Just before we headed out on vacation, Adam came over with his friend Brady to show us his new car. He had been vehicle-less for several months, so he was very, very excited. Now he just needs to come back when he can give us a ride in it 🙂

A couple of weeks ago June & I visited a few of the local farms during the York County Ag & Art Tour. It’s one of my favorite events every summer. Local farms open up to the public, and at each farm different artisans set up and demonstrate their work and sell their wares. It is so cool. I think both of these pictures came from Indigo Iris Farm, which is located here in Clover – although they had all kinds of flowers growing. Such a beautiful place.

A couple of weeks ago when Mase was out practicing driving with Addie, they stopped by here for a visit, which was a great surprise. I got this picture of them as they were leaving. I think it was the first time Mason had driven with the top down, her said. 🙂

My after-pix, outside in the dark, didn’t turn out great, but here are a couple that I got.

Finally getting pictures downloaded from graduation two weeks ago. Lindee & Jackson got us seats right next to where the Senior Choraliers would be singing the Star Spangled Banner, so I got this picture of Clara adjusting her hat while they were practicing where they would stand.

The Choraliers all sat in the front rows, so we could see her really good during the entire ceremony – except when she was actually getting her diploma, when she was heading the other way on the stage.

Afterwards, chatting with her proud big sister.

As we were leaving the church after the Choraliers concert, I got this picture of the Anglican Cathedral where they had been singing. It was beautiful, and I am so sorry we didn’t have time to explore the courtyard.

The weekend before last Lindee & I cruised to The Bahamas on the same ship at the Choraliers were on, to be there when Clara performed with them for the final time. It was a beautiful, emotional trip. Neither Lindee nor I had ever been on a cruise before, and it was a very last minute decision, but I am so glad it worked out that we were able to be there. We sailed overnight on Friday, so Saturday morning we got of the ship in Nassau, and headed out to do a little bit of exploring before the concert at Christ Church, a beautiful old Anglican church there in Nassau. We roamed around and did a little shopping, stopping pretty regularly to rest my knees, and then found a fantastic hole-in-the-wall cafe where a lot of locals seemed to be eating to get some Bahama food for a late lunch – fantastic!. When we walked out of the cafe this building was across the street, which was cool to see. I loved the row of flags.

The church where they sang was just beautiful. I’m not sure when it was built, but the stained glass windows were very beautiful.

The concert was, of course, beautiful – the acoustics in the cathedral were amazing. It was also very, very emotional, for Clara and all of the seniors – and all of their families sitting in the audience. They sing Forever Young, by Bob Dylan, every year after their final concert – the only time they sing it all year – and it was a tearfest, believe me. Clara did a great job of trying to keep smiling through her tears, which made it so much sadder, for some reason.

Last week was Clara’s Baccalaureate, and as a member of the Leadership Team of FCA, she was one of the speakers. She did an absolutely amazing job – we were so proud. Here she is giving her speech.

And with one of her buddies – I think this may have been Ava – after the ceremony.

Sunday before last was Senior Sunday at church, when all of the graduates from this year, both high school and college, were recognized. The five on the left are the high school grads; on the right are the college grads, or their parents if the students were able to get there. As you can see, it was also Eagle Scout Sunday, and all four of the boys that graduated with Clara – she has been the only girl her age all these years – received their Eagle Scout awards later in the day.

Clara with her posse. Honestly, these boys have about been her best friends her whole life. Some of them started in the church nursery together, and they have gone to church and school together ever since, and still are very close. They have all been such a huge part of her life – what a blessing.