Nattie's Big Night

During the month of May, our very beautiful niece, Natalie, graduated from high school.  How did she grow up so fast?  I just don't know.  Our little family couldn't wait to cheer on our graduate, but we almost didn't get to go.  That morning, Jason started having some very bad pain.  The kids and I took him to the ER where it was determined that he had kidney stones.   He was released that afternoon and resting really well, so I felt comfortable leaving him so the kids and I could be a part of Nattie's big night.  Here are the proud parents - Uncle Billy and Aunt Kary.

Nana and Papa were really proud too!

 Natalie also had Grandpa James, a brother, a sister, and a whole bunch of cousins there to cheer for her. 

 We were all super excited for our girl!

 The ceremony was very nice.  Natalie performed with the choir.  We cheered like crazy when Natalie walked across the platform.  Then, we rushed the field just in time for the hat toss.  There were over 300 in her class.

 Here's Pay and Nat.

Addi with her Nattie.

I loved seeing my brother so happy and so proud!

 Aunt Kary and Natalie also had such a sweet moment.  It made everyone all teary eyed. (Just looking at this picture and the one with Billy makes me teary eyed now!)

 Our preschool grad and our high school grad.

Nat and Evan.

Stephen cracked everyone up with this pic!

Grandpa James with his girl.

I love all of these smiles!

Their little family.

My girl and me. 

Natalie made some outstanding accomplishments during her high school career.  In fact, she was personally mentioned during the graduation for just a few of the honors and awards she's received.  She worked hard in choir all through high school and has been awarded several scholarships to sing in her college's choir.  While all of those awards and honors are impressive, they could never fully convey just how amazing of a person Natalie is.  She has the kind of presence that lifts spirits when she walks into the room.  Her laugh always makes everyone else join in.  She has the kind of heart that always sees the best in people and is passionate in pursing a relationship with Jesus Christ.  It's exciting as an aunt and as her family to see just how God is going to use her and how she's going to make her mark on the world.  I know it's going to be big!