<p>What kinds of parties or other festivities do you have for your college graduates?</p>
<p>nothing really- even though she was the first graduate in the family ( except for my brother). My husband and younger daughter had to leave as soon as she walked across the stage, the college had a luncheon reception for all immediately following, so I went to that, but other than going back to the hotel and collapsing with the dog, then helping her and her roommate ( and his parents) get them cleaned up and out of their townhouse so they could get checked out- we didn't do anything extra.</p>
<p>However the year before, when we all went down for the graduation of several of her friends, we accompanied them and their families aftwards in going out to dessert.
;)</p>
<p>Sister's kids both were OOS- only parents considered attending and one didn't go himself, therefore no other relatives involved. Looking ahead to next year, if grandparents are alive and want to attend they can go with us when we make the trip. The others can watch the live or "taped" computer video from wherever they want, if they want. Most college graduations are out of town and most students don't have a place to entertain (I can't imagine being in son's apt for anything, for any amount of time). High school is the time to do the big celebration with family.</p>
<p>The night d1 graduated, we had a special dinner with her sibs and grandparents at one of her favorite restaurants. She then immediately went out of town with her friends for Beach Week. </p>
<p>For d2, who graduates in May, she and three friends have arranged a private room at one of their favorite restaurants and organized a special meal for the visiting families. We live pretty far from other family members and so won't have a party at home. (I'm not even sure when she'll be back after graduation!)</p>
<p>When S graduated four years ago, we held a party the night before graduation at the suite where we were staying. We were lucky to get a great rate due to impending renovations for which the hotel was later closed for almost two yeas.</p>
<p>For D, we located a spot on campus where we can hold an informal reception for her and her suitemates and their families a couple of nights before the ceremony. As with S's party, we'll buy hors d'oeuvres at Trader Joes and bring our own libations.</p>
<p>Since both kids ended up going to college on the West Coast, we don't do anything at home. Grandparents will be attending the ceremony, so we're all set in terms of family.</p>
<p>After graduation and commissioning we are having a blow out party the house we've rented for graduation week. A number of mentors will be passing on their butter bars (Ensign's bars) and shoulder boards to the newly minted Ensign and there will be plenty of grog for everyone.</p>
<p>D's college was 2000 miles from home. After the ceremonies ,went out to dinner with family of serious boyfriend. The she,boyfriend and their friends partied w/o us.
At home a few weeks later (after she arrived home) had a house party (catered)for relatives/friends.I find it more relaxing than a party at a venue.She then left again for the summer and grad school.
will probably repeat when S graduates next spring.</p>
<p>With 2 graduations in 6 days, we're attending the Fine Arts college (rather than full Big Ten university) ceremony, expecting it to be more intimate. Then we're off for a week's worth of graduation at West Point. Grad Week is a big deal and the parties for all the new 2nd Lieutenants will be also. The big question right now is whether President Obama will be the speaker or not.</p>
<p>DD and many of her friends on track to graduate this spring are talking about meeting in Vegas for a weekend.</p>
<p>We are going to take a family camping trip to our traditional spot</p>
<p>The seniors at D's school usually go to San Diego as part of Senior Week, so we don't feel the need to do anything major. In fact, D asked that we keep it simple and invite just her suitemates and their families. :)</p>
<p>bump......</p>
<p>DD's school had so many wonderful activities that we didn't feel the need to add to them. Amongst others; musical concert w/dessert, champagne and fireworks, afternoon graduation ceremony w/major pomp and circumstance, departmental buffet dinner w/ awards ceremony, and a special reception (for 4 students!) held by the manager of the department where these 4 students did their workstudy. We were blown away, and loved every minute of it!</p>
<p>S1 will have a two day graduation. He will be commissioned on a Fri. and then have his Dept. grad. (he's not going to the giant ceremony for all univ. grads) and joint Services commissioning the next day. DH and I will be there for both (hopefully S2 will make it to one day of it).</p>
<p>S1 has already told me that there is an after commissioning party planned (for mids only) so DH and I will be on our own to find entertainment that night.<br>
We will prob. take him out for a nice meal after the second day's ceremonies.</p>