Your Girls Graduated // Class of 2017

This morning, at seven o’clock, Gwyneth and I donned our polyester caps and gowns; caps and gowns that were promptly thrown off two hours later at the conclusion of our commencement ceremony—the cap in a victorious toss High School Musical style, and the gown in an attempt to alleviate heat stroke after sitting in 90 degree temperature for two hours.

But your girls graduated!
287 days ago we stepped onto the cultured grounds of Loudoun County High School and embarked on a one year journey through an American public high school. Having gone to every single school day, a shameful act properly given its due when “Leslie” Allen neglected to stand up during the “Excellence in Attendance” portion of the graduation, our mark on LCHS can be seen through two color-coordinating hand prints, two Varsity letters, and an appearance on the top ten percent list.

Gretchen and Madeline were stunned when they learned that they would not be attending our graduation.
“But it’s a pinnacle part of their lives!” Gretchen protested.
“I don’t even want to go,” Mom countered.
The feeling was mutual. We were sorely tempted to walk down the ramp and continue right on walking to the parking lot.
“It’s just a straight shot to certain freedom,” I implored to Mom. She was tempted as well. Nevertheless we lasted through the whole ceremony with zero fleeing attempts.

Wells was a big fan of our caps and gowns. More so than anyone ever should be.

We forwent the stereotypical leis and flowers and opted for succulents.

Our little kindergarden graduate!

The last four years were nothing like High School Musical.

Christmas Playlist

1. “Angels We Have Heard on High” – Piano Guys, Peter Hollens, David Archuleta, and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
2. “Angels We Have Heard on High” – By only the Piano Guys
3. “Hallelujah” – Lindsey Stirling
4. “Hallelujah” – Pentatonix. One can never have too many “Hallelujah”s.
5. “The Prayer“- David Archuleta & Nathan Pacheco
6. David Archuleta’s whole Christmas album
7. “White Winter Hymnal“- Pentatonix
8. “All I want for Christmas is You” – Mariah Carey
9. BYU Vocal Point’s Christmas Under The Stars. Have I listened to this 51 minutes and 32 seconds program five times? psh. no. Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.
10. “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” – Pentatonix. I vote that all Christmas songs should hitherto have a gospel version. Amen.

An Ode to the Last Day of School

Okay, this is not really an ode because according to my english teacher an ode is a “name given to an extended lyric poem characterized by exalted emotion and dignified style. An ode usually concerns a single, serious theme.” and something we did not need to know on our exam. I digress.

The last day of school, though it be a half day, may be the longest day ever. Maybe something a little High School Musical-esque can occur with the simultaneous chanting by the student body of “Summer, summer, summer.” I live my Last Day of School vicariously through HSM 2.

I have been looking forward to this day since the first day of school.

I do not think I have ever been more ready for summer. Regardless of the fact that there will be no temperature change.

I don’t know if it’s the end of school that I’m looking forward to, maybe it’s because we’re done with exams? But summer better be dang amazing.

These were our celebration juices.

Easter

Happy Easter! *Enter obligatory but lovingly written Easter post*

Our family recognizes this day as one of utmost importance (despite the fact that we forgot to do our traditional Easter egg hunt today, that in the past has consisted of camouflaged eggs.)

You can go here and here to find out more about what we believe.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir also recently put out the largest virtual choir for Handel’s “Hallelujah” which Gwyneth and I are both in (not that you can see our faces amongst the thousands of other singers) that is part of our church’s 2016 Easter Initiative. You should check it out.

We hope you all have a wonderful Easter!

Love, Liesel & Gwyneth