8th Grade Graduation

It is official.....Layne has graduated 8th grade.  The program list night was really great.....kinda over-the-top for 8th grade but a nice tribute to their accomplishments.  It was held at the high school that Layne will be attending and it was packed.  We were literally in the very last row--in the balcony.  I believe that they said there were 275 kids in her class--wow!  That is more than my high school graduating class.

Layne completed all 3 middle school years in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program and also received the Presidential Academic award.  This is given to students that have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.  Great job kid!!

I did get teary a few times....it is just so hard to believe at times.  It feels like yesterday, she was just a baby.  Here are the photos we took after we got home.

Several (Cheri, Scott, Joyce, Gordon, Kelly and Steve) contributed to her graduation gift.

Getting that iTouch going!!  And she was very happy about it.

Her flowers from graduation (one from "the boyfriend").

I often use the phrase "No Regrets" when I am coaching.  I encourage the players to just go for it, put everything out there and know you did your best.  I give Layne this advice as she moves on in her life.  Take every opportunity that is given to you and enjoy every moment and never look back.

Some of the very talented kids in Layne's class performed "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan.  It was amazing and so appropriate (I love the song anyway).

Hug your kids a little tighter, appreciate your spouse and be nicer to the dog.....we each only get this time, so use it wisely and make so many great memories.  I will finish with just a part of the beautiful song the kids performed last night (this is when I cried a bit).

I will remember you

Will you remember me?

Don't Let your life pass you by

Weep not for the memories

Weep not for the memories.