Graduations!

Kendyl graduated from 3rd grade this last year and Makenzie graduated from 5th. For some reason most of my pictures of Kendyl turned out blurry, but I did somewhat salvage this one and my friend sent me the picture of Kendyl and her buddy Claire below.

We had such a surprise at Kendyl's graduation. The classes were singing a song on the risers and then in the middle of it Kendyl stepped down and began singing a solo. At first I was worried that she was confused and thought it was time to go, but then she stood up to the mic and began singing. I couldn't believe it! Out of her mouth came the sweetest clearest voice. I was blown away. She really has been a shy girl most of her life and even at home hasn't sung very loudly with us when we sing songs at night. This last year I could hear her little voice emerging and could tell it was lovely, but I had no idea she was that good until the graduation. What an angel~ I was completely shocked that we didn't know that she had a solo until that very moment. A few other kids stepped up and joined and then they all stepped back to their places after a minute or so to join the rest of the group. Kendyl was in heaven singing her heart out. She didn't notice that her solo was suppose to be done and stood there at the mic continuing to sing with the rest of the 3rd grade. The music teacher kept signaling for her to go back and she didn't understand. It was so cute when recognition dawned on her :). She stopped short, smiled, and high-tailed it back up the bleachers. :) Everyone chuckled and I didn't feel embarrassed just in awe. What a sweetheart! I wish I had a recording of it! It hurts to think that I don't. I know this wont be the last time we hear her sing a sweet little solo voice and next time I'll have a camcorder ready.

Here she is with her buddy Claire. These two are peas in a pod. Makenzie loves Claire's older sister- Sam and Penelope's best friend in the world is Claire's younger sister Jane. They live a few streets from us and there couldn't be a happier fit. We LOVE their parents and the entire family. Claire's oldest sister Bailey is the best babysitter in the world. She's super busy, but the girls adore her when we can get her.

Onto Ms. Makenzie. :) For her graduation she requested and was granted to be able to wear mascara and a little green eye shadow, for which her mother regretted as soon as she saw these pictures below and told her that she has to wait until she's 20 to wear again! I mean look at her! What in the world? She looks 14- scary! :) She felt beautiful and hammed it up the entire day- of course.

Flowers from daddy!

So maybe we are in for it. Yikes! Good thing she's such a sweetie and a big nerd deep down. :)