Miriam’s Abi Ball was last evening.
For those not familiar with Germany and its’ education system, the Abitür is what you achieve after all of your studies provided you are successful in your courses (the last two years are counted together) and pass your cumulative written and oral exams. The exams are State wide (in this case we are discussing Baden-Würtemberg) and the schedule was early this year. Maus was essentially finished with school by early June.
The Ball is a combination of graduations ceremonies and a diner with parents and friends. Yes, everyone gets quite dressed up and there can be dancing. But it is not a Prom and a date is not required. The event was held in Ludwigsburg, north of Stuttgart.
This post is picture heavy. On the blog – clicking on the picture will get you a larger version
Merz Abi - 2011
All the students arrive early (or at least were supposed to for class photos). After that we hung out (George, Noah and I) while Maus went thither and yon since she had been dropped off early as one of the organizers.
the youngest two
The program
the plan
was placed on the table with exactly what you would expect – Welcomes, speeches, various expressions of thanks. The introduction of each student was accompanied by a slide show –
Maus growing up
with all of them
lining up on the stage
there were several musical performances
performing "You've got a Friend"
The thank you’s to the faculty included roses
and a rather humorous Oscar Presentation
I think she had a good evening
Maus
They ended by releasing ballons carrying aloft wishes for the future
gathering all the graduates with their balloons
only a few of which didn’t make the sky
the Balloon Eating Tree (a la Charlie Brown)
It was a lovely night to stand outside and talk
after the balloon release
and visit with friends
before heading home, realizing that yet another milestone has been passed.
with a full moon hanging in the sky
Our Congratulations to the Maus!
Wow, she is gorgeous
She looks beautiful and very happy. You and George must be very proud.
What a great event. Maus looks just lovely. You must be so proud!
Some nice shots! The moon shot in particular. What were the camera settings for that last shot?
Mazel Tov
I really enjoyed the graduation pictures, she is so pretty, and how did it feel to see the last one out of high school?
Ah, yes; now we test memories. My brain cells draw up visions of a cute chatterbox sharing space in those Leighton Barracks, Wuerzburg, GE quarters. Belated best wishes to the graduate.
Holly, you have an amazingly beautiful daughter! Dress looks stunning as well. What a lovely evening.
Congratulations on another milestone in your life journal
Congrats!
Finally a picture. She sure is all grown up into a very beautiful young woman 🙂
WOW. She’s all grown up!
I just got home from two weeks in France (painting in Provence) and am catching up reading mail.
Mazel Tov to all.