I have just celebrated my first ever Prom - through the experience of my oldest son. We didn't do Proms when I was at High School in Wales. Our last day of school was probably accompanied by the totally unmemorable comments from equally unmemorable teachers - in my case they probably said "Goodbye and don't come back..." However, I think we students organized a meal at a place called Faenol Fawr and even organized a bus there and back - though that is so deeply hidden in the deepest darkest recesses of my brain, I may well be making that up!

Anyway, Matt, all dressed up in his tux, armed with a corsage for his Prom-date, Hannah, and looking knock-em dead handsome (well I am his mother!) gathered with other handsome chums and their equally gorgeous dates where a few less well dressed parents were allowed to take photos - some of which you have the privilege of perusing. Then they all piled in a luxury bus equipped with large screen TV, leather seats, coffee bar, video games console (who would want to go to a Prom - let's just stay on the bus...) and headed to the ballroom at Navy Pier. At half past midnight, they would all turn into pumpkins - well into jeans and sweatshirts - and head to a midnight cruise around the harbor until about 3.30, when tired, happy, with aching feet and many happy memories they would once again pile into their Prom Carriage and wend their way home again. Matt arrived home at 4.30 - not bad. When asked how it all was, we received the usual incredibly informative and descriptive "Fine" - which says it all!

So there you have a couple of group pictures, followed by a photo of Matt with Hannah. And lastly Matt with longtime friend Justin. I think there will be a well worn track between the Universities of Illinois and Iowa come September as these two guys keep in touch with one another.

So, how was my experience of my first Prom - well very calm with no stress really, thank you for asking. Matt totally organized everything he needed from the hiring of his suit - good choice n'est ce pas? - the silver waistcoat was to match Hannah's dress (clever huh?) - to even ordering the corsage. Great.

What's next - my first ever High School Graduation. We never made a big thing of that either... I think we got together one evening after our certificates had arrived at school and the Headmaster, Mr Sanderson, handed them out - no cap, no gown, no cheering crowd, oh dear. Anyway, will the reality of a true American High School Commencement Ceremony beat the low key casual receipt of A' level certificates one November evening? ... watch this space...