Prom 2026

I really wanted both my kids to go to prom this year, especially since it would be their only chance to go together in the same group. I won't say I pushed them - but I did. I even made very strong suggestions on who they should invite.

Check out that handsome boy!

Jalen invited Alee Bailey. I pointed out that inviting a friend would make it more comfortable and fun. Plus Alee is a take-charge kind of girl and he could use that. They get along great and had a good time. He got a new vest and a tie that matched her dress. She did not want a corsage, but I made him a boutonniere. (Mary Chorey and I made them together - thank heavens because I had zero skills.)

Baylie and Jayden Samuels have been friends for several years. I pretty sure they've had crushes on each other off and on. I pointed out that it would be Baylie's last chance to go to Prom with him and said she should just go for it - so she did! 

They went to church prom and school prom. Jayden had to meet with the bishop in order to go to church prom so it was cool he was willing to do that. They both agreed that church prom was more fun.

Apparently everyone knew that these two should be an item. Since prom they are now unofficially an item. Finally.

They've agreed "not to label it." Whatever. Mainly it's because they're both going off to school. Jayde is going to Clemson and Baylie to BYU.

I (i.e. Mary) made Jayden's boutonniere and he got her a wrist corsage.

They were part of a really good group of kids, which always makes it more fun.

Jayden, Baylie, Jalen, Alee, Gideon Stroud, Lucy King, Jay Brusin, Lizzy Louchez

The girls

The guys

Silly boys

Luke photobomber

Jalen, Gideon, Jayden, Jay
Lucy, Alee, Baylie, Lizzy

Guess how you get a cool picture like this.

Like this. Good thing Beth Bailey is a good sport!

As they were leaving, it started to rain.

So gallant!

They tried to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner, but it was too full so they went to Moe's.

Not sure what they're doing here.

After prom they all came to our house for ice cream sundaes and to watch Napoleon Dynamite. I didn't take any pictures. They all had a good time and I was glad they got to make this memory together.