemer's house

The crazy cake!

Marbled layer cake with rice crispy treat instruments.

Treat table.

(My favorite part was the sign that read 

'Thanks for poppin by!' in front of the popcorn.)

Candy station!

Drinks and card boxes.

I enjoyed creating Jake's card box!

Will and Jake - party honorees

Waiting for the party to start...

Oh wait!  Jake started his own dance party.

Band banner were perfect decorations out front!

*Sorry, it was two hours of madness and I didn't take any pictures.*

---

GRADUATION!

Sunday 4:00 p.m.

Municipal Auditorium, KCMO

This is it!  

So serious.

One final conversation with the Principal.

Kind of blurry but getting his diploma.

"Hey dude, is this a joke?  Where's the diploma?"

Singing the alma mater one last time.

Move your tassle...

Hats off!

Unfortunately we didn't get pictures but my parents, 

Marlene, Dave, Scott and Kelley were also in attendance.  

Diemer's family picture.

Jake and Nick - awkward photos are kind of their thing...  

Jake and Annie - awkward photos are kind of their thing, too.

Band friends!

*** Now a little Annie time ***

Annie's friends Quinn and Morgan!

How much love can three pictures contain?  SO much!!

Three beauties!!!

***

Will and Jake take their pose!

  

Tuba power!

(And younger siblings.)

Spencer (Evan's brother), Jake, Shabad (graduated last year), 

Evan, and Annie!

What a weekend!

We are so proud of Jake!

xo

Prom 2016

Both kids went to Prom last night, here are a few pictures... 

The timing of pictures overlapped, so I started at Jake's and ended at Annie's.  There are 8 kids in Jake's group and 16 in Annie's.  I didn't get any of her whole group but will hopefully get some soon.

Jake needed a little help with his bow tie.

 

The girls wanted a picture together so the guys followed.

Jake and friends.

Jake and Courtney

I missed the group pics but here are a bunch of the girls Annie went with...

Annie (without heels) and Harrison

Annie on level ground and wearing heels.

Annie and a few close friends.

xo

Last band trip

Here's an article about the Blue Valley West Symphonic Wind Ensemble.  This will be Jake's last band trip in high school but I think you will agree it's an opportunity of a lifetime.  He has come so far as a musician and we are so proud.

Two Ensembles Head to Music Festival

Jake's band is pictured.  He is standing in the back on the right side.

xo

Basement!

We have been very busy working in the basement...  

Jack has been asking me to post pictures for several days but I was wanting Annie to get her art supplies situated.

 

First was a family affair and huge purge.  

And then we squished everything into one side.

 

Next step removing carpet and pad.

 

And lots of sweeping.  

And then the new floors went down.

 

They look great but they were tricky!

 

Lots of furniture moving.  

It was a long and tedious process.

You might notice we didn't have hardware on the cabinets.

And the completed project!

The tv is to the left. 

Game and art areas.

I don't know about you but I think it looks amazing!

xo

December 22

SURPRISE!  

It's been too long.  Life is busy but here it is!

Jake had his wisdom teeth out yesterday.  He is doing well.  He was very funny and super chatty for a good while after he woke up.  He did not like how long he was numb but after a good nights rest he was feeling better.  Swollen but better.  He was tired of cold foods and ate scrabbled eggs for breakfast and  ramen noodles with a sleeve of Ritz crackers for lunch.

Post surgery - in recovery

"Sorry, you can't take pictures"

Yesterday afternoon.  Pilot was a great foot warmer.

Annie started her first job last Friday.  She's working at Walgreen's.  She's been trained as a checker and also stocks shelves.  She will be working just a couple days a week - one weekend day or evening and one evening during the week.   

 

First day post training!

Jack has been busy getting his resume out of the 1990's and updated.  He found some great tools on-line.  He has also started the process with Right Management which will also assist him in job placement.   I am confident there is something just right for him in the not too distant future.

I will be working almost every day starting in January.  Bringing Therapy Home has really hit the ground running in our new center.  It is very exciting!

More to come.  Sooner or later, bare with me!  

Merry Christmas!

xo