Time Marches On

Time seems to move at the speed of light.

Braison and Lilian graduated from kindergarten last night.  What a night!

They started off with a dance party..like they start every day of school.

Notice Mr. Grumpy Pants :o)

Braison said that he was very nervous being up there in front of everyone.

They sang a sweet song about moms and presented a flower for each of us.

After a slideshow of the year in review, which brought on more tears, they got their diplomas.

After the diplomas, their AWESOME teacher presented them each with a gift from herself.

The kids loved them!

Lilian has had a little boyfriend most of the year, Cooper.  Cooper told his parents that yesterday was the worst day of his life; because he wasn't going to be able to see Lilian anymore.  So, he asked to stop and get her a bouquet of flowers.  Melted hearts.

Another milestone.  Next stop, 1st grade!

Class of 2026

Is that right?  It hardly seems possible that Braison and Lilian will be starting kindergarten this year.  Or that they graduated from pre-kindergarten today.  Bittersweet.
Since they are in different classes, they were also in different graduations.  Lilian graduated this morning.

The whole class

Patiently waiting

Starting the program

She had a hard time keeping her hat on with all that jumping around!

Dino Dig Day

Wedding of "Q" & "U"

Lilian was the only lefty

Dancing fool

The only mom that didn't get a hug with her flower :o(

With her teachers, Miss Jan and Miss Kristi

Proud of our little girl!

Lilian did so well this year, her teachers said that she will have no problems next year in kindergarten.  Her social skills are unmatched, imagine that :o)  We are so very proud of her!

Braison's graduation was held a little later in the day.

With his class

Dancing

Being a monster

Being a ham

Alphabet song

I got a hug :o)

Applauding other graduates

With his teachers, Miss Kim and Miss Mikaila

Braison is reading at an advanced level, he is advanced in math, and everything else.  So, no worries that he won't be ready for kindergarten.  We are so proud of our little man!

Tyler's Graduation/Commissioning

Saturday was Tyler's big day.  He graduated from the University of Idaho, on the Dean's List, and was also commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.

 We are all SO proud of him!!  Saturday morning was the graduation ceremony.  They had predicted cold weather, rain, and possible tornadoes.  Good thing those weathermen don't usually know what they are talking about.  The weather was beautiful!

All 1500 graduates heading down the road.

Here come the ROTC cadets behind the Dean.

There's Tyler!

The color guard bringing in the flags.

Waiting for Uncle Tyler's name to be called.

And waiting some more.

Walking up toward the stage.

"Tyler Vern Merritt"

This is his photo from the overhead screens.

Tyler in front of the Engineering Building on the UofI campus.

The graduate and some of his favorite little people.

Saturday evening was the commissioning ceremony, which was held in Pullman, Washington at the WSU campus.  Tyler had asked Braison and Lilian to pin his rank on his cover (hat) during the ceremony.  They were thrilled to be involved and they will later realize what an honor it was to be a part of this.  Thank you Tyler for including them!

Grandad (USAF Capt. Retired) swearing in Tyler.

Again.

So Proud!

Dad and Mom pinning ranks on shoulders/Braison and Lilian pinning rank on cover.

Tyler pinning the parent pin on Mom.

Receiving his first salute.

Tyler and his girlfriend, Charley (she will graduate and be commissioned in two more years).

Our Officer - 2nd Lt. Tyler Merritt

Waiting for more photos.

Tyler, Sue, Dad

John, Tyler, Mom

Grandma, Tyler, Grandad

The whole lot of us.

Our two servicemen. 

Tyler was also accepted into flight school, another HUGE honor.  So, now he is off for the next year to Laughlin, TX to work on earning his wings.   

A note for Tyler:

I know I speak for more than just myself when I say how proud I am of you and how much I love you.  You have accomplished so much these last five grueling years!  It took guts; you got those.  It took brains; we all know you have an abundance of those!  It also took a lot of hard work, discipline, courage, dedication, perseverance, concentration, and determination; you have proven to have all of these things as well. 
My heart is bursting with pride and joy for all that you have accomplished, will accomplish, and the man you have become.  You are proof that dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them.  I am confident that you will continue to excel and reach any goal that you set for yourself.  Remember, excellence is not a skill, but rather an attitude.
Thank you for being you.  Thank you for the sacrifice you have made to keep us safe and free.  I could not have asked for a greater baby brother or uncle for my children.  You are the epitome of what a solider should be.
Good luck.  Stay safe.

It isn't over, in fact it's all just now beginning.