Six weeks from today! UPDATED!

The little girl with the purple backpack (that was almost as big as her!) getting on the big yellow school bus on her fist day of school in September of 1996 graduates from high school in six weeks! Yes, six weeks from today to be exact! I am having a hard time believing that soon my baby will be marching in cap and gown to receive her diploma and then in a few months off to college to begin her studies to become a Registered Nurse. The little baby now is getting ready to wear a long white gown for the Grand March on Graduation night. Our high school is believed to be the only school left in the country to continue this wonderful tradition. Here's a photo of me at my Grand March June 1975!These photos are of Ashton's older brother Courtney's Grand March. The first photo was taken as he came into the high school gym at the beginning of the Grand March. In the second photo he is looking towards the camera. The young men wear tuxedoes with a red carnation boutenniere and the girls wear long, white gowns, white shoes and carry a bouquet of carnations. The students practice daily for two weeks at the end of the school year for this March. Its very elaborate and townspeople crowd the gym for the event. Its held at 8 p.m. on Graduation night. Ashton has her hair appointment already scheduled for the big night! One must have a fancy hairdo to go along with her beautiful dress. Her dress has been purchased for a couple of months now. Its hard to find an all white gown unless you go to a bridal shop or specialty shop. I found Ashton's on sale at JCPenney's. The dresses that are worn range from simple to very elaborate. The parents of the graduates march into the gym ahead of the graduates and have reserved seats so they can watch the event with a great view. Once the March is done, the girls separate the bouquet they carried, one part to the young man, the other to her. Then the graduates mothers' receive the bouquets from their child. Its very touching and I plan on carrying a box of tissues! However, I must admit I have been looking forward to seeing my daughter participate in this wonderful night. This photo is of Courtney dancing with Ashton after his Grand March. She was 5 in this photo. Gosh I loved dressing her in fancy, ruffled socks and patent leather shoes and her dress was so pretty with a petticoat underneath. Her cousin Robyn is all dressed up as well in a party dress and braided pigtails. Here is our family at Benjamin's Grand March in 2004. I must say that Ashton (with braces!) enjoyed dancing after the graduates had marched in, with all of her friends. There is a DJ for the occasion and once the big event is over, little girls take to the floor and dance away! Next it will be her turn....And yes I did say on the day Ashton was born that I would need to start saving for her Grand March dress! You remembered Aunt Jean!