Graduation

May 24, 2011

Today is Graduation Day for Greg!! At long last, he is a high school graduate! Greg has been looking forward to this since he turned 18 back in December. It has been an exciting and sometimes very frustrating year for Greg. But he persevered, and he made it. He is very ready to start the next chapter of his life.

Dunja (Greg's best friend), Greg, Olivia (Greg's girlfriend)

It was a great night. The graduation ceremony was at the Taco Bell Arena at Boise State.

Drew even came home for the graduation!

Grandma and Grandpa Bakes, Diane and Abby, Rachel and baby Logan were there. Chris, Pam, and their 3 girls were there. We had quite a crowd!

Greg with the proud parents!!!!

Greg with Drew and Megan, and some of his cousins. Dani, Sydney, Cassie, Abby, and Logan!

The Jensen Men!!! Look how handsome!! Chris, Greg, Mike, Drew

Greg and his girlfriend, Olivia Ware

After graduation, the parents sponsored an all night party (alright, only until 4 am.) The party was at the Rec Center at Boise State. There was a casino room, 6 different games in the gym. (mechanical bull, sumo wrestling, etc.) The pool and hot tub were open, and there was lots of food! Mike and I helped until about 12:30. We had to run the game "Bungi Basketball."

So, if you are wondering, yes I cried when my baby graduated from high school. It seems with each passing year, my nest is getting emptier. In a few months, Drew will head to Virginia for medical school, and Greg will head to Logan for college. We will only have Megan at home. It just seems like yesterday that they were little! Time really does fly!

As Mike and I were driving home from the party about 12:30 AM, he must have sensed my pensive mood. He looked at me and said, "I know you are sad about your baby graduating and leaving home. But, I'm betting that before the week is out, Greg will tell you that he's 18, he's an adult, and he doesn't need your permission! And you will be in his room packing his bag." And I had to smile, because I have also realized, that the senior year of high school begins the "unbonding process." It really is time for him to go! And it's a good thing!