Parker's Grad Week

It's been a busy week, and we haven't even seen this kid that much.  He's hard to pin down because the count down is on.  He's trying to fit in as much friend time as possible and when we do see him, we need to fit in family time plus getting grad and mission stuff in order.  Whew!  It's a lot. 

Parker is Mr. Social.  His past two weeks have been packed with one graduation party after another.  In between grad parties are group pictures, golfing with friends and the last week of school.  We haven't even been able to fit in a graduation dinner with the family.  FOR REAL.  

On Sunday, we barely squeezed in a remote Seminary graduation before he was off to his best friends' grad party.  (Boo...wish it weren't on Sunday)  We talked about Monday night for a family dinner, but a mom of one of his friends wanted to do group cap and gown photos.  Tuesday evening he had his Reagan Elementary reunion.  Wednesday he had another grad party.  Thursday Aubrey had a group of friends to over for a last day of school party and swim at Gram and Gramps.  Friday was out because his girlfriend, Bethani, was possibly switching her grad party to that evening.  I mentioned Saturday lunch.  He had grad practice from 8:30-??? and then had to be back at Ratliff by 6:30.  We decided to just enjoy our family Florida trip next week and call it good.

It's also been hard to know what to get for Park for graduation.  There isn't really anything to get him besides mission stuff...which we are purchasing and purchasing and purchasing...but it's not really fun to call those purchases his grad gift.  He and Tanner were very clear that they did NOT want a t-shirt blanket.  (I thought they were so cool.  I loved putting together Brinley's and sending it in to get made.  Both boys said, "save your money."  😏) We also did a few small gifts for Bryn's dorm room and a friend trip/traveling Broadway show.   Anyway...what to do for Park.  With only a month and a half before the MTC, we don't have time to squeeze in any additional trips.  It's tricky.

Well, Brian and I talked and then I brought it up to Parker.  After a few different suggestions we all decided cash.  Park perked up the most at that option.  The money will be nice to have in his account when he comes home in two years.  He is also going on a trip to California w/ Brian to see Grandma and Grandpa Gwilliam before he ships out.  He is looking forward to seeing them.

We still have so many little things to do: purchase glasses, get new retainers, finish up his needed shots, buy random things (luggage, socks, crocks, temple clothes and more).  I got all of  his Visa info into the church this week.  Big weight off my shoulders with that one.  We are really hoping he will be able to go on the Vore family vacation to the Dominican Republic the week before his mission.  It all depends with how quickly his Visa gets processed and if we get his passport back in time.  Stressful I tell you.

Our boy is eighteen and a half, graduating TONIGHT and going to Africa on a two year mission.  I'm Ghanna miss him.  Sniff sniff.

A few pictures from his week:

Grandpa to the rescue on this one.  Park picked up his yearbook yesterday only to discover his Senior picture was missing.  Bummer.  Then he went to grad practice this morning and his picture did not flash up on the big screen.  I'm not an overly sentimental person, but these two things made me sad for my boy.

Grandpa snapped this picture w/ his fancy camera, lights, background and of course expertise.  Then he changed Parker's blue bow tie to black, made the background gray and "unblemished" Park's face.  He did this all in a 30 minute time span so we could get it sent to a Permian principal for the slide show.  Hope it is on the big screen tonight.

Pictures from Monday night's friend photo shoot.

They were suppossed to wear their college shirts under.  Cole and Harper convinced him just to bring his Ghana flag.  He whipped it out for this picture.  Luckily lots of other picts were taken so he didn't steal the spotlight always.

The boys hopped up on the fence and climbed onto the band director's air bridge thingy.  Park thought that was pretty cool.

Reagan Reunion

Park with his 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Carrol.  Brinley had her back in the day and this is Charlotte's teacher this year!

Park wanted to wear these lovely overalls to a grad party last week.  It was a big group party with all of his best friends.  Bethani was mortified.  He teased her about the possibility for two weeks.  He was even going to go as far as picking her up for the party while wearing them and then having clothes to change in to.  He's a smart boy though and decided, at the last minute, not to push the joke that far.  

The Permian Powder Puff game was a little more than a week ago.  Back in the day, at the end of my Sophomore year, I was in the kudzu band.  Tanner was a member of the kudzu band this year.  This is Parker's first year to attend because he has always had football practice which interfered.  He and a few of his friends were the coaches.  It was hilarious hearing him talk about the practices and games.  The girls weren't very good.  They all wanted to be QB.  Very few could catch.  Parker would just groan and shake his head each night.  He said he NEVER would be able to coach his future daughters' teams.

He was impressed with Bethani's skills.  She is athletic and was a great receiver. (Plus she is really pretty and his girlfriend.)  I thought the back of her shirt was super cute.

Tonight is graduation.  More Parker posts to come.  (I do have three other children...promise...just want to get these big things down in the books.)