Braden's graduation from Nelda Mundy Elementary

Well it has happened!  Braden graduated from elementary school!  So I have to be honest, I don't remember a ceremony when I graduated elementary school.  I don't remember a ceremony graduating middle school either.  Anyway, it was still quite an emotional experience to know that our oldest is now on his way to junior high school.  Since we'll be moving to Texas, others in Braden's class will have already spent a year in junior high, but here in our part of California, elementary school goes through 6th grade.  Anyway, Braden has had a very memorable 4 1/2 years at Nelda Mundy Elementary.  He played on the basketball team, he played in the band, and he unfortunately watched both of those programs dissolve as part of budget cuts.  Class sizes grew, and so did his friendships with great kids and teachers.  He is well known and well liked by kids and teachers alike.  And he will miss them all immensely.  One of Braden's friends, Savannah Sears, used to live right across the street from us when we moved in.  She gave the Student of the Year speech at graduation.  Another of Braden's friends, Ramon Higuera, also gave a speech.  Ramon's parents own a fantastic Salvadorian restaurant called Bugambilia's.  We've frequented it with a healthy appetite for their pupusas.  Braden has really enjoyed his 6th grade teachers, Mrs. Johann, Mrs. Gadde, and Mrs. Choy.  And the principal Mrs. Cherry also has a soft spot for Braden.  He's a great kid and we are proud of him!

  Braden also decided to have an end-of-year / going away party the last day of school with all of his friends.  He made invitations and invited his entire 6th grade class, all less than a week away from the day.  We didn't think that many kids would be able to come.  Boy, were we wrong.  We ended up hosting a party with around 25 kids, and had a blast!  We started with pizza and breadsticks and hanging out at our house.  Then walked to the community park where the kids played games and flew kites.  We wrapped up the party back at our house with more pizza, breadsticks, and root beer floats...and a Just Dance 3 party using our Wii.  The kids were so much fun, I'd definitely do it again.  Good times!