Middle School Graduation

It was Junior High for me and when I finished it was no big deal. Not even a piece of paper from the school saying well done.
But here, in Michigan, it is a BIG deal.
2 weeks before graduation Keion came home and informed us that he had been called down to the principal's office.
Great, what now? But fortunately Keion is not a kid that gets in trouble...well at least not that much that he has to see the principal!
He was called in to be asked if he would represent his class and be one of two student speakers at graduation.
At the time we didn't realize what an honor it was (remember we didn't have a graduation!) but the more our friends found out and people talked to us about it we came to an understanding of what a BIG deal this was.
Out of approximately 400 students, one boy and one girl are chosen to represent their class. Teachers submit the names and then they are discussed and voted on.
Keion was it!
Kylan and I were so nervous, more so than Keion.
We wished that our families would be able to be here and see Keion in this moment but we have the next best thing...
(before loading clips you will want to put the music located on right, on pause)
Here is a clip of the procession.

They have the system of reading off the students names down to a science receiving diploma.

And then it was The Speech.
You should know that no one around here can pronounce Kylan's name right. It annoys him, a lot.
Also, Keion orchestrated the student body to stand up and recognize their parents towards the end of his speech. He set it all up during the rehearsal earlier that day.
So many parents and friends that were in attendance told me how that act moved them and had them in tears.
It was awesome.
When watching don't judge my yelling and Kylan's video skills, nerves and zooming in didn't help at all.
We are so honored to be parents of this great young man.
Can you believe we have a kid in high school?
Let the good times begin!

Swamp Ride

Nothing compares to checking out the swampy bayou like taking an air boat ride straight through it!!
There were 6 of us on our tour and the tour guide who grew up swimming the the swamp we were checking out, such a different way of life. Although I did grow up swimming in a disgusting canal, just no gators in it!



It wasn't too long after we started on our way that we saw this lil' guy floating along in the water. The guide uses marshmallows to get it to come close to us. Why marshmallows? The alligators see in black and white so the marshmallows stand out against the muddy water and they are attracted to them.





Can you see that gator sun bathing?








We had a chance to hold a baby alligator after I caught it...






Ya right!
One more thing to put on the list of things to do in NOLA. And yes, I think I have finally got the whole trip documented.
Now I can post about all the other adventures we have had since then. I am only months behind!