Memorial Day

The morning started early as Rindy volunteered at a volleyball tournament hosted by Mackey's team - she had a great visit while working the register. Later in the day Mackey volunteered as well.(nice view from my chair)

The highlight of the day was to be the Memorial Day parade just down the street from us. (Not quite as cool as Jen & Eric's flag posting)We walked down - set up our chairs - watched one band, a scout troop, a couple of vet groups and then the heavens oped in a major way. The lightening forced the cancellation.
(crowd quickly scattered)
When we arrived home we found good friends seeking shelter on our porch. So we invited them in and introduced them to gorilla uno - and our still friends.

The weather cleared so parker and i played ping pong in back; where I unfortunately was destroyed. But it is great to have the ping pong table set up again.

Brigham packed up and moved down to Hyde Park. Fun to have him home for a few days; fun to have him close for the summer.

Banana Bread

Rindy went out west to visit family and to drive with brigham back to Illinois. The bananas went to the over-ripe stage almost ready for fruit flies. Sara was visiting grandma in Minnesota. I called my mom and had a most pleasant chat with Sara. Sara then went me a link with a quick and easy banana bread recipe from her. I added chocolate chips to assuage the children's taste in lieu of nuts.
And voila
De très bon goût

Support crew

Julie, Eden and Dean all kindly came down for graduation - we celebrated.
With the high school being so close and the crowd so big - we walked.
Hard to tell in the photo but Eden (in her stroller) held parker's hand the entire walk home.

Graduation

So after the 778 all walked up and got their diplomas, after the dance and after the fireworks we went down on the field and congratulated the boy.

Way to go Parker - looking good - doing good.

Tonight's going to be a good night

They know how to celebrate in Naperville.
All 778 graduates including Parker danced in plae then turned it into a mosh-pit while the fireworks exploded. It's worth the 50 seconds.

the crowd

it was a beautiful night for a graduation. 778 graduates have an over flowing football stadium worth of relatives and friends. We were high in the bleachers but it worked out great. After the students and their teachers walked in - in gown and cap; a select group of 18 graduating eagle scouts formed a color guard to march in the flag - Parker was one.


Fireworks were the finalee

Graduation Dance

If they were in a room together they would be celebrating for sure

Grandma and Grandpa Jackson’s house

if Sally blogged she would say


Attached is a picture taken a couple of weeks ago of Grandma and Grandpa Jackson’s house, 857 Roosevelt. About a half a dozen years ago, whomever owned it at the time tore out the yard and put in xeriscaping. Oh, how I hope Papa Morris never looks in on it. The front of the house has had a couple of different looks over the years, even when our grandparents lived there. At one point, the bricks were their natural color. At another, all was painted white. That was the look that was there the longest. After the landscaping took a turn, the house was given this craftsman pain job. The green bugs me and it is just not the same house. But, for what it is worth, there it is.

Doesn't look the same without the rose bushes

Super Sunday

Sundays are always good days - this one was super.

The theme of our Sacrament meeting was the Savior and the atonement. Parker was the first speaker and shared his personal insights as to the role of the Savior in his life - he is ready for a mission. ( I just hope they change the rule on beards)

After the second speaker, Parker then sang Savior Come written by Kurt Metzger in his play Journey with Joseph. I'm grateful for Kurt's play which has touched the life and lifted each of my children. The song must have been written with Parker's voice in mind - he nailed it. It is a powerful song and delivers the Spirit when sung and it was well sung.

The evening was topped off with Seminary graduation. Parker, like his brother's before him, faithfully attended early morning all four years culminating in the Book of Mormon study this year; with the added treat of his mother being the teacher. Mackey kicked off this year as well, though attending a younger class. I'm grateful for the sacrifice made. Parker had the opportunity to sing the song once again and di spectacular once again

Graduation

This is the BIG week.
Parker graduates from Naperville North High School
He had a great start at Armstrong and a great finish at North.
Ceremony will be Wednesday - hopefully no rain.


The booster club does this fun thing by posting customized sign in front of every graduates door - nice touch.