Diplomas and Dogs and a Birthday

A little Monday morning miscellany to start off the week. School is out in our neighborhood. High school graduations are done, and summer is officially started. If you haven't had the chance to read this post by Jen Hatmaker, it is a humorous (and honest) description of the way moms (and teachers) sometimes feel by the end of the school year. I remember that huge sigh of relief when the last project, last field trip, last awards program last spelling list, and last late-night announcement of something due tomorrow, was done for the year. Keeping track of five book bags, lunch monies, assignment books, Book-It lists (remember those?), and AR points (nearly the death of me) often made me feel like I was barely keeping my head above water. When that last bell rang on the last day of school? Ahhhhh, blessed summertime!

This year, our baby, Adam graduated from Purdue University. He received his diploma in the mail last week, making it official. And I am proud and happy and excited for the next phase in his life, and proud and happy and nostalgic for hectic school days, homework evenings, and crazy mornings getting everyone out the door in time for the bus. Don't blink.

Grandson Matthew also received some important documents as he finished up the third grade. Way to go, Matthew!

He spent his first day of summer vacation with me, and we started off with a trip to town for donuts, a stop at Rural King, and back home for a little building project.

Later, we went to the post office, checked out the farmers' market,

and had lunch at the Dawg Haus Diner with Adam.

Matthew chose a tenderloin over a dog (or dawg, if you prefer).

And this is how he let me know he was done with pictures for the day. Adam agreed.

On Saturday, Jennifer and Bryan left their dogs here while they attended a party. This blur is Bentley racing around the house.

And this is Emma wondering what in the world he is doing. Oh Bentley.

This was the perfect morning we saw on the way to church.

And this is my favorite son-in-law (with my beautiful daughter) who is celebrating his 30th birthday today. It's gonna be an exciting year for them! Happy Birthday, Bryan!