Greenville, SC Graduation Day

 Graduation day started with a luncheon for all of the graduates.

There were 31 seniors present and 27 who did not participate in graduation.  The only time I had tears during the ceremony was when I saw Aliza as she walked in.

Each graduate was introduced. They stood along with their family while a statement was read about each of them. The information was gathered from a 2 page questionnaire that we received without explanation. Aliza filled it out half heartedly. She and I both held our breath when we realized where they had gotten their information. Thankfully, there was only one question that Aliza wished she had answered differently had she known what it was for.

The speaker had a good message and kept it short. And then it was time for diplomas.

And then pictures of course!

It was extra special that both sets of grandparents could make the trip to be with us.

This sisters picture is going to be one of my favorites for the next long time!

There was a dinner reception following graduation. Each of the graduates submitted 2 pictures and a fun fact about themselves. Each slide was unique in layout which impressed me. After the meal

After dinner, the AHE staff recognized the parents of the graduates with this speech:

Wow! What a journey you all have been on to get to this point today. There have been tears, long days, frustration, joy, laughter, growth and hopefully a sense of accomplishment! If you have traveled the journey from K5 to 12th grade (with BJU curriculum, which I have), you will have completed the following things:
    -3 courses in Kindergarten
    -7 courses in Grade 1
   - 8 courses each in Grade 2-6
    -5 courses in Grade 7-8
    -7 to 8 courses each in Grade 9-12
Giving a grand total of somewhere between 88 to 92 courses by the end of 12th grade. We, at AHE, promise not to go into detail about the number of tests/quizzes and even the dreaded papers that were completed along the way. Graduates, we hope that gives you a great sense of accomplishment. BUT we know that you did not do this journey alone.

The journey would not have been completed without the cheerleader, coach, psychiatrist, counselor, financial assistant, and those better known  as your parents, grandparents, and yes, even the possible sibling. Graduates, you have already received your hard-earned diploma today, BUT this certificate is for those who have been there with you through the journey, your parents. AHE would love to recognize their hard work with this piece of paper.

From the staff at AHE, we are so proud of the hard work that has been put in by all of you to this point. We will continue to pray for you all as this time ends, and a new journey begins. 

Aliza gave me the Certificate of Completion and I cried.

Commencement is completed, but "to commence" means "to begin" and so it is with great anticipation that I look forward to this new season of life for Aliza and all she will do and accomplish. (And there will probably be a few more tears along the way!)




 

Greenville, SC Day 1

 We went to Greenville, SC for Aliza's graduation ceremony and we built in a couple days around it for adventures. We started off with a tour of the distance learning offices and the printing services on BJU campus. Isaiah did not remember this tour at all from when it did it six years ago. 

Josiah looked quite comfortable on the 1st grade math set.

We got to meet a couple high school teachers (above) and elementary teachers (below).

The work that goes in to planning and making the sets is really interesting. In the art room, the kids found props that they remembered from different classes.

Everything is uniquely made--to avoid licensing issues and costs--and made from foam--so that everything is light, easy to move and easy to store.

In the printing services building, we got to see the "old" way books were printed using screens and how they are transitioning to the "new" way of printing. The new way is impressive and incredibly fast. A 600 page textbook (Biology) can be printed and bound in 5 minutes. 

Each roll of paper weighs a *literal* ton and they get three shipments of paper rolls a week. The amount of paper the press uses each year would circle the globe 3 times.

That evening the seniors and their families had a welcome picnic. Seniors came from Cambodia, Canada, Kansas, Alabama, Arizona, Florida... The ones in the picture were on the Jr. class trip together last year. There were a couple getting-to-know-the-seniors games. It was informal and fun,

After the picnic we went to downtown Greenville and Falls Park. We've been here a few times and enjoy walking around.

 We stayed in an AirBnb house that gave us room to relax and rest between events. All 4 of the children were in the same bedroom and every night stayed up late playing games and laughing. Probably the sweetest sounds for a Mom of children who are getting ready to fly.

Graduation Party

 Aliza's graduation party was fun to plan and easy to host. I wanted to keep it simple and the weather allowed for long visiting and plenty of games.

I'm not upset that grazing tables are trendy right now. They are pretty, healthy and I didn't cook a thing.

Almost 60 people celebrated with us.

Aliza had so much fun and she said, "This party is really great, but please don't plan such a big party for me again until I get married." That is completely Aliza.
 

Cousins

 Ronan made his first visit to our house and pretty quickly warmed up to Josiah. All weekend Ronan was looking for Josiah and wanting to be held. It made my heart melt to see this sweet side of Josiah. Josiah would not be the one to try to get the attention of a little guy, but when the attention came to him, he rose to the occasion.

Josiah slept on the couch. When Ronan came down at 7:00am he woke Josiah up--ready to sit on his lap and watch a show. (This should actually happen to all of my children for all the times they woke Uncle Joel up far earlier than he wanted to be awake.)

Anna could hardly wait for her turn. She did have some good Ronan time.

Isaiah wasn't quite sure what to do when Ronan made himself a spot on Isaiah's lap. It was cute though.

Ronan made a valiant effort to give Josiah baby kisses. Josiah was pretty determined to avoid them!

 More graduation festivities to come! Josiah and Ronan needed their own place here!