Graduation Post 3: The Party

Becky and I decided to host a graduation party for Ally. Ally agreed as long as it wasn't too fancy and didn't cost too much money. We wanted to welcome all the family, friends, colleagues, fellow parents, teachers and community that cared for Ally and us over the years. 

 

We sent out these graduation announcements/ invite to the party on the back. 

Becky was able to help - as long as she was seated! She and Debbie put together the cookie platters

I made quiches, and Beth picked up bagels on her way over - 12 dozen bagels! So we had quiche, bagels, watermelon, juice, coffee, lemonade and cookies. The cookies were individually wrapped so guests could take them home. 

Becky used her 3-D Printer to make the Cards label, and all of the 2025 tag decorations.

I made photo magnets for all of the guests to take with them; pictures of everyone with Ally. 

School photos over the years

Pictures of Ally for every year of school, and behind were activity pictures from gymnastics, ballet and volleyball. 

Aunt Martha  relaxing in the decorated living room before the guests arrived.

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Ally's first grade teacher came! She also came to Ally's middle school graduation and thats her and Ally in 1st grade. It was really special to see her. 

Ally, her teacher and some fellow students/friends who were also at the party; Nina, Daniela, Sophocles and Max.

And Teacher Jill came from Pre-School. Which was so fun, with other parents from pre-school in attendance as well. We have kept up with her over the years; Holiday cards, and Ally volunteered with her for some community service during high school. 

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Tears of joy were shed when Ally's beloved babysitter Lauren arrived. She even brought her dog Pilot. Lauren was such a huge part of Ally's childhood. It was very special to have her attend. 

Sophocles helped us clean up and we paid him in bagels!

Goodbyes with Great Aunt Martha

Cousin Kimn

and Cousin Katy. 

It was a lovely party and we all felt the love of the community we have built. 

Ally finally ate after everyone left; her favorite meal of pancakes, blueberries whipped cream and powdered sugar. 

And then she collapsed in exhaustion with Daisy and Maggie. 

One last picture of our little family.

Graduation Post 2: Graduation Day

 Finally - it was graduation day from high school. Cousin Katy flew in from Columbus Ohio, my brother, Uncle Frank also flew in from Ohio, Great Aunt Martha had come in from Chicago, Grandma Debbie and Poppy from Pennsylvania, Cousin Kimn from Providence RI, and of course Aunt Beth, Mommy and Mama were all present to witness Ally's high school graduation and celebrate with her. 

  

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Ally wore her cap and gown, braid from National Honor Society and a stole from Guatemala I ordered for her.  Becky created the photo collage of Ally and all of our pets and fosters, throughout Ally's entire life. It was very special and Ally took a print of it to college. 

Martha, Becky, Ally, Julie & Katy

Becky was exactly one week post knee replacement so she rode in a golf cart from the parking lot to the venue.

Poppy represented in his Syracuse ball cap!

Uncle Frank & Great Aunt Martha

Ally with some classmates

Marching in, and sitting with her class during the ceremony.

Receiving her diploma from the Head of School.

It was over! Time for lots of pictures and then a celebration lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Ally's favorite teacher - Science Ally had him for 4 classes.

And her incredibly supportive and helpful senior advisor.

Beth. So much love and support and help from her over all of the 18 years that got us to this point. We are all so incredibly lucky to have her in our lives and living nearby. 

Gifts and cake at lunch. Beth made the cake!

Picture of the whole gang. We are all so loved.