Today marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Youngest grandson, Isaiah, walked across the stage leaving behind Kenai Middle School and entering Kenai Central High School. I love how they transition the kids: they enter the stage after giving the Kossack a high five, and leaving the purple and gold, shaking the hands of their teachers, they enter the red and black of KCHS and give the Kardinal a high five.

It is fun to listen to the band before the ceremonies (he plays trumpet) and realizing just how much they have improved since that first squeak and squawk of 5th grade band. They played some pretty advanced music today. Congrats, too, to Mrs. Sonart for winning a national award for her band leader skills.

Eight grade – 14 years of age – is an interesting time . . . for the teen . . . and for the adults in the family. Izzy has had a rough few weeks. There has been angst and outbursts – and he eve had some, too. (lol) Each of us has felt unappreciated and unloved at one time or another in those few weeks. So, it was a delight today to watch him enter this new stage; to see his smile; to hear an “I love you” or two.

He is growing up on us. We are thrilled to have been able to witness today.

Next year his sister graduates high school. He will follow in 2022. Big brother will graduate UAF in 2020. We will be busy, proud grandparents at each graduation ceremony. Thankful for our grands.