GRADUATION 2009

In our house we like to laugh at all the 'graduation celebrations' through out the years. Kindergarten graduation, grade 6 grad, grade 9 grad....those aren't graduations, they're just moving from one grade to the next!!!


But THIS was graduation, from High school at least. (Ross realizes that there are still many years of university ahead of him, so that takes away from the feeling of really graduating, but it is definately an accomplishment to be celebrated).

(where's Waldo, I mean, Ross?)

I couldn't be more proud of Ross. He has worked hard thru all his school years, and has done exceptionally well. He has won several awards for his academic achievment, one for perfect attendance (he didn't think that was too cool), and has already been awarded scholarship money. He did this while also attending ALL of his church meetings and activities, volunteering at the drop-in center, learning to play the piano (ending somewhere around the grade 8 or 9 level), learning to play the organ, earning his chief scout award, having a good paying snow removal business (there had to be something good come from having so much snow this winter), providing random service for friends and neighbors, and hanging out with his friends.

He's pretty much my favorite son, couldn't have asked for a better one.

Here's the car Ross left for the Grad banquet in. It was super clean in and out, but still looked totally ghetto because the snow tires (which finally got changed today) were still on, and the hub caps don't fit over them.

Somebody took some pictures of the friends at Lake Bonavista, I think the better photos will be emailed to us later.

Ross and Becky Vance (his date).

This is the car Ross and Becky actually took to Grad. Yes, Ross actually got to drive a 2004 Porche 911 (Carrera)convertible to the banquet. When he arrived at the Vance's to pick Becky up, Ben (her dad), persuaded Ross to take his Porsche to the banquet. I think there was some nervous excitement, as Ross realized the huge responsibility that would be... but soooo fun! The best photos of Ross, Becky and the car, are on the Vance's camera - so we are waiting for copies of those pictures.

At the banquet. Ross enjoyed the slideshow documenting the last 3 years at Lord Beaverbrook High School - especially since he showed up in it 7 times! In a class of about 650, that was a pretty good showing.

After the banquet there was a dance. Then they returned the Porche before midnight so it wouldn't turn into a pumpkin, and took off for after grad partying. A great group of church kids got together and rented Shaker's entertainment center. I sent the camera with them, but didn't get any usable pictures back. A friend took pictures that we hope to get copies of. They spent 4 hours mostly on the go-karts, but also on the climbing wall, mini-golf, laser tag, and other fun activities. There were only about 24 kids - and they had the place to themselves, so they had tons of fun.


At 4:00am the kids all met at the church, where 2 other moms and I provided them with a huge breakfast: pancakes, sausages, hash browns, yogurt and tons of fruit. They were starting to look pretty sleepy when they came in, but by the time they sat down and ate, they looked exhausted. We got home around 6am and fell in to bed - and slept for a good chunk of the day. I think they had fun, so it was worth it.


Way to go Ross!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
(now get studying for those diploma exams)