Prom night, and day, and morning...

Danielle celebrated her school's "Prom" this weekend. This stressful beautiful event is often referred to as "Grad" or "Grad Ball" in these parts. It's a big deal for the kids because they only have one big dance. We are fortunate to not have to buy three or four dresses a year and all the trimmings like many of our friends do in the States. It's the "Grad" and it's in the graduating year (grade 11) and that's it! However, when you go to an all-girls school finding an date can be a challenge. Danielle took a really nice guy who we have to say was more than patient as Danielle (who is not known to be shy for those who don't know her well) fluttered around like a butterfly. A real Canadian gentleman.

While it's "Prom" night the festivities start the day before with a class BBQ. Parents are not invited.

Prom day started very early with the hair and all that stuff. We were so fortunate that a rugby mom who also owns this salon gave Danielle a gift certificate for the prom package for taking such good care of her 8th grade daughter playing rugby for the first time. See, Danielle has to do this with her daughter -- lift her up in the air and all so she can catch the ball. That's a big responsibility.

Danielle loved the hair and makeup and they did such a wonderful job. Thank you Avanti!

The Prom took place on a Friday and her date arrived at the house at 1 pm for photos and the "interview."

I took this picture without knowing Paul was in the background...it's a classic though...

So the limo arrives with one couple in it...then they left to pick up another couple and end up at one girl's house where they pick up the last couple.

There they took more photos...and more photos...

After this meeting they were scheduled to gather at the Summit on Mont Royal to take group photos. However, as luck would have it, it was raining buckets. They made the stop anyway. Just for "fun." Fortunately, Danielle's hair looks even better in humidity.

Then they were off to the official "cocktail" party at another home where they ended up taking the official photos and some just for fun...

Then the limos take them all to the hotel for the dinner dance and where they meet up with the teachers and parents and the girls all complained that their feet hurt. All this after "a bit" of champagne.

After the reception there was the daddy/daughter dance which was so sweet....

The parents are then kicked out and we don't see the girls until the next day! It's all organized by the school...and the girls and dates are then bussed to a country home about 45 minutes from the city where they have an all-night party. Most of the guys left at some point during the night. Some stay. The funny part is that the school representatives went though all the girl's overnight bags without them knowing it and took out the excessive amounts of alcohol beverages for legal drinkers (it's 18 here) although many of the dates are over 18. However, they left just "enough" for them to have fun. While some parents might find it odd that we're being somewhat "laid back" about this...we were also high school prom-goers and well, did similar things, although our parents didn't know about it and fortunately we can no longer be grounded. 

The country house party had security and Danielle said it was well monitored and no one was sick and no one was out of control and it was a great party until 9 the next morning. However, I have yet to see any photos from this party on Facebook or otherwise. I was given an "approved" selection of photos for the blog. Hmmmmm......

At 9ish a bus then picked them up where they went to another house for brunch. The hosts told me when I picked Danielle up that they have never known Danielle to be so quiet....all the girls were very tired and had the time of their lives.

Danielle came home and slept for 18 hours. She had a wonderful time and we're pleased we only have to do this once!