Molly's 8th Grade Graduation

The Sunday before school began, Mom and Dad decided that we would celebrate Molly's 8th grade graduation :) It was a special day to commemorate all the work Molly has done over the past 9 years and to look forward to her high school years.

To start the day off, Mom and Dad made a waffle and sausage breakfast -- a welcome change from the usual cereal! We enjoyed the family breakfast before heading out the door to church.

Molly enjoyed a some free time in the afternoon...

I found her doing some reading

After us girls got home from afternoon Sunday School, Mom and Dad treated us to a celebratory dinner at the Olive Garden

Molly and her faithful teacher, Mom

Dad and Melissa tried Olive Garden's new "endless pasta" bowl while Mom ordered one of her favorite Italian meals, Chicken Marsala. I also opted for the classic, Chicken Fettucini, and the graduate had raviolis.

Once we got home, Mom and Dad had a few presents for Molly to open...

The presents made this graduation seem like a 2nd birthday to me and I wondered why we all didn't "graduate" after every grade! :P

She received a CD writing techniques and a very cute musical bookmark.

Happy 8th grade graduation, Molly! You are growing up to be a lovely young lady and I look watching you grow in your faith during your high school years :D