Graduation celebrations and open house decorations

It's been a whirlwind of milestones at our house and now that we are officially past Emma's open house and her graduation ceremonies, I can share pictures. 

Emma has always been fascinated with maps.  In fact, the majority of her bedroom walls are covered in maps.

Chris asked his elementary teacher colleagues if they had any large classroom maps that he might use for Emma's graduation party.   Several maps that were in school storage were magically made available and we quickly got to work covering our garage walls with painters drop cloths and maps.

One of the maps was used to gather signatures and inspirational quotes from guests and she will be bringing that to college with her next year.

Luckily the weather cooperated and despite the extreme heat, we didn't have any rain or wind to content with.  I can also add tent construction to my "party planner" title. I honestly think it was a miracle that Chris and I were able to put this tent up ourselves.

In case anyone is wondering where Emma is going to college next year, here's a big hint.  At this point, she's declared Social Work as a major (following in her dad's footsteps).

Her official move-in date is August 23rd and we are all excited and nervous about the upcoming changes (especially Josie).

Congratulations, Emma.   We were so happy to celebrate your special day.  

 

Getting crafty for graduation

We've been busy getting our house and yard in order for Emma's senior graduation open house.  Last weekend, we hauled 15 yards of mulch.

It's my least favorite thing to do, but the flower beds and our backyard woods do look all nice and tidy again.

Emma wanted something different to use for picture boards to display at her upcoming open house.    Chris found a couple of screen doors at a local thrift store and after painting them, he removed the screen and replace it with chicken wire.

Tiny clothes pins found at the Dollar Tree attach the photos to the chicken wire.
The doors are hinged together so that they can stand up.

Because I needed a glue gun fix, I ended up making a bunting to hang across the doors.  I think it turned out really neat and Emma has been having fun going through photo albums to find pictures to hang on her doors.

Although she doesn't graduate until June 2nd, her school held a senior assembly this past Thursday.  What a beautiful event and the weather was perfect for outdoor photos.  

It's nonstop celebrations right now.
 

A new holiday for my year-round tree!

My long time followers know that I have a year-round tree that stays up in my sunroom.

 In years past during the month of May, the tree has been decorated with various birthday themes.

This year, my tree is celebrating a brand new holiday...Emma's senior graduation!

We're so proud of all her accomplishments and wonderful friends.  

Between all her sports, marching band, student committees and retail job, she's been a busy and successful young lady.

Graduation officially happens June 2nd but until then, we've been celebrating all sorts of special senior events.

We're so proud of you, Emma!  
 

Sneak peek!

 

Emma's graduation cap and gown arrived this week. 

The senior year countdown continues!!