Graduation 2013

It's still feeling a little surreal that I actually have a son who has graduated from high school! While I was sitting at Bridgestone Arena watching the processional and hearing the sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance" being played and listening to the speeches, it felt like the other years when I went to watch other graduation ceremonies. But then, in walked my son wearing a cap and gown, and later, they called out "Daniel Ryan, University of Tennessee, Knoxville" as he walked across the stage to receive his diploma! Whoa!

It is a tradition at Hume-Fogg High School for the graduates to take a "senior walk" down Broadway to the Bridgestone Arena where the graduation ceremony is held. Family and friends stand along the sidewalk and cheer for the graduates as they walk by. It's such a fun start to the festivities and as you'll see in the picture, Daniel was enjoying the moment!

Once everyone got inside the arena and found their seats, the graduates and faculty had the processional into the arena and the ceremony began.

This has been such an exciting time for our family, and especially for Daniel's and I am so glad that I've been able to enjoy these moments and feel a peace in my heart that this is what is supposed to be happening at this time. I know that there's still more growing up and parenting to do, but it feels really good to know that Daniel is happy and has succeeded in reaching this milestone in his life. Thanks be to God for his grace and mercy in bringing us this far!

Here are some more pictures taken before heading downtown:

Proud Mom!

Daniel and his parentals

Daniel with his cousins and Grandma

Aunt Jeanette, Daniel, Grandma and Mom

Daniel with "PUD" and "PAL"
(aka Doug and Leanne)

Had to get one more picture in front of the door
(like in all of the first day of school shots)