graduation

i'd built this day up so much in my mind, i was so afraid of losing it/crying/breaking down, but really, it was just a nice day. jake was relaxed and happy - like always (well, almost always). the lincoln choir and band did a really beautiful job. i was so focused on taking pictures that i forgot about being freaked out and just enjoyed myself. when i got the pictures home, i saw that jake enjoyed himself too...he whistled his way up on stage and then back to his seat. almost every picture, whistling. funny:) since i wanted to get some pictures after the ceremony, i tried texting him not to turn in his cap and gown - but he didn't have his phone on. so had to make him borrow somebody's to get a couple more pics. then we headed out to Brittany's party, and then Hana's party, and then that was it. graduated.

ole'

so it's been ages since i've posted here.....have a ton to catch up on...starting with the graduation party. lots of stress trying to make 200 graduation cap candies, 3 sombrero cakes, 8 pounds of taco meat, and look like i wasn't a thousand years old, all at the same time. phew. i think the party turned out really well tho. freezing cold all day, until about 4 o'clock, right as the party started, the winds died down and the sun came out and it was perfect for hanging outside at the walnut woods lodge. lots and lots of people came through. i think the boys enjoyed having the party together (altho since i'm writing this in july i can say i think that's the last time the three of them have been together.) i'm especially happy with how the videos turned out - it was a nice place for people to hang out, take a little break and stroll down memory lane. strangest moment of the day for me, was when i burst into tears when i saw randy hansen - jake's swim coach from wakonda. don't get me wrong, i like randy a lot and have lots of fond memories of the boys' years at wakonda, but tears? i think something just snapped. poor brady thought i'd lost it. i pulled it together quickly and had fun the rest of the night. all in all, a great party and well worth all the stress leading up to it.