Laura Vegas

Since today is the girls first day back at school, I figured maybe it was about time I shared a few photos from last school year's graduations. Better late than never, right?

Sarah. Our 8th grade graduate! It seems like just yesterday that Alyssa was graduating from the 8th grade, yet three years have gone by and it was Sarah's turn. She looked gorgeous in her gown, and proudly wore the silver cord for making honor roll.

The entire class at the start of the ceremony. Since they walk in by height order, and Sarah's a little on the tall side, she ended up in the 5th row. So you can't see her here, but trust me, she's back there.

Accepting her promotion diploma from the school's principle.

One of the neat things about her class, is that it was the first class to go all 9 years at the school, from Kindergarten thru the 8th grade. When the school opened up, Sarah was in Kindergarten. They even took a group photo for the yearbook of all the kids in her class that had actually been there since Kindergarten. Suprisingly, there were only about 18-20 of them (out of about 90 that were graduating). The previous principle of the school that was there at the beginning came back for graduation, and this is Sarah shaking his hand.

Jump ahead to some photos of Sarah and her friends. She has a great group of very close friends, and they have all stayed friends over the years. Some have been friends since Kindergarten.

Sarah and Natalia.

Sarah and Vanessa.

Sarah and AJ (Alison).

Sarah and Karissa.

Sarah and Breanna.

Sarah and her big sister (even though technically Sarah is taller/bigger).

Joe and the girls.

Family shot that doesn't happen often enough.

And the next night, Alyssa was back at her own school for high school graduation. No, she didn't graduate (don't rush it!). But she's in the band, so they play for and get to attend the graduations. She shared some of her photos from the night (all iPod pics and cell phone pics).

Alyssa, Ruby, and Damon. These three have been friends since Kindergarten. And they've all been in the band together since the 5th grade.

She's got a huge group of band friends that are her core group of friends in high school. Or as any of them will tell you, they're all really like a big, musically gifted family!

Alyssa and Stephanie. I believe it was a bit windy that evening.

This was their last time having to play Pomp & Circumstance for a graduation. EVER. Well, for most of them. Some of these friends are still sophomores or even freshmen, so they'll still have to play. But I know Alyssa was excited to be done with that song!

And then there were a few graduating seniors, all fellow band members, that Alyssa had become really good friends with. Alyssa and Clayton.

Alyssa and Mario.

And Alyssa and Anna. These two played in the band together, played against each other in city soccer for years, and played together in high school soccer.

That's a quick look at how our last school year ended. It all goes by so quickly, and almost feels like a blur sometimes. Summer flew by too, and it's weird that they're already back in school. I can't wait till they get home so I can hear how their day went!