{pretty happy funny real} - Graduation edition

Like Mother, Like Daughter hosts a {phfr} linkup.  The idea is to capture life's everyday moments in terms of pretty, happy, funny, and real.  Sounds like fun doesn't it?

Here is my first linkup with {phfr}.  It's the graduation edition.  After a lifetime (Emily's) of homeschooling, she has graduated from homeschool.  We couldn't be more proud of her dedication, hard work, and success.

~capturing the context of contentment in everyday life~

{PRETTY}

Emily created a beautiful "All About Me" corner.  She found inspiration at Pinterest and since she picked her own school colors, blue & white, she was able to decorate in her favorite color.  

My very pretty mom and oldest daughter enjoying the party.

These were the prettiest cupcakes and I couldn't be happier with the display.  It really was a team effort.  Warren cut discs of birch, Amber baked the cupcakes, Aunt Kathy made the filling and frosting, and the cupcake toppers were made by Amber, Sparky, Grandma, and myself.  I had so many ideas for cupcake toppers, but when Joseph pitched my computer off the couch and it smashed, I had to come up with something simple that didn't involve any photos.  So I got to thinking how Emily wears so many different hats and typed up words describing her, sandwiched a toothpick between the print-out and cardstock and voila....almost instant cupcake toppers and a good conversation starter to boot.  Besides what you can see in the picture other toppers included:  violinist, equestrian, college bound, CCD teacher, Amish book reader, and self starter.

 {HAPPY}

Presenting Emily with her diploma.

With so many guests, some whom are seen often and others whom we seldom see, happy moments were everywhere.  This is one of my favorites.  It was setting up to be a 90+ degree day so we took along buckets and water balls and a sprinkler to help the kids keep cool.  The kids, young and old, had fun cooling off.

Even in the heat the teens and a few not quite teens anymore played volleyball.

{FUNNY}

When you get 100 people together funny things are bound to happen.  The problem is having the camera at the ready.  But I did capture this picture of Nick driving grandma's power chair to the shelter.

Late night chicken dance around the fire - music provided by Uncle Don on the fiddle.

{REAL}

Joe doesn't see Uncle Don all that often, but even so the way he looks at him is priceless.  I remember looking at Uncle Don that way as a little girl.  That look says, Wow, he's totally paying attention to me.  He wants to spend time with me.  Even as a grown up he's so cool.  This picture reminds me of the importance of being real.  Kids have a way of seeking those people out.

Linking up with Like Mother Like Daughter