June 3 - Grad Party

Congrats Mia & Julia

Julia and Mia's joint graduation party was this past weekend. Uncle Bryan drove in from New Mexico and Uncle Chris drove in from NJ for the festivities and we were so excited to have them. They were also instrumental in the party set up and we could not have done it without them. Thank you Bryan and Chris!! We appreciate you driving all the way here and all the help. 

Party Details (I'm keeping track of this to help with future planning for Luke)

Location

The party was at our house. Food and desserts were inside. Drinks were in coolers outside. We also rented a tent with tables and chairs for outside and had a few fans blowing. It was a hot and humid day so the fans came in handy!

Decorations

I borrowed a frame from our Lake swim photographer and taped a $9 Amazon floral backdrop to it. And then Bryan, Chris and I did the balloon arch (also an Amazon kit). 

Other than the balloon arch, I ordered some helium balloons (that deflated within 12H but we still used them), 20x30 canvases of the girls, card boxes and hanging flags (Julia's were gold and blue, Mia's were navy 'Navy Bound'). I borrowed all of the other decorations from friends (serving dishes, tablecloths, "2026" yard sign, "2026" decorations for inside the house, decorations for the girls tables). We even shared flowers with Hannah (GS friend) who had her party the day before. Chris even took some misc flowers from Hannah and made several floral arragements. Incredible!

Food

*Canes chicken tenders tailgate (x100)

*Costco mac & cheese (x3 pans)

*platter of chicken salad sandwiches

*fruit platter

*veggie platter

*wheat thins and dip (Mia's mom made the dip, it was delish)

Dessert

*2 dozen Nothin Bundt Cakes buntinis 

*3 dozen custom sugar cookies (1 dozen graduation themed, 1 dozen each with the girls initials)

*cheesecake (Julia's favorite)

*donut bites (Mia's favorite)

*2 dozen cake pops 

Drinks

*Cooler with waters

*2 coolers with mini sodas

One of my friend's did her daughter's party a week before ours and give me a detailed list of food and what was eaten. It is so hard to plan for food as there are multiple parties in one day and the teens just graze a little. I followed her lead and...success! We had a little bit leftover but not much. 

The party was a huge success and thanks to Bryan and Chris again for making the trek out to Houston to celebrate.

Next stops:

Mia: Mia enlisted in the Navy and reports for boot camp in mid-July. She initially planned to be a turbine mechanic but a SEAL scout saw her during Houston workout session (all Houston Navy recuits work out together 2x per month, she is the only female) and recommended her for the rescue swimmer program. 

After boot camp, she heads to Pensacola, FL to start Naval Aircrew Candidate School, the first step in her journey to be an Aviation Rescue Swimmer. She has already passed the rescue swimming fitness test and we wish her the best of luck. 

Julia: next stop, University of California San Diego! Orientation and move in aren't until mid-September so she has awhile at home. Her plans this summer: work, work, work!

After a whirlwind May, it's now time for summer camps and a little relaxation time!