All the Lasts

I knew that this would be 12 months of milestones and important events, so I've kept track of them all year.  All the lasts for Elizabeth...but now she's on to many firsts!

Last time these two will stand together on Prize Day (June 2017)

Last First Day of School at JPII (August 2017).

Last cross country practice for these 8th graders (October 2017).

Last middle school cross country meet (October 2017).

Last middle school race.

Last Regional Honors Band performance (November 2017).

Last time representing JPII at a deanery mass (January 2018).

Last post-audition (All State) treat (January 2018).

Last Father Daughter Dance (February 2018).

All State Band (March 2018).

8th grade semi-formal (March 2018).

8th grade semi-formal

Last basketball game - and her best game of the season (March 2018).

Last first game of travel lacrosse and last time taking the first draw of the season (April 2018).

Last play - thanks for the memories, Mrs. Teavee (May 2018).

Last band and chorus concert (May 2018).

Last band and chorus photo with Laila.

8th graders last band and chorus concert.

Last JPII soccer game (June 2018).

Last lacrosse game with Middletown lacrosse.

Last day of school and last day ever riding the bus to school with Emily (June 2018).

Newington Wrap Up

Over Father's Day Weekend, Emily's travel soccer team played their last games together.  There are not enough girls to continue through the changes next year, when the number of players on the field increases to 11.  Many of these girls have been together with Goran since they were 7 years old; and the girls and their families are all wonderful.  We have enjoyed watching them grow as players and as people, and we have enjoyed all the time spent together as family and friends.  It was incredibly emotional watching the season, and the journey, come to an end.  The girls went 4-0 in their final four games and went out on top, as Newington Wrap Up Champions.

Emily's pretty goal in game one. 

Emily was pretty sick during the tournament, especially on Sunday.  The final two games were played in mid-90's heat and it was touch and go whether she would even step on the field.  She played fewer minutes than usual and the assistant coach kept a close eye on her, including her water intake (and reported back to mom). 

Father's Day photo. 

Emily and Coach Goran - the greatest coach there is.  Emily is making the switch back to Sporting next year (from CFC) to continue to play for Goran.  We could not be happier that she will continue to learn and grow from him.  There truly is no one else like him.

Sporting to CFC and now back to Sporting.  Can't wait to continue carpooling with these cuties. 

Family. 

Champions. 

Goran's final post game speech as a Magic coach.  By the end, we were all crying.

For the last time ever.

8th Grade Graduation

Elizabeth's 8th grade graduation was on June 14th and it was everything she had hoped it would be.  Auntie Kathy and Grammy were both able to make the trip down for the big event and Elizabeth's best friend Katie was able to attend as well.  As Salutatorian, she had the honor of giving a speech during the ceremony, which she was so excited about.  Elizabeth could not have been more happy during these last days of school and we are so happy for her and excited to see what the future brings.

Elizabeth and Brody met at the local Family Resource center when they were toddlers, went to preschool together, attended public school together and transitioned to JPII together.  They will go to different high schools, but our families will always be bound together in loyalty and friendship.

Friends forever.

Salutatorian speech.

Presidential Academic Fitness Awards.

Receiving her diploma from the superintendent of schools.

With the superintendent of schools and the principal.

So glad that Katie could be there!

Carly is an exchange student from Korea that the girls spent a tremendous amount of time with this year.  We are so grateful that she could be at the graduation.