Life at Willis Creek Ranch: May 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

Memorial Day

Let me begin my Memorial Day post with this photo that Carolyn (Marvin's sister) posted on Facebook that day.

She captioned it, "My Hero" and I absolutely agree with her. This photo was taken after Marvin graduated from basic training and just as he was being sent to guerrilla warfare training (before being air-dropped into the jungles of Vietnam). His family was allowed a couple of hours with him and had brought him a few belongings (that you see him holding in that bag). My faithful and brave husband who gave much for his country...

We gathered Monday evening to share a meal with the M. family, the B. family and all of us from here at Willis Creek Ranch. It allowed us to have a small graduation celebration of sorts for Jackson and Brianna, which was nice. We enjoyed good food together and the 'kids' took advantage of the great weather outside to play some Ultimate Frisbee.

Then they came in and Jackson & Brianna each opened a gift, followed by a viewing of 2 videos that I had put together for Jackson. One showcases his photography from across the years and the other is a trip down memory lane. (both made me cry when I was putting them together these last several weeks!) If you would like to take a look they are linked here and here. Each one is about 20 minutes long, so you will want to have a little time. However, I truly believe they are both worth watching. (well, of course I do!) :)

It was also our opportunity to say good-bye to Anna and Matthew who are heading to OK for the summer while Matthew completes an internship. We will sure miss having them around this summer, but know they are going to have an incredible experience.

Here are lots of photos from the evening.

Marvin, Julie, Matt, Brenda, Mama, Daddy, Anna, Matthew, Jeremy, Shonda

Marvin, Julie, Matt, Brenda, Mama, Daddy, Anna, Matthew, Jeremy, Laura

Alaina, (Declan!), Brianna, and Jonathan

Melina

Jonathan

Cody

Ultimate Frisbee

hahahaha!

Jackson, Cody, and Brianna

Melina, Megan, Brianna, Jackson, Jeff, Cody, and Jonathan

Anna and Matthew

Marvin, Alaina, and Jeremy

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Graduation Day

What a long and busy day - but what a terrific day of celebration for so many! We began the morning by attending church with Jackson and the B. family since Jackson was one of the seniors to be recognized during their service. We then met Mama and Daddy for a quick lunch at Kings Buffet before heading over to the graduation ceremony. It had been moved inside because of possible rain and boy, was it hot and muggy in that building! Whew! But, the ceremony was wonderful. Hard to believe that all these kids are now grown up and on their way to the next stage of their lives. What exciting times!

Brianna sang with the choir one last time and played with the band one last time - poignant all. We cheered as her name was called and she walked across the stage to receive her diploma. Afterward we spent some time on campus taking lots of photos. We even took some photos at Magruder Hall and in the brick courtyard… a family tradition for us. :)

Jackson, Brianna, and Alaina then took off to visit various graduation parties and open houses while the rest of us took an ice cream break downtown. :) Then it was off to parties of our own.

When I finally got home that evening I discovered that Jackson and I had taken 508 photos that day. :) I'd say it was a good one!

Here are several photos and you can see an entire album (narrowed down from that 508!!) by clicking here.