graduation and party

for about the last week we have had a lot to do!
Erica graduated from High School.  I am so proud of her!  she got terrific grades (though she could have done better with a tad more effort - but she still did an wonderful job)
she received a few scholarships which will help her immensely come fall
but best of all, she did it by herself.  
several years ago I learned that if I help with homework all the time I am the only one doing homework.
I changed my approach and helped only when asked and only one problem at a time, meaning if I help you with this problem then I'm done helping you until you have tried your best to figure out the next one.
It worked.  there were some struggles for a while but it got to the point where it became very difficult for me to help her even if she asked me to because she had surpassed my high school education.  (in fact, so has Timothy.  it has been a while since either of them have asked for my help with an assignment)

so the remaining of the post are pictures of the Graduation day (which was on Ronan's birthday so the party that day was for Ronan) and also of Erica's graduation party 6 days later. 

here is my B honor roll student on her way to wait for her diploma

Erica and my niece.


the family.
I'm surprised that connor was behaving well for the camera.  he's usually just as silly as Ronan.

this is the ONLY time I will put my picture here.  all the others show my supreme hideousness and I hate to see me.   No you wont change my mind because I'm right


Erica, niece, and friend

being goofy



along with it being Erica's graduation party, earlier this year Erica (being 18 and legally able to do what she wants to) went through the process to legally change her last name.  she had wanted to do this since she was 3 years old.  yes, really.
because she finally could do so without hassle, we also celebrated the fact that she was also able to legally be identified as herself

 note the underline under her last name.  it's all legal and that is who the state recognizes her to be.

 cutting the cake in very generous portions. :)

 Kellan started out with us and he did pretty well, but it was chilly and all the people there was sensory overload for him so he went in with Daddy for a while

  The lady of the hour...  and my yummy fruit and sandwiches that I made.

it was a really good day and I'm glad it's over.