Last day of School 2023

Hooray for the end of school!

The school year is always the same for me, the beginning feels like it's dragging, but then before I know it, Christmas has come, January is a blur, and they've hit the halfway point and it's all downhill from there.  The back five months speeds along with no relief.

So, here we are, at the beginning of another summer, one more year in the books.  As much as I love the first day of school with its fresh paper and newly sharpened pencils, I sort of love the last day too, with its dirty backpacks stuffed with all manner of detritus, ripped binders, dirty shoes....as if everything prepared so carefully nine months ago has it's own unique battle scars to share.

Gabriel finished up his 4th grade year, and also wins the year for growth.  Not just physically (look how babyish and small he looks in his first day photo!!), but also mentally.  Two years ago we had a teacher share with us that he needed "help", but that was "all she could say".  It's been a weird few years of vacillating back and forth on whether or not he needed to be tested for said "help".  Two years later, he is focusing better, made the honor roll, and did splendid on his state exams.  Go, Gabey, Go!

Next year will be his last year of Elementary, and that will be it.  The last of my babies.  I'll go crawl in a hole and cry for a minute.

Oliver is plugging away in middle school, and next year will be his last in middle.  Oh gosh, he's going to high school. 

Hang on a minute, I'm going back to my cry hole.

He's been thriving so well this year that he's been recommended for honors, and I'm excited for him.  He's one smart little cookie, and I know he's going to crush it next year.  Meanwhile, he is dutifully awaiting his "growth spurt".  Also, I love his fashion sense.

Here's my little girl.  Oh my goodness, my rising Sophomore.  

Yep...back to the cry hole. 

Charlotte nailed this school year, which is really saying a lot because she had  A LOT going on, and really stretches herself in regards to her academics, extra curriculars, and social engagements.  She loves busy, and loves stuff, and loves learning.  She's made for herself everything I could have wanted for her and more.  To say I'm proud is an egregious understatement.

Really, as far as mental growth, I think she ties Gabe.  All you need is to look at those faces from first day to last.  She was SO nervous for her first day, and on the last day, it was all confidence and relaxation.  So proud of her.

These two.  Best friends forever.

Second mommy always corralling the littles.

Nailed it.  As usual.

And as far as everyone looking and smiling, this was the best I could do.  The sun was not our friend! I promise they aren't all blinking, it was just really sunny!

Later after school (and dinner) we went to Bruster's for our yearly end of the school year ice cream treat.  (I got this chocolate ice cream called something like women's chocolate dumpster--it was incredible!).  

I didn't take any photos because Dave couldn't come, and I was wrangling Chewie, but I always ask the kids what their favorite part of the school year was.

Charlotte's favorite part of the year was Marching Band season.  Totally fair.  We attended a few of the games, and I was able to watch Charlotte in the stands having the time of her life, and it was really fun to see.

Oliver's favorite part of the school year was field day (or the last day of school).

Gabriel's favorite part of the school year was his field trip to the IMAX.  They were able to go and watch a documentary about the space shuttle.  They also got a popcorn and a drink!  I wish I could have chaperoned, but I was in Miami for a wedding!

I like little rituals like this that sort of force me to take a beat and look around.  So much has changed, comparatively speaking.  Timewise, Oliver hid behind me, telling me what to order, terrified to speak to unknown grown-ups.  Now, not only did he order for himself, he ordered for me, and used my card and signed for it.

Any other day I probably wouldn't have thought much of it, because these changes happen so gradually I don't really notice them.  However, on this day of looking back and comparing them to last year, and the year before, and the year before.... the changes were brought into glaring relief.

I'm happy for them, for their growth, their changes, and everything that is wonderful about them.  I'm also a little sad for me.  Is that ok?

I hope it's ok.