Countdown to First Grade!

Annalise Kate Largaespada

K-5 Graduate

June 12, 2009

Our family is always looking for a reason to celebrate! And this time it is the achievement of Annalise completing her Kindergarten year! As you all know, we are a homeschooling family. This, however, doesn't hold us back in "Embracing Each Moment!"

We wanted to commemorate Annalise's accomplishment in a special way! Because this was her very first official year of school, Jarrett and I wanted her to experience a graduation ceremony. So, I contacted a friend of mine who's son had just graduated kindergarten and found out where to purchase a child's cap and gown. I was so excited that we held her graduation off a week because the gown was on sale! Love that! Then I dressed her up in the black robe and took a few GREAT pics, narrowed it down to one, then framed it for her ceremony (using the pic above).

Graduation night was SO fun! Annalise was able to pick what she wanted for Graduation Dinner: Spaghetti and Garlic Bread with Raspberry Lemonade to drink :)

Here is that adorable picture I posted recently...in it's true context! She thanked Jesus for her "sissy" and for her "EAT!"

After dinner we grabbed the video camera as Annalise ran down the hallway to begin her walk while Jarrett and I whistled the tune of the Graduation Processional Song (we are SO cool)! Annalise giggled the whole way down the hall to receive her diploma from her teacher and mommy! She was so proud! And we were too!

Here she is reading her diploma! Don't you just want to grab those cheeks!

Immediately following the ceremony, the family headed outdoors for some proud pictures with the graduate!

Remember when Annalise wore Daddy's cap?

Now it's Daddy's turn to wear Annalise's!

Just the girls!

After pictures, we enjoyed some cake in Annalise's honor and gave Annalise her Graduation card with a whopping $15.00 Toys-R-Us card inside (gotta love Grad money...that's why we graduate, right?)! Then we turned up the music and did some dancing and playing! It was a great after-party :)

Annalise wanted to pose with her graduation decor! Oh, and there's that framed pic below. I found a great frame with a tassel! It was perfect!

We are so proud of our little graduate! She is one smart girl! She's now ready to start 1st grade!