Big Night

The time had finally come for our baby girl to graduate high school.

The commencement ceremony was held in downtown Minneapolis at the Mariucci Arena.  The same place the University of Minnesota holds hockey games.  The place is massive!

How did the time go by so fast?  

Memories come flooding back......

The time she fell asleep getting her nails done.

The instructions she gave to the hair stylist when cutting her hair ("cut my bangs in a rainbow with my freckle in the middle").

The hours upon hours of practicing guitar and drums.

The pig tails, my little ponies and fairy costumes.

The band-mates that call her "mom" because she takes care of them.

The pacifier ("sassy") she didn't give up until she turned four.

The way she lit up every time her brother came into the room.

The time she puked inside my Louis Vuitton purse.

Prepare yourself.  I'm about to blow up your screen with lots of pictures from that day.

One thing you can count on with Delanie is that she beats to her own drum.  She is extremely confident and a natural-born leader.  Throughout the ceremony, she kept turning around to wave!

Delanie's principal - Bart Becker - is a very unique leader.  He knows most of the students by name and makes a huge effort to be a good role-model for them.  He wrote a recommendation letter for Delanie when she was applying to colleges.  

In fact, he ends the daily announcements (heard over the school's loud speaker) by telling the kids that he loves them.  💛

In a family of picture-takers, Tracey does it the best.  In fact, she took some of my favorite photos of the entire evening.  

F. A. M. I. L. Y.

After the commencement ceremony, the Seniors head to the school for an All-Night Party.

This is NOT your typical lock-in.  The entire school is set up with stations including hypnotists, hamster ball, dodge ball, dance floors, tons of food, blackjack tables, etc.

Next up......time to party!