Today marked the end of our summer. We packed the kids off to our little Lutheran school once more for a first day:
As I pulled into the parking lot this morning, I hummed the theme song from Cheers. Don't judge. I'm Lutheran. We're okay with an adult beverage every now and again. And sometimes, you really do want to go where somebody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. We've been away for a couple of months, but everyone still knows their names. And, it seems they were glad to see us again.
There is comfort in consistency. And, we're glad to be back, even if (according to RJ), "That first grade teacher is rough. She really works us hard!"
(Thanks, Mrs. Gaines. He came home tonight and spent an hour reading about the solar system. Keep knockin' 'em down and pickin' up; you're doing something right.)
But, even though I was glad to be back where everybody knows our names, I was sad to say goodbye to summer. It was a good summer. Much fun was had (as evidenced by the lack of computer time and plethora of selfies):
We put some miles on the cart (and learned a little about cart maintenance too).
I'll take my snuggles when I can get them; he's a big first grader now after all.
So may pool meals.
She still gives snuggles on demand.
Someday, when I'm old, I'll smell pine needles and chlorine, and I will be overwhelmed with memories of this walk into the pool.
The cart, day 65 of summer vacation. The towels might get laundered. Might just burn 'em--wouldn't want to stress the washer. We've become less family-going-to-the-pool and more rolling-rummage-sale-who-needs-some-stale-crackers-and-lukewarm-soda?
We managed a trip or two back home. Gigi elected to stay a few days and waved us away happily.
I turned 30 (again, ahem).
And this kid. This kid.
She danced.
He played.
So did she, when she forgot she was a ballerina.
We got silly.
I channeled my elementary school friend and managed twin French braids.
(Lori, can you believe I managed it?!).
Gigi wasn't impressed: "But I didn't want French braids! I wanted Oklahoma braids!"
If you look closely, you'll see she has on Stuart Weitzman heels with her designer handbag and iPhone carrier. Her mother had a shoe and handbag habit in another lifetime.
It's a good thing she's not afraid to get dirty now and again, or I'd be worried about her aspirations.
When the boys are away, the girls will watch Frozen.
It's a nail biter.
And,
it never gets old.
We spent time on the water...
And shared a Coke with friends.
Mom and dad celebrated 12 years of marriage and 16 summers of togetherness.
Today, we said goodbye to our summertime highs (the lows don't get pictures, but trust me, there were a few); we say hello to our little Lutheran school; and, we welcome the routine that this brings.
Study hard. Play hard. Welcome back to school, kids!
