She graduated!

What a whirlwind the past couple of weeks have been! My sweet daughter graduated high school this past weekend! Time flies, it really does. It seems like only yesterday she was always cuddled in my lap, or following along behind me as she's always been a "momma's girl". Now, she's ready to spread her wings and take on the world. It's what we raise them to do, but it certainly isn't that easy to just let go, is it? 

I'm very proud of her and know that there are so many wonderful things in her future! Luckily, (for me) this one will be attending college very close to home for at least the first year and still living at home. (this was taken right before the kids had to be inside for the line up. My daughter on the left and her best friend since 4th grade on the right) 

Love this shot of her looking back just after they had been announced graduates and tossed their caps in the air. I held it together pretty well. :)

She graduated on Thursday evening and we had her party at the lake on Saturday. We planned the party together and she wanted an old fashioned country picnic theme. Our inspiration pinboard was here. Of course I was crazy busy, and did not get nearly as many photos as I had hoped, but here are a few shots of the party stuff...

On each table we used a traditional red/white gingham table cloth and we had vintage blue mason jars filled with white flowers everywhere. Each table also had one of her senior photos framed and on a little burlap canvas we also put a photo of her as a little girl. 

This was beside the drink station. I had a framed senior photo, and her kindergarten photo as well. For drinks we had old fashioned cokes in the glass bottles, sweet and unsweet tea in mason jars, water, and lemonade for the mason jars as well. 

Trin loves old trucks and I searched for months looking for some old toy trucks to fill with flowers, and in the end I only found this replica, and one vintage wagon type...This seems to be the only one I got a photo of though, and I liked how the wagon turned out better. (she loved them both) It seems old toy trucks are quite collectible these days and even on ebay their quite spendy.  

We used berry baskets for everyone to gather their burgers or chicken sandwhiches. I also had containers of baked beans already prepped so you could grab those for your basket as well.  We had a great little veggie station where everyone could pick their fresh veggies and hold them in the blank cartons we sell in the shop. The silverware was rolled into bandana napkins. 

I embellished a vintage suitcase to hold her cards and gifts. 

We had a photo booth complete with props. We used a wide format polaroid camera to take photos and each guest then put their photo in her guest book with a little message to her. After everyone left, she read all the messages and cried. It was such a sweet memento. 

This was her cupcake tower. Through the years as she was growing up, I collected the Josef birthday angels for her and was thrilled when I was able to find her a graduation angel made by Josef as well. I had meant to make pocket pies for the party as well, but simply ran out of time. So glad we had decided on two different desserts and I had the cupcakes as a back up. 

We finished up the party by renting a projector from Projector123 to have a drive in type movie in the evening. I was so impressed with how well the projector worked! We just hung up a white sheet between two trees, connected the sound and it was an instant outdoor theater! I really could not say enough good things about the projector rental, it was perfect. We also had a popcorn bar with all sorts of toppings for our movie under the stars. I really wish I had more photos, but by this point I was so completely exhausted I couldn't even think about trying to get photos. Ha. 

Anyway, it was a wonderful celebration of our sweet girl, and she and her guests seemed to really enjoy themselves. 

And this is both of my girls this morning as they headed off on a 5 day road trip to celebrate on their own. (posing with leftover props from the photo booth they decided to take along) Trin doesn't know where they are headed, as her sister made her the cutest book with clues to each destination, and it will be a surprise each day. Since she won't be reading my blog I can tell you though that they're headed to Ashville, then to South Carolina, and then to Savannah, GA. (which is one of Trin's favorite places) They will also be making a stop in Atlanta on the way back home. If you want to take a look at the road trip journals, my daughter blogged them this morning before they left. 

Wish I was headed out on a road trip! :) 

(one more of my favorites from her senior photos)

Now, I am going to catch up on shipping, laundry and sleep. 

Be back soon. Cerri xo

PS, The senior photos were done by Hope Photography. I was thrilled with her photos!

Comments

[Ele]

WHat a great party! congratulations to your adorable daughter. Loved that you shared!

[karen]

Hi Cerri! She is so darn cute! Congratulations!
My girl is also graduating in June, we are still in the whirlwind of all the preparation, I am not sure which end is up right now but we are having fun!
Hugs! karen....

[Mandy]

Congrats to your lovely daughter on such a great accomplishment! You did an amazing job on her party.

[Zie Campbell]

Such a pretty party! & The food was pretty yummy too! :]

[Yvonne Welty]

Wow, what a great party. Lots of luck to your daughter. You're a wonderful Mom to give her such a sweet party.

[Kellydeal.blogspot.com]

Congratulations to your sweett daughter and wow, what a cool party!

[Kris Pare]

Oh what a lovely sweet party and your beauties are off for some fun! Congrats!

[sonia audelo]

Wow Cerri!! You did an amazing job. You should be proud of yourself. Your little girl is beautiful and smart. She will achieve greatness. I will be in your shoes next year. My oldest will be graduating Highschool. I hope I am as strong as you. (((hugs)))