Fourth of July

The 4th of July is America's Independence Day. It's the day in 1776 that our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Typically, the 4th is a time for family to get together. Activities on this day include cook-outs, swimming, and my personal favorite, fireworks! The picture above is of a fireworks show that is held every year by the City of Jacksonville. Happy 4th!

Today is Memorial Day, a day to honor the soldiers who have served and lost their lives for the United States. Today I went to a ceremony and played with the band to honor these soldiers. Unfortunately, it started raining halfway through the ceremony and the entire band had to seek shelter. Typically on Memorial Day, there are ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers and it is a time for families to get together and celebrate.

Graduation at last! Yesterday was the commencement ceremony. I finally got my diploma and am on my way to bigger and better places! The above picture is the of the chaos that ensued after the ceremony was over. Everyone sprayed each other with silly string! I'm definitely glad to be moving on from high school but at the same time I'm sad to be leaving a place where I have spent my last four years. Happy graduation class of 2010!

This is my sister in her graduation dress. She bought it just to wear to my graduation. Isn't she so nice!

Yesterday was Baccalaureate, which is a religious service to honor high school graduate. The picture is of my sister and me in the front of our house, me wearing my graduation regalia. Today everyone (for the most part) is frantically getting ready for my graduation party tomorrow. Tonight is graduation. I'll be sure to upload pictures!

This is my sister Morgan making spaghetti. She insisted that I put her on my blog, so here she is. In the picture she is making spaghetti, a typical dinner dish in America.

This is me at the Jacksonville High School awards ceremony this past Tuesday shaking hands with Principal McGuiles. So far I have received:

Quincy Jones Musicianship Award

President's Volunteer Award

Kiwanis Certificate of Academic Excellence

Illinois State Scholar

Top 10% of Class

President's Award for Educational Excellence

Things keep showing up in the mail, so who knows if this is all of it or not!