The perfect graduation party, 2008

It's over. Karina has graduated. My daughter is no longer a high school student, she is a COLLEGE student!

Graduation was fantastic. The grands were there, my favorite brother-in-law and his wife, my sister and her girls and my stepson.

I had planned on going to a restaurant after the ceremony, but Saturday morning, we decided to just do a BBQ at the house instead. Literally, I had 2 hours to shop for food and supplies for 20 guests! Rick was home and mowed the yard and set up the camper, screen tent, etc. But we got it done and done well!

It worked out wonderfully. My father-in-law wasn't in the health to go out to eat. He starts his rigorous cancer treatment this week and will be heading to Karmanos in the next few weeks for stem-cell transplants. We have to worry about him getting sick. Staying at the house and eating burgers, brats and chicken, with no worry of germ transmission, was a huge relief for everyone!

The kids were able to run and scream and do gymnastics. Thanks to our awesome neighbors, they had a pool to use and more kids to chat with. Karina stayed for nearly 4 hours, she finally wanted to go to her boyfriend's party when everyone was leaving! We drove her to his house and then, I showed my sister her way to her hotel.

My parents brought their motorhome and stayed the night in our driveway. They had such a great time chatting with my inlaws! Again, it was WONDERFUL!!!

And I got so many perfect family pics that day... even printed and mailed some Sunday afternoon!

The Last of Sheila (Coburn)