Such a special post on the blog today!! Well, for my family + I at least!! We are featuring a celebration that I couldn’t not post. My little sister, McKenna, graduated from high school this past weekend! I cannot believe it (not in the sense that she graduated, I knew she would for sure–I must brag that she actually graduated in the top 15% of her class, as a class officer, National Honor Society Member, + basically, just great girl ; )), but I cannot believe it in the sense that she is now in college! There are no more kids in my parent’s house–just WHAT are they going to do?! Lots of big + exciting changes in our family this year : )

McKenna Marie is heading to UW-Madison in the fall, + Caleb + I cannot wait for her to join us in Madison!! Of course, it will be so fun to live in the same city again, but both being Badger alum, Caleb + I know all the exciting things that lie ahead for McKenna as she becomes part of the Badger family + frankly, we are kind of jealous that she gets to do college all over again! While we definitely don’t miss the studying, our time at Madison was filled with some of the best moments + memories of our lives : ) McKenna plans to major in Biology + once she finishes her undergrad, head to Chiropractic School to eventually become a chiropractor + own her own practice!! Let’s just say, I hope she stays in Madison because I love going to the chiropractor ; )

Anyway, I wanted to take a minute to publicly tell McKenna how proud I am of, certainly, all her accomplishments, but more importantly, the integrity of the woman she has + is becoming. Seriously, I am so giddy inside, grinning ear to ear, as I think about all that lies ahead for her as she begins this next phase of life. Young + full of life, with SO MANY amazing opportunities yet to present themselves. I know it’s cheesy, but McKenna, never, EVER give up on your dreams!! You only live once (yes, YOLO), + you must live a life that is not wasted but rather filled with love + joy + passion for what you are doing!!! I am always here to encourage you in your dreams + help you become the woman you desire to be : ) I love you so much, sis!!

Thanks for bearing with the sappiness!! Enjoy the photos from McKenna’s graduation party + graduation : ) Also, have a GREAT Thursday! -M

McKenna + her friend Abby had their graduation party together : )

Abby is so creative + put together most of the decorations + details for the party! She is my kind of girl!!

We got to see a lot of our family at the graduation party, which was SO nice : ) This is a shot of McKenna + our cousin, Cole, who will also be a freshman at Madison next year!! The Gustkes are taking over the campus ; )

We love our cousins, Cole + Ally! Our wedding is actually going to be on their property this summer! I’m pretty sure Cole daily tells my aunt that he “can’t believe they are going to have a wedding at their house …” hehe!! I love it!

The beautiful graduate!!

Her handsome boyfriend, Ryan : )

It’s official!!

We are so proud of you, McKenna!!