The Graduate

On Friday night, May 17th, 2019, Benjamin, our youngest, graduated from Hathaway High School.  We're very proud of him!  Prior to driving to the school for the ceremony, I took a photo of him and his momma.

The graduation ceremony was held in the Hathaway Gymnasium.  They flashed baby pictures on the big screen coupled with current senior photos as their class song, "Five More Minutes," by Scotty McCreery played.

Here is Benjamin getting his diploma!

He graduated fourth in his class and was the recipient of several scholarships.  He will be attending McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, majoring in Electrical Engineering.

The graduates all walked to the back of the gym where they were allowed to throw their caps into the air!

With a grin stretching from ear to ear, you can tell 'Ol Boy is enjoying the moment.

Here he is with Tricia and me. 

And here he is with Tricia's family that made the trip from Texas to celebrate with him on his big day!

Here he is with his brother and sister and some of his Texas cousins!

Here is a photo of Benjamin with my Mom and Dad.

Benjamin with Russ and Laura Lee

After the graduation ceremony, we had friends and family over to the house for a reception.  Lots of food to eat and good fellowship.

The next morning Benjamin woke up early and headed to Panama City Beach, Florida for his senior trip.  We continued to celebrate in his absence!   We boiled three sacks of crawfish.

We poured them right on tables in the back yard.  The weather was real nice and we sat and stood and ate and laughed and enjoyed each other's company.  Benjamin's cousin, Vincent, brought his guitar and played, The Eagles', "Hotel California," and we all sang!  Fun times were had and memories were made.

We ate and rested and ate some more.

Everybody posed for a group photo and said, "Crawfish!"

We finished off all three sacks...  Congratulations Benjamin!

Benjamin Goes To Junior Prom

Saturday night was Junior Prom at Hathaway High School.  Benjamin rented a tux in classic black with a vest and ivory bow tie and pocket square.  He got ready in our bathroom and learned all about french cuffs and cuff links and how to fold a pocket square.  This is a little bit more formal attire than what Benjamin normally dresses up in.

Once all slicked up he was ready to go pick up his date.

Once he arrived back home with his date, we took many pictures inside and outside.  However, Benjamin didn't want us walking in the yard to take pictures.  Since I was letting the cows graze in the yard, there were a few cow patties in the yard and 'ol boy was a little embarrassed in front of his date to have cow patties hither and yon.  So we stayed on the porch.

We did venture over to the column for the next photo and this column did not have bees in it.  Back in the day, we bought our prom dates corsages.  All the girls apparently now carry bouquets.

The fireplace photo is always nice.

After photos at our house, we were invited to go over to one of Benjamin's friend's home as they had an area in the back yard set up for us to take photos.  It was very nice, with a wooden hearth, candles, flowers, an old chest, carpet, a nice chair and a vase.  It looked like something out of Southern Living magazine.

Here is Benjamin and some of his buddies.

Then another fun photo with the dates back in it.

Finally, they loaded up in a Mercedes van they rented.  It had big leather seats and two big screen TVs in it.  They rode to Lake Charles to eat at the Harlequin Restaurant.

Then back to the school for the dance, food, and games until 6 am.  Then they went to Waffle House for Breakfast.  What a big day!  Benjamin got up for Sunday School, but then slept until 6 pm.  Prom 2018 is done!