PHS Graduation for Tanner and Erin

May 25, 2023

I'm so proud of these two.  They had a trickier Senior year than expected, but they rocked it!  They both took tough classes while learning to be parents to their new baby.  They are excellent parents too.  Kaide is loved, adored and cared for very well by them.  I'm sure they navigated judgement, but they also have had awesome friends, family and teachers who supported them throughout this year.  

It's raining money.

This is what we gave them.  ($100) They have been raking in the dough due to generous adult friends in their lives.

I didn't tell them, but I ordered this preschool cap in last month.  My dad helped me snap this shot.  Kaide was definitely part of their high school experience....a very good part.

I ADORE this picture.  Tanner didn't know I was taking it, but if this doesn't say "parent", I don't know what does.  He was getting himself and Kaide ready for the night and had to slip in a quick feeding.

The Fam! (minus Parker and Brinley Kate)

Tanner was 100% not going to walk at graduation, and Brian and I were fine with that.  However, once Erin's family came to his OC graduation, we realized that it was a big deal to them.  We spent the next two weeks gently trying to hint to Tanner that he really needed to support Erin even if he chose not to walk.  Up until a few days before, I wasn't sure he was going.  Just in case I had him try on Parker's black pants so I would have time to order some from Amazon if needed.  I also borrowed a pair of my dad's church shoes...just in case.  His counselor, Ms. Perkins, came in clutch again.  She exempted him from both of the mandatory practices.  I am glad he chose to support his girl.

We took pictures at 6:00 and the graduation started at 8:30.  The Flores' left straight from our house to get a good seat.  We left at 8:10 so we could be there by 8:30.   They offered to save seats, but I begged them not to.   We would have felt obligated to get there much earlier.  Bri and I were very happy having a little space in the crowded stadium and watching everything on the jumbotron.

The crowd we were avoiding!  

Another view. Our friends and neighbors are in this one.  Crista and Kelvin Drake and Maribel and Marcos Jacobo

A picture ECISD posted of the setup.  We had over 750 graduates.  First they all filed in while the traditional graduation march was played.  Then they recognized the top 10 and there were a few speeches.  Then the individual names were called...it was a long process, but nice.  I think it took about two hours.

Tan-Man

Erin receiving her diploma.

Tanner 

He does know how to smile.   

Promise.

He has a yearbook picture from 7th grade where he is just glaring at the camera.  This small, pale little kid just glaring.  You would definitely think he had a terrible life or was a future serial killer if you went off of that picture.  Crazy boy.  

A little celebration

Tanner was not happy I wanted this picture since we had already taken some earlier.  Good thing Erin has such a beautiful smile!  Also, he is sporting his cords and Honor Society stole, which he didn't have for his Sr. pictures.  He earned quite a few! 

Erin's cousin Maliya made this pretty bouquet for her.

Erin had no desire to go to the all night grad party.  I offered to take care of Kaide if that was what was holding her back, but it didn't seem to be.  She had a lot of fun at the actual graduation, and Tanner had a great time at the grad party at the Odessa College Sports Center.  He mostly played in tournaments (b-ball, v-ball and cornhole) all night long with a group of friends.

Peace Out Permian!