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.

Our graduate with her exceedingly proud grandparents…

…and her Uncle Boo.

Last Saturday afternoon was Clara’s big graduation celebration – so much fun. She had already been to one party that morning, and has been to several others, and more to come. It is so hard to believe that all of these kids will be going their separate ways next week. I got this picture of her honors table. We are so proud of all that she has accomplished in the past four years, and can’t wait to see where the future takes her. The OU on the left hand side is the top of her graduation cap.

I loved these forms Lindee had for folks to fill out for Clara. I can’t wait to hear what all people wrote on them.

Opening presents after everyone left. Addie & family got her these precious bows to go on her cowboy boots – perfect for our upcoming Sooner freshman. She was very excited!

Jeff got me these beautiful hanging baskets for Mother’s Day. We hung them on the swing frame that’s hanging out on our back deck, waiting for us to get a new swing, until her went back later in the week to get me a new shepherd’s hook to hang them on. So pretty!

Last weekend was Clara’s final local Choraliers concert at First Presbyterian Church in Gastonia. This really is one of my favorite shows that they do – the acoustics in that church are amazing. Sherri says this concert is exactly what heaven is going to sound like.

With our star after the show.

I got this picture last Friday, when we ran Clara’s birthday present out to her. She actually turned 18 a couple of days before, but this was the first time we had seen her since then.

Last week Meg & I both had the same day free, which doesn’t always happen, and we headed to Charlotte to check out the new Thomas Dambo Troll – Big Pete with the Big Feet – that was installed there a few months ago. A few years ago Meg & I took Mallory and Little Hope to spend a weekend in Atlanta, & visit the traveling troll exhibit, among other things, and they just blew us away. So did Big Pete. The trolls are made entirely of recycled materials, and are just so much fun. There are a few permanent ones in the Raleigh/High Point area now, and we are hoping to get up there to see those soon. It did not disappoint. SO fun!

By the time I got home Jeff had found out that one of his favorite bands, Dirty Grass Soul, was playing in Blacksburg – about 20 miles down the road – for Cinco de Mayo, so we headed over there for some tacos & to take in their show. It was a really fun day.