Brooklyn's Eighteenth, plus a graduation preview

I'm feeling a little bit weepy right now.  Today my baby graduates from high school!  This dazzling girl came blazing into our home more than eighteen years ago, lighting our lives with her ebullient brilliance.  She dreams big and smiles wide.  The world is blessed by her radiance!

It just so happens that in the world of chronological blog-catch up, this post was supposed to highlight Brooklyn's birthday in December.  Eighteen years!  Officially an adult.  In many ways, Brooklyn has been mature beyond her years for a long time, so she's ready.  Just not sure if the rest of us are.

At Brooklyn's request, we celebrated with dinner at Sawadee.  Yum!

After dinner, Brooklyn, Talia, and best friend Lily headed to a concert with the Piano Guys.  Following the show, we reconvened at home for angel food cake and a song.  The perfect day!

The next morning we had a big family breakfast at our place.  We still feel so lucky to have family close enough to celebrate.

The breakfast spread was impressive.  Meat pie, waffles, kolaches... no better way to welcome life as a grown-up!

Forever a Harry Potter fan.  Plus, long-live the cranberries!

Cute!

Speaking of presents, this sweetie received the most generous gift from our friends, the Blackhams.  This PT Cruiser was built in 2005, just a few months after Brooklyn was born.

Every time we drive it we think of Brian's Mom Wiggs.  She is missed!

We love you Brooklyn!

In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Congratulations!  Today is your day.  You're off to Great Places!  You're off and away!"  

Brooklyn is being promoted from a West High Panther to a BYU Cougar.  Come fall, she will head to Provo on a full tuition scholarship.  An hour away, this seems like just the right distance to be independent while still connected with family.  Yay!!!  

To personalize Papa Kay's motto just for you, keep shining, baby girl, keep shining!