i am now the mom of a high school kid.


Did I even just write that?


My daughter moved on from middle school this past week, and in the whirlwind we know as the end of the school year, I still have not processed this mind-boggling fact. The time is indeed going way too fast, and almost every parent will confirm they too have experience this time warp.I will cry if I sit and think about how there are really only 4 years left before college. That means 4 Christmas mornings, 4 Thanksgivings, 4 summers, and 4 more years of attempting to be her bestie. (Can't stop, won't stop)


There is a phrase someone said to me when my little girl was just a baby, "The days are long, but the years are short." You too have probably heard this phrase and agree these words are the most accurate description of the seriously short time our children are with us.


I have found myself in a unique parenting crunch, having a now-high school student all the way down to a 2.5 year old. (the days are painfully longer with a toddler, FYI.) The age gap between my three kiddos tends to present itself as a gift. The gift to remember to slow down, take it in, and be present.


OK now that we are all crying together, let's talk about how fun the 8th grade graduation and dance was!


The festivities for the 8th graders were thoughtfully and generously provided by local businesses and Hillside families. After their short reading of names to receive their paper diplomas, the kids attended a semi-formal dance that sounded like the party of the year!


My daughter and her friends met up at Stark Park to take pictures together while they were all dressed up. She has been fortunate to have a great group of friends over the years, and they celebrated their last day of middle school in style!


Now, let's start summer vacation!


best friend graduation photo session
Group of friends in summer dresses posing together in a garden with a white gazebo.
A couple poses together in a lush garden setting with blooming flowers and greenery.
Two friends in blue and grey dresses pose together in a blooming summer garden.
Two friends in blue dresses strike back-to-back poses in a flowering garden.
Two friends share a joyful hug outdoors in front of a leafy tree and garden.
Three generations pose together on grass with flowers, sharing an affectionate moment in summer.
Friends in colorful summer dresses laughing and posing together in a sunny garden setting.
Three friends in summer dresses pose together on a sunny lawn with a large tree in the background.
Two friends in blue and orange polka dot dresses embrace while smiling outdoors.
Motion-blurred photo of two people walking on grass with a tree and garden in the background.
Group photo of four friends dressed in casual attire standing on grass with flowering bushes behind them.
Two people give each other a high-five while standing in a garden setting with blooming flowers.
Three people share joyful moment outdoors while holding bouquet on sunny day.
Friends in blue and orange dresses embrace while spinning on a sunny lawn.
Long line of graduates in formal attire walking across a football field during ceremony.