Ashley Graduation 2013

Sigh....my second baby girl is a graduate of high school. Officially an adult,  grown-up

big girl! Can't bring myself to say those words, but she is a high school graduate!

Here is proof that I can clean up, wear jewelry, have pretty nails, and even toddle around in high heels. This was at dinner after the ceremony.

 

In typical Wendy fashion, I ran out of the hotel in a frenzy without my camera so am waiting on everyone else to send me the pics they snapped. I did get a lot of shots at the celebratory dinner. On a side note: the graduation was at a ginormous venue in Plano, Texas so I researched hotels nearby and ended up making reservations at the Marriot Residence Inn on Quorum. One word: AWESOME! We had a 2-bedroom, 2 bath suite with a living room and kitchen, fireplace, 3 flat screen tv's, pool, basketball court and wonderful free hot breakfast buffet. Wonderful service and amazing rooms. Plus it was only 10 minutes from the graduation venue.

So many wonderful choices for dinner, how can we choose?

This was a fine-dining restaurant but they embraced my boys and didn't blink an eye. The chef made special kids plates for all 3 boys based on what they each said they liked. We had a large corner table where we could all relax and enjoy. And maybe cut up a little....what can I say....they get it from their father(s).

I had been bugging Ashley for a couple of weeks that she needed to decide where she wanted to eat so we could get reservations. She finally told me on Wed. night, and sent me the info Thursday morning. Needless to say, there were no reservations to be had at that restaurant, a Texas legendary string of family owned restaurants. So I set about finding a steak and seafood restaurant that we could get into and also was suitable. More in a minute.......

Kaytee and her main squeeze Tabor. I think I might like him just a little bit more than I like her........

I spent my lunch hour Thursday searching seafood restaurants in that part of Dallas and I stumbled on a small family owned restaurant that had rave reviews and an award winning chef. I was nervous but called them anyway. Sure, no problem, 9 diners for 6:30 pm the following day. All set. Then I found out you could order special flowers to be waiting on the table when you arrive. So I ordered that too. I did a little nail biting and knocking on wood hoping it was as wonderful as all the reviews said. 

Kaytee and Ashley's Dad Chris on the left and his brother Greg on the right. Hmmm...I wonder if they are related? Hah! I love Greg, he is my favorite ex-in-law of all time. 

The graduation ended earlier than we had estimated and then I realized that I cannot count and had only reserved a table for 9 (I think I subconsciously excluded my ex. I know I counted Greg, since i was so hoping he would come to dinner with us!) So at 5 pm we called the restaurant to see if we could change the reservation to 10 people at 6:00pm. No problem! We are ready whenever you are. Was this a good sign or a bad sign? I didn't know.

Kaytee showing me her opinion of my driving ability in rush hour Dallas traffic. Hey, I didn't hit anybody and the crazy lady in the red car honked at me and also at other people! Notice Tabor in the background. He chose to be neutral  on the subject. Wise man.

We arrived at the restaurant in 3 separate cars, all met in the bar area and then were led to our table. The flowers were already there! And beautiful too. What a great surprise. Many families had picked up grocery store roses for their graduates, but I wanted something different. Something vibrant and special, just like my girl. These are Alstromerias, one of my favorites. They are like little colorful orchids.

After we ordered, Ashley opened presents. This is the savings bond Grandma and Grandpa Jarman sent  her. When Levi saw it his eyes got really big. Apparently he understands the value of money. Hmmmm. Ashleys eyes got big too. Then a little misty. Sweet girl.

My parents also sent money plus my Mom sent her 50 year high school key. This is the 60th reunion of her graduation and Ashley is her mini-me grandchild (we still aren't sure if that is a good thing....HAHA!) She and Ashley have struggled through many of the same health and emotional issues in childhood. They look alike, act alike and think alike. Whenever I didn't understand Ashley I called my Mom and asked her what was going on. She always knew exactly what was going on in Ashley's pretty little stubborn head.

The service at the restaurant was top notch. We never had to wait on anything, she was prompt and thorough, but never overbearing. It's like she had a sixth sense when someone needed anything. In fact, she didn't even bat an eye when Kaytee asked for ketchup for her fish. (I, on the other hand, was mortified and pretended I did not know her!!!! For proof see the small silver cup of ketchup next to Kaytee's plate.)

Lots of conversation allowed me to get a candid shot here. What a beautiful couple, inside and out.

Another candid shot.

Lobster for Ashley. It was phenomenal. In fact all of the food was superb. Ten entrees, ten winners.

The only interesting and a bit surprising bit to the restaurant? The artwork. We decided that this was a modern representation of a male transvestite trying to socialize. Or not......

Want to know where we ate? Remington's Seafood Grill on Beltline Rd in Addison, Texas. Total success for our special celebration. Even though we got reservations so easily, the place filled up to max soon after we arrived. I guess we just got lucky. Really, really lucky.