GRADUATION!!!!!

It is truly amazing how fast time flies. Can it already be 18 years since my first born entered this world? 18 years ago Kris and I moved to Colorado, away from the comforts of family. Away on a new adventure in our life, with 3 month old Nate in tow. We learned a lot about being new parents and a LOT about the advice and council of our parents. We had entered a new realm with this new little life and found ourselves wondering what his life would hold for him.
18 years later, Nate has had his share of trials and tests, his share of ups and downs. His Senior year has been a test and trial in and of itself. What parents move their Senior all the way across the country before school starts? Well, that would be Nate's dorky parents....But through all of this, Nate has been amazing. He dove right into the school year and in true Nate fashion, let others see his unique and amazing perspective on life and the world as he sees it. He made friends and found another great core group of kids. I have been impressed as well, with the kids of Caribou, ME. They have been open, welcoming and very polite and gracious. I will say that it has been a great journey to live in a place where there is not a lot of worry about the kids, who they are and what they are up to. It is just the nature of this part of Maine.
As Nate goes on from this journey and ventures into the future, I wish him success, wisdom and the ability to see the whole picture around him. I wish him tolerance for others and enough insight to see what really matters. I hope at some point he will see and understand the great love his parents have for him, no matter how crazy the journey has been and most of all, I wish for him the ability to find his relationship with God. That he might know there is a divine plan in motion and that he has an important part in it.
Congrats Nate on an amazing graduation today. The Senior Class of Caribou High has class and style. Graduation started with an awesome processional in which the Seniors marched in perfect time up through the isle and to their seats. There we appropriate talks and awards. The Valedictorian, Emily, talked about finding their rainbows, despite the rain they may encounter. There was a great song done by the Senior Choir and an amazing musical number by the band. Each student that received a diploma did so with grace and poise. It was fun to watch them even after the commencement was over. No one was just crazy, they hugged, talked and took pictures. I cried a little as the mom, but held it together for the most part. The end of an era for my oldest.
You are no longer the little baby I used to hold in my arms, no longer the boy who loved his "crucks" and would fall asleep with a matchbox or hot wheels car in his little hands. You are my son, inquisitive, talented, smart.... and you are loved
Congrats Nate!

Graduation announcement


Nate and his friends
Nate with his friend Emilie. She was in our ward as well and in our Early Morning Seminary class.
Caribou High School Class of 2010 Class Motto:
Right before the Big Event!
At home with his newly acquired diploma