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The Daily Dish The Real Housewives of Orange County

Lauri Peterson Celebrates Back to School For "Bright Light" Granddaughter Kennady (PHOTOS)

The Real Housewives of Orange County alum is celebrating a huge milestone in her granddaughter's life.

By Casey Suglia

Lauri Peterson's granddaughter, Kennady, has continually been the "bright light" in her life after the loss of her son and Kennady's dad, Josh Waring, in April.

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The Real Housewives of Orange County alum confirmed in an Instagram post in April that Josh had passed away at the age of 35. But, Lauri, who became Kennady's legal guardian nearly 10 years ago, is citing her granddaughter as the person who keeps pushing her through her pain, as Kennady celebrates a new milestone.

Lauri took to her Instagram feed over the weekend, where she posted a series of brand new photos of Kennady before her first day of the sixth grade and her first official day as a middle schooler. In the photos, Kennady can be seen posing with her hands on her hips, smiling for the camera, and throwing up peace signs in anticipation for her first day of school.

"Official Middle Schooler for Kennady and she is bringing her sass to 6th grade!" Lauri wrote in the caption of the post. "So thankful for this bright light who keeps me moving forward! I hope you have the best year! Papa [George Peterson] and I are so incredibly proud of you! We love you so much and all that you bring to our lives!"

In Kennady's first-day-of-school sign, she revealed that her favorite color is pink, her favorite food is pasta, and she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. This is just a slight change from her first day of school in 2023, when Kennady wrote that her favorite color, at the time, was teal, and her favorite food was tacos. However, she is still adamant about becoming a doctor.

Lauri's fellow RHOC alums took to the comments of the post, where they shared their well wishes for Kennady. "She is just beautiful," Gretchen Rossi wrote.

"So pretty! Love her long hair," Jo De La Rosa added.

Lauri Peterson reflects on the loss of her late son and Kennady's dad, Josh

Lauri took to Instagram less than a week after Josh's passing, where she posted the sweetest tribute to him in the caption of the post. Lauri revealed that Josh had struggled throughout much of his adulthood, but got so much joy from being a dad to his little girl.

"Even during adult hardship, Josh continued to maintain his sense of humor, continued to be optimistic, continued to be kind to others, defended those that were unable to defend themselves, and continued to love his family so so much!" she wrote in the caption of the post.

"He received the most joy, pride, and purpose through his daughter Kennady and watching her grow and thrive over the years. Thank you to all the people that have tried to help Josh along the way. I am witness to many Angels on earth."

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