The Twins Graduate!

The last month of school (May) flew by quickly with lots of end of the year activities. 

Both Maddie & Will are members of the National Honor Society at Moline. Because Maddie was in Guatemala, Will was able to accept both of their certificates.

Will's final band commitments - Broadway Concert held at The Spotlight Theater

End of the year Band Banquet

His final day of school - All done!!

We had the twins Senior pics done last Fall. 

The week leading up to graduation was busy too. Grandpa Hart flew in to spend time with the family and to attend their graduation. It was wonderful to spend the week with him! 

The twins were able to attend the grade school (Roosevelt) & middle school (Wilson) "graduate walks". I am thankful for other moms who attended and took pictures & video!

Saturday evening (6/1/24) - Graduation night! We took a few pictures outside the house before heading down the Vibrant Arena for the ceremony.

My parents gave each of the twins a "flower" bouquet. Maddie's bouquet was real flowers while Will's bouquet was full of old coins, wrapped in yellow paper. He loved the idea of the bouquet and definitely loved the coins!

Both Maddie & Will received special acknowledgements for their high school achievements. Both wore the blue & gold cords for National Honor Society. Both earned the gold tassel, to show that they earned a 3.0+ overall GPA (Maddie did not receive her gold tassel until a few weeks later, due to an oversight at the high school...they forgot to include the early graduates in the list to the cap & gown company). Both also received medals for departmental honors (Maddie - French, English & Science; Will - Band (top 2 in department), Industrial Technology, English).

Will's last high school band commitment.

Will & Nate - During Alex's graduation, we took a family picture from our seats. I had asked Will to send a selfie to the family chat as well - he sent one of him & Nate. So, for the last 3 years, Nate has been an honorary member of our family...everyone in our family knows that Nate is their "brother"...poor Nate doesn't have a clue, haha! 

2022

2023

2024

Waiting for the ceremony to start (backstage)

A few weeks later, I took Maddie & Will out to get pictures in their caps / gowns at their schools. 

Roosevelt Elementary

Wilson Middle School

Moline High School

Browning Field / Wharton Fieldhouse

And so, this season of our life has come to a close. After 19 straight years of 1, 2 or all 4 kids being in school, we are moving on to the next phase of life - college/full time jobs/marriage/grandkids/empty-nesters. How strange life can be. In the moment, I am thrilled to be done...and excited for what lies ahead for each individual kid. I know that I will miss different events (in due time) - but for now, I am going to enjoy this new phase of life!