May 2025 Part 5: Commencements

On Monday, May 19, my nephew, Matthew, graduated from High School. He had a party beforehand that I meant to attend, but I was trying to finish making our European travel itinerary book so Taryn could bind it for me (she has the stuff to do it, and she was going to be at Chelsea's house to do it.) I finally got it all ready, and arrived at the graduation 30 minutes into the program after finding parking. I missed all the speeches, and I have to admit, I really wasn't sad about that. I helped Chelsea by taking pictures on my phone while she took some videos. I meant to bring my big lens, but I forgot it in all my panic to get there in time. 

Here's Matthew with my mom, his mom Chelsea, and his sister Amber. 

Matthew was born while I was serving my mission, and I remember each p-day that January waiting for news that he had arrived. I can't believe he's graduated from high school! 

Here he is with Cal and Cassidy. 

And with David, Abby, Taryn, Aaron, Evie, and Elijah. 

Afterwards, we headed back to Chelsea's where I got to enjoy leftovers from the party I missed and hang with my peeps for a bit. I had brought my dog and Michael's fish with me, and thankfully, it was cool enough that they were okay in the car while I was in the graduation. David helped me get the tank set up for the fish, and Taryn got my two itinerary books all punched. With feelings of guilt for how long we'd be gone, I said farewell to Gracie and my family and headed back home. 

On Wednesday, May 21, Rachel had her advancement program, commemorating the end of elementary school for her and her fellow 6th graders. Somehow, she ended up clear in the back. Can you spot her? 

Each student got to have their name announced and walk to the front again to get their advancement certificate. 

This time, she ended up more in the front of her class. 

Here she is afterwards with her friends Maelyn and Emery. 

and with Maelyn, Sadie, Emery, and Sariah. 

Here she is with Mrs. Haskell. 

And with me. 

I can't even get over this! But also I'm super excited for her to move on to 7th grade. Parenthood is strange. 

After the program, the PTA put on a luau for all the 6th graders at a nearby park. As part of the party, there was also a petting zoo. My friend who volunteered to help sent me this picture of her. 

 This was Rachel's very last day of elementary school since we flew to Europe the next day. So, just for fun, here's a couple of pictures of Rachel's first day of elementary school: 

And since I'm feeling sentimental, here's more: 

 

(3-year-old preschool)

(4 year-old Preschool)

 

Dear January 2012 Devri, hang in there! You will have another baby (two actually), and one will be your promised Rachel. She will bring you so much joy. She is so good and incredible, and someday, you will be writing a blog post about her last day of elementary school with tears of joy at how blessed your life is.