Graduation and Fifth Grade Recognition

Hi all,

I have so much I want to write about but I wanted to write about Nick's graduation and Isabella's Fifth Grade Recognition (graduation from elementary school into Jr. High) in a separate post because these events have been the highlight of our month here in our family.

Nick's graduation from Perrysburg High School was Sunday, the same day as Greg's birthday. It was a beautiful ceremony really, great speeches, etc. at The Stranahan. Nick walked (not rolled) hand in hand with another student down the aisle and on to the stage. I didn't "bawl" or cry my eyes out, I was really just so excited and happy for Nick. I did, however, get a little choked up when I saw him enter the theatre, standing up and walking, and hearing pomp and circumstance, yes, then I cried a happy cry! Then Nick walked across the stage to accept his diploma and the audience was asked not to clap or yell out so that everyone could hear their name, have their moment, etc. When Nick started walking, someone ( I was told by someone later, it was the students) started clapping and Nick got quite an ovation from everyone. It was a huge shock and very touching. We had 20 people there for Nick. Afterwards, we had the nicest dinner with our close family at Mancy's Italian and we celebrated Nick's graduation and Greg's birthday. It was really just a perfect day. Nick and Bella ended up conning PaPa and NaNa Jagel into spending the night at their house with their cousins and the next morning, Memorial Day, they attended a memorial ceremony at the cemetery where our Gran and Go-Go are buried and they helped with planting and weeding,  cleaning up the grave area and Bella and our niece Maddie helped our Uncle Frank and Aunt Marcia with their family grave sites too while they were there. Greg and I thought that was very important and special for the kids to experience.

Yesterday, Isabella had her Fifth grade recognition ceremony and little class party afterwards. She received six awards and a letter from President Obama, which is her favorite I think. We could tell she felt good about that and it meant a lot to her. They also had "silly awards" in their class for which the class voted and Isabella got "best dancer", which was cute. Afterwards they had cupcakes, cookies, signed yearbooks, etc. Tomorrow, Friday, is their last day and they are visiting the Jr. High for the day and having lunch there. Hard to believe she'll be in Jr. High next year already!

So,Greg and I are of course really proud of and happy for Nick and Isabella. It's still really "sinking in" and we're still going over Sunday in our minds trying to process and remember every detail. I think that's because it was a lot of work for Nick, and to be truthful, for us too, although we wouldn't change that and it was all worth it. I keep remembering the meetings in which people questioned if/when this day would happen and if Nick would go to college. I know we have a lot of details to work on and figure out this summer to get Nick started in college, but we know it will happen. 100%. No doubt.
These events were the highlight of our week, month, and year I'd say! Yeah Nick and Bella! :-)

Blessings:)

Amy