We survived! By proof of my used to be 1st grader’s shoes (yes – that’s scotch tape you see dangling from the tattered velcro) school is officially out for the summer! I’m sure at some point when I have the energy I will post all about the past week’s festivities. Or maybe not. Maybe I will subconsciously block it all from my mind forever and pretend it didn’t happen. Either way, at this point I only know one thing. We are sleeping in tomorrow. And I’m not packing lunches. And the girls’ hair will not be done. And neither will mine. And we may or may not get out of our pajamas (just knowing we have the option makes me all tingly inside). And that was more than one thing, wasn’t it. That was a lot of things that when combined together all equal one word – SUMMER TIME! That was more than one word, wasn’t it.
I’m feeling a letter coming on…
Dear Summer,
While you certainly have your drawbacks and are by no means perfect, this year especially you have been calling my name. I usually crave a schedule, but frankly this year – I am over ours. I have been looking forward to you for so many reasons. Less driving, more time with my kids home playing together (and fighting together, but that’s another thing I’m subconsciously blocking from my mind and pretending won’t happen), less alarm clock, more popsicles, less messes and piles, more purging and packing, less homework, more creative play, less activities, more sunscreen, less rushing, more relaxing. You are also special to me this particular year because you are our last summer together in this home. The first home Kenny and I have owned together. The place I brought all of our babies home to. You will also hopefully be (fingers crossed) the first piece of many happy summers to come in our new home. So yes. I am extremely excited about you this year summer. Thanks for finally arriving. There were so many times I didn’t think you ever would.
Your friend (at least in the beginning),
Erin
**The girls and I usually brainstorm together to come up with a fun Summer to-do list. I didn’t do one this year because it would simply say: BUILD, PACK, MOVE. :) But here is our 2011 list if you are already a couple of weeks into summer and have completely used up all of your good summer activities and you are about to go out of your mind CRAZY with the kids home all day. (Been there. Done that. Bought the t-shirt.) And there is no doubt in my mind it’s on the horizon for us again this year too. Just one more thing I’m subconsciously blocking from my mind and pretending won’t happen.
What a fun post. I love summer. I know you super excited about this one. The time is drawing near for you guys to move into your new house. How Fun!
Hope you have time to cherish the most fun time of the year. Tell your mom I said hi! :).
Have a fun weekend,
Cathy.
P.S. I used the word fun a lot. To tired to change it….lol :)
LOL You are too funny Erin with the scotch taped shoe! My daughter has a pair of shoes & theres a hole forming at the toe & she put them on the other day & pointed the hole out to me & I said “Its ok, theres only a week left of school they will last” LOL !
My kids go till the 25th :( Too many snow days this year so summer is later for us. Enjoy your summer with the kiddos ! :)
YAY summer! I so needed a break from school, both as a teacher and as a mom. So far this summer, I have followed your advice and every day I have fixed a fruit and veggie tray for late afternoon snacking. My kids love it! So thanks for the idea and thanks for writing a blog where moms can get simple, practical advice and ideas for their families! Have a great summer!
Any tips on getting your kids to sleep in? I cant seen to keep my kids from waking up at 6am every morning!
What a great idea, writing out everything you want to do! I think we’ll try it. My son can’t input yet but I think I know what he’d put on the list.
-get our own sandbox
-bubbles!
Having a summer to do list is a great idea. Hanna
What a sweet post. Praying you all enjoy your last couple months in your current home. I know you all will create many more wonderful memories in your new home as well, but it is bittersweet to leave your first home you shared together. Have a wonderful Father’s Day Weekend.
I could have written this post, exactly how I feel this year! I cleaned out backpacks and put all the papers away and don’t want to see them until fall! We are not even doing many camps or activities this year- I’m just over all of it.
Enjoy your time off!
Each and every summer my to do list is:
SURVIVE
Wow your summer is just now starting!! My kids have been out since May 17th! Props to you for making it through those last few weeks, I know they are rough! Have a happy and safe summer! Love from New Jersey -Katie
Oh my God, did you seriously write a letter to “Summer”. LOL ;) Love it! We are still counting down the days. Cakes last day in June 21st and her school is in Laguna so I drive 45 minutes there and back every day to pick her up. I can’t wait until its ooooooover!
Love this post! Just calm and peace and all things serene. Summer = mostly happy :-)
Hi Erin.
Love!!
Thanks everyone!
Cathy – my mom says hi! The two of you would get along famously. :)
Hi Reenie! Snow days aren’t quite as fun when you’re making them up! I totally remember that when I was teaching in VA. Hang in there. :)
Jennie – I’m so happy you are doing the veggie tray! Thanks for such a sweet comment!
Laura – El and Kole were up just after 6:00 this morning too! AHHH! I swear they only wake up early when we don’t have to! So sorry. No tips in that department. Let me know if you figure it out!
So fun to hear from you all! Thanks for the sweet comments! And hang in there if you are still ending the school year. I feel your pain! :)
This is hilarious – I feel the EXACT same way. I know summer can be endless, hard, hot, tiresome, and without Monday school days to look forward to; but I am SO READY to have a different routine. Or no routine, as you so perfectly stated : )
Congratulations on finishing!! And good luck with the move … can’t wait to hear more!
So true. I love the seasons. Have a wonderful summer!
What an endearing post! I love being able to read about your house coming along. We watched our home be built from the ground up also =)
Oh my gosh, we had a field trip to Julian the second to the last week of school – the next day I was catatonic. As much as motherly possible, I sat on the sofa and avoided moving. These last few weeks of school have completely burned me out! But its over!!! YAY!