Celebrating Olivia’s Big Day

This past weekend, we celebrated Olivia’s graduation—a milestone filled with pride, joy, and just a touch of chaos (as any real celebration should be).

Planning the day wasn’t without its challenges. Olivia had her heart set on an outdoor pool party, complete with balloon arches, surfboard cornhole, and all the touches she’d envisioned—thanks to, yes, a little inspiration from social media. And with nearly every senior in her class hosting their own party, the pressure was real.

We went all in. My husband built a custom backdrop, painted and polished. He power-washed the house, trimmed the bushes, cleaned the balcony—he was a superhero behind the scenes. Sunday was a marathon of food shopping, and on the day of the party, we were up early chopping, setting up, and making sure every last detail was just right.

Of course, just before go-time, Olivia had a moment. A few tears, a deep breath, and then… her beautiful smile returned. That’s our girl. Always feeling deeply, always bouncing back with grace.

And then they came—friends, classmates, laughter. One by one, more guests than we expected. They swam, joked, posed for pictures (taken by yours truly), and filled the backyard with energy and joy. The hard work melted away in the warmth of the moment.

Here are a few glimpses of the celebration: