As I watched Bug glide around the backyard in her graduation gown on Saturday, it hit me just how fast life moves. I can’t believe my little woman is all grown up. It feels like she should still be running around in her princess dresses and begging for just one more story before bed. Yet here she is – ready to tackle the world with the rest of the Class of 2022.

I can’t even lie – I’m emotional about what comes next. Belle and I will sit down for the 2023-2024 school year without Bug there for company. Just the thought of it makes me feel a little lonely. And, it’s not just me: Brandon, Bug, and Belle seem a bit more emotional than usual, too.

Outside of some growing pains, Bug is excited about the next step. As she should be! Since she hasn’t had a job yet, that’s her primary focus for this summer. After that, she’ll be pursuing a dental hygienist degree.

It’s been almost a week since Bug received her diploma, and Brandon and I are still celebrating her accomplishments. She tested at the college level on her EOGs and closed her high school career with honors.

Even more impressive than her academic success is the young lady she’s turned out to be: levelheaded, driven, and sweet as sugar. She is proof that for all we’ve done wrong – we got one thing right. And that’s something to be proud of.