My Graduate.

He did it.

Grade eight is done.  They've had their graduation and tonight they will return from their three day trip.  All that's left is a BBQ on Wednesday afternoon and then the rest of the students will line the school hallways while the grade eights parade through, high-fiving all the little ones, and head right out the front door of the school for the last time.

But, wait, I'm getting ahead of myself.

We all scrubbed up pretty well.  And the sight of my boy in his suit stopped me dead in my tracks.  We managed some quick family photos before the evening began and then I watched him work those dimples. All. Night. Long.

The "Under the Big Top" circus theme was a big success.  A group of hardworking parents managed to pull all the pieces together to create a really memorable night for our kids - from the big circus tent over the stage to the elephants parading around the entire gym - the school was filled with the sights and sounds of the circus.

And then we watched as our kids proudly walked across the stage to collect their diplomas with pride.

(You can lead a boy to a suit, but you can't make him change his shoes.)

Finally, the night ended with the mother/son dance. Which we did. Without even practicing first.  And, most importantly to Sheldon, no tears from me.

Truth be told, the evening was overwhelming for many reasons.  But, in the end, I left with a heart full of pride as my baby finishes up his first 10 years at school and gets ready for the big move to high school.

Congratulations Sheldon.