Jack and Anna Graduate! Memory Lane.

Jack and Anna graduated today. The morning started with Jack oversleeping. They were supposed to be at the arena at 6:30am and planned to leave at 5:45. I woke him up around 5:30. But, they still made it in plenty of time. It started at 8:30, and the rest of us got to the parking garage around 8. It was held at the UCF basketball arena and we didn't have any trouble parking or getting through security. 

What 700 graduates look like

They had prerecorded speeches from the class president and Valedictorian (who had something like a 5.6 GPA). The principal also spoke as did our school board representative. I thought all the speeches were good. There were around 700 kids graduating and they promised us it would be under 2 hours, we were doubtful, but they kept it to an 1:45. Because I had little else to do while they called out the 700 names, I spent a little bit of time timing the event, and on average, they could read out 10 names in about 40 seconds. So, around 4 seconds per name. The kids walked across stage, shaking hands with about 15 people (principal, vice principal, school board rep, county commissioner, other politicians, etc.). We were impressed with the efficiency. 

My favorite part, other than watching Anna and Jack cross the stage was the balloon drop and confetti spray at the end. It felt very festive.

Confetti falling

We found the kids after graduation and were able to get pictures. Stupidly, we didn't get any individual shots at the graduation.  

Getting out of the parking garage was a lot more difficult than getting in was, but we impatiently managed. Then, we went to Chili's for lunch. That was Anna's choice. At some point, we owe Jack Cracker Barrel, which is his favorite celebration restaurant (I think because of the Coke Cake).

Lunch was good and it was nice to celebrate Jack and Anna. When they started school, I was a stay-at-home mom and I spent a lot of time in their classrooms. I went back to work when they were in 3rd grade, but I feel like we still were pretty active in their elementary school years. I have a lot of good memories. I have written about this, but both had some behavior issues as they adapted to school.  I can remember Jack mooning kids on the playground in pre-K and Anna yelling at her classmates for leaving the toilet seat up in 1st grade. Well, I guess I should say, I remember getting told about those things by their teachers. The only year they had the same teacher was pre-K, and Anna saucily informed their teacher that she "could not speak to her brother that way." They were nervous about starting kindergarten and not being together and we made arrangements for them to have lunch together at the peanut free table, which they did all through elementary school, except for when they were fighting and a teacher would make them sit apart for a few days. They were Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum in their school's production of Alice in Wonderland in 3rd grade. Despite all the together time, they always had distinct friend groups, but I know it was comforting for both of them to have the other nearby. 

As they entered middle school, Covid hit. Anna went back to school and Jack did online classes for a full year. Then, Jack got involved in band and track and Anna tried different activities like ice skating, theater and lacrosse. They have no mutual friends, which makes me a little sad, but in the past couple of years, they have become closer again. Anna is very sad about Jack leaving for college. 

I loved having twins and when people would ask me my favorite part, I always said it was watching how they interacted with each other.  Having Kara so quickly made it almost like triplets and I am sad the trio is being split up. I try to keep in mind the lyrics of my favorite song, although lately, it makes me too sad and I can't listen to it, but it is apropos here-- "remember when, we said when we turn gray, when the children grow up and move away, we won't be sad, we'll be glad, for all the life we've had, and we'll remember when." I have made a conscious effort throughout my life to not wish time away and to try and be present without being sad that the past is in the past. That is a little harder today, but I am glad for all the fun we've had. And, we have had so much fun. So many amazing memories. Small things like celebrating birthdays and Christmas, playing in our backyard and yearly trips to Dutch Wonderland. Watching them grow and learn and flourish. Seeing who they were and who they have become and looking forward to seeing what life has in store for them. Worrying about them and praying they will be treated kindly and will treat others kindly. Hoping that the future will be good to them and that they will stay close to us and to each other. Parenthood sure is a wild ride!

I have waxed poetic long enough. If anyone has made it to the end of these rambling thoughts, I am going to surmise that you have playing some sort of role in Jack and Anna's life and for that I thank you. I think they have turned into pretty awesome young adults.

Bonus pictures:

First day of Kindergarten to graduation day.

Nearing Graduation

 A lot has happened in the past six weeks.

Jack won three awards at Senior night for academic achievements (scoring in the top percentile on the SAT, getting into a top college, and being an AP exams scholar). He had his last track meet and we all went to his last band concert. We have been attending band concerts for 7 years, so it was strange to be at the final one. He went to prom. He debated asking a girl but ultimately chose to go bachelor style with his friends. They had a fun night. He is really busy right now with AP exams and end of the year stuff. He spends time with us and with his friends.

Before heading out to prom

Anna has been searching for a job. She is happy that the school year is almost over. She is content with her decision to start next year at community college and registered for all her classes. And, she won’t have any Friday classes, so every week will have a three-day weekend starting in August! She is still working on getting her license. She has pursued it off and on now for 3 years, but is adamant she wants to get it before she starts college. She opted not to participate in a lot of the Senior activities, including prom.

Anna is a direct admit to UCF after Valencia, should she choose to go. So, she wore a UCF shirt to the high school's decision day.

Kara finished the lacrosse season, her team came in 2^nd in Districts. Her ankle healed enough for her to play in the last couple of games. She went to prom with her friends. She said she danced all night and her feet were really tired. She took 6 AP/AICE classes, so end of the year testing is crazy for her. She also took the SAT recently and had been studying for that. Tonight was her lacrosse banquet and she is already gearing up for the summer session.

Kara before prom

 

Luke is enjoying baseball and his team won the last tournament they played. There were something like 17 teams and they won all their games and were in the top bracket. Luke is playing well and enjoying himself. He is happy that school is almost done and is looking forward to summer break.

Kim, Kevin and I moved my dad out of assisted living and into the nursing home portion of his facility. He is not very happy with the change, but it was medically necessary. Ironically, he seems to be much more mentally aware lately. 

We have gone to Disney a few times. Anna joined me to see Air Supply play at Epcot on a Monday evening a few weeks ago. She had no idea who they were, but she was a good sport who agreed to go and keep my company (Thomas was taking Luke to baseball.) They put on a good show, one of the singers still sounds absolutely amazing, the other was a little rougher, but I knew all the songs and it was fun. Anna and I rode a couple of rides, tried some food from the festival booths and were home by 9. On Sunday, Thomas, Anna and I went to Hollywood Studios, it was the day after prom, so Jack was tired, Kara had to work and Luke just wasn’t interested. It was beautiful weather, especially for Florida with a high in the mid-70s and we enjoyed being outside.

Anna swears she enjoys Tower of Terror. I'm skeptical :)

Us with our first borns.

I know this is a very rough summary. I don’t know if I am in denial about Jack and Anna graduating and that is why I am procrastinating and then failing to memorialize all that is happening. I will try and do better this month and at least make sure to capture graduation!

One bonus picture of Jack and Kara at prom. I told them to find each other and make sure to get a picture together (they went separately).