On Saturday, Brandon walked across the stage and became a high school graduate! That makes me the proud [step]mom of a high school grad! Isn't he a handsome young man!? (And don't you love how I coordinated with the school colors. Hee hee!)
One thing that was new to me was all the different cords, tassels, and medals the kids wore. Each color cord represented some activity the kids were involved in, like Brandon's green and gold cord for band. The silver medal shows that he scored high on his SAT. We didn't have anything like that when I was in school, but I think it's kind of a neat way to honor the graduates' accomplishments.Each year our neighborhood puts up a sign to announce the graduates for the year. Brandon thought it was very cool to be on the sign this year! That's our house in the background, by the way -- we're the first one in the neighborhood, and these brand new entrance signs not only make the neighborhood look better, but also our own yard!
Brandon's girlfriend Diane graduated (from a different school) last year, and they have a photo almost like this from her graduation last year. But of course, she's the one in the cap and gown in that picture! 
After graduation, we all went out to eat at Brandon's favorite restaurant, Red Lobster. By "we all" I mean me and Ken, Ken's mom and dad, Brandon and Diane, Brandon's mom and stepdad, and little brother and sister, and other aunts and cousins and his stepdad's parents. It's a little odd to have all that mix there, but we're all Brandon's family. Part of being a successful blended family is making things like that work. We all love Brandon and we're all proud of him for this accomplishment. Way to go, grad!!!
