My eldest moved out on his own, helped with orchestra camp, and played in the community orchestra. The second oldest worked numerous jobs this summer from concessions, to warehouse work, to now throwing pizzas at an Italian restaurant. He too was in strings camp. Then he and the oldest son traveled on their own to New Jersey to visit friends, and spend the day in New York City. One of their friend's aunts is a CNN anchor! Oh, yeah, they certainly did sit behind the desk on the set! Kiddo number three, was as normal, the busiest kid! Following strings camp, he had multiple sports camps. Lacrosse, Power Skating to improve his hockey game, Hockey camp, to improve his game, and a pre-tryout camp--you guessed it--to get on the team. He went bike riding and hiked the mountain outside the front door multiple times. Thanks to big brother, he too has landed a job in the restaurant, so he too is a working boy. Lovey number four did a theater camp and performed in the Lion King. Then he interviewed to be a Playologist at the Children's Museum (and it was a real interview process), where he got the job and volunteered each week. And the baby...well...he likes to take it easy! He played in strings camp, but then he took the summer off! Seriously, he enjoyed each day as it was meant to be. An occasional bike ride and Tuesdays having lunch and fun with grandma. That was his agenda.
Thursday morning, we shuttled them off to school. One is all grown up. One in his senior year, two in their freshman year, and one entering seventh grade. For the first time in fourteen years, I didn't have anyone to drop off at the elementary school.
I think they were all happy to be getting back into a normal routine. And the treat of the morning was their daddy was here to get them all up, take some to school, and he's off to pick them off. He's currently "retired" as I call it. But the dream was for him to get to do these things for our kiddos and now we're getting to.
I think of the first day of school like the Mondays that I love. Fresh start. A chance to make it the best year ever! It's crazy to me how they all got this old. I know my mother always said it goes fast, I just didn't know she'd be so right. I love who they are becoming! Each one is starting to find themselves, and that becomes as thrilling as a new school year. It's been interesting too to see the friendships that have bloomed between students and teachers as they grow. They have continued to mold my children's lives even as they blaze into adulthood.
So this morning, I made them all lineup in front of the same garage door, all of those who live here. We took the photo that would be shared on social media with the masses. And now the countdown will begin to winter break, spring break, and inevitably graduation and summer break. Circle of life? I suppose it is. And here I am embracing every moment of it.
How did first day of school go for you? Are you excited about the new year?
<3 Bernadette Marie <3