The first day of fall isn’t until September 23, and already I’m seeing pumpkin flavored promos. And while I desperately want to cool off from these 99 degree temps, I’m honestly not ready for summer to end.
Yes the kids have fought a bit too much.
Yes sometimes I craved adult only time.
Yes I lost it more times than I can count.
But still,I’m not ready for summer to end.
Our youngest starts preschool three days a week next week, and I can’t wrap my head around not having someone home with me every day. Not having someone to talk with and play with. Not having a partner to run errands with. I know it’s just three mornings per week, but for 5 hours a day someone else will be teaching her. Helping her, influencing her, and nurturing her when she needs reassurance. She’s our last baby, officially going to school.
Not to mention she seems to have morphed this summer into a daring little girl. Using the potty by herself, choosing big girl cups over sippy’s, and even learning to dress herself.
I’ve loved playing Palace Pets this summer, doing puzzles, swimming, and visiting the library with her. I’ve cherished sleeping in a bit, and cuddling on the couch together each morning. Soon it will be harried mornings, rushing to get two kids off to school, and the days of staying in our PJ’s until 10:00am will be long forgotten.
I know it sounds silly to some, but I’m simply not ready for summer to end.
Then there’s our oldest about to enter first grade in two weeks. She’s hardly even noticed me this summer as she plays so independently now. Creating art projects, making jewelry, reading on her kids Nook…I’m shocked at how much she has grown up these past few months. She’s lost three teeth, her voice is an octave lower, and she’s cut her hair super short because it makes her look for “sophisticated”!
Even though she’s growing a little bit away from us, she’s still there every afternoon for a cuddle. I know she’s ready to meet her new teacher and start a brand new school year filled with adventures, but I’m not ready to let go. Not just yet.
So instead of focusing on what is to come in these next few weeks, we’ve chosen to savor what little we have left of summer. We still have our bucket list which includes the beach at sunrise, the movies, and a day trip to the Keys, and somehow we will find a way to fit these in. We are soaking up every last second that we can, and I’m trying to focus solely on our girls because these moments are disappearing far too quickly.
I know I’m in the minority as most parents can’t wait to send their kids off to school! They need a break, to have sanity saving alone time, and trust me I get it! But before we know it we’ll have too much of that time on our hands when our kids are off in college. When we’re empty nesters left at home with a big hole in our hearts.
So if you need me, I’ll be here with our joyous little girls. Shopping, playing, laughing, swimming, having sleepovers and dance parties, popping popcorn, and baking cupcakes. Savoring all that remains of summer.
If you liked this post, then please read Why We Are Doing Nothing This Summer.
I feel the same way. We’ve been having a blast the last couple of days. My kids are excited to be going back to school and I am happy that they aren’t dreading it but sad that they are so ready at the same time.
I know exactly what you mean! Shelby turned 4 and will be going to preschool 5 days a week! They are growing up too fast!
Yes for sure, enjoy this time! I cried buckets when our school started and the first few days were so weird without everyone around. I love summer, just like you! But…. you know how I love pumpkin 🙂
too funny! i just did kinda the SAME THING today – but we are already BACK in school!
I LOVED yours…great minds!
I hate the end of summer, always have. My oldest started high school this past Monday and my baby goes to middle school this coming one.
It is back to the grind and I am just not ready for it either.
Wow high school? I can’t even think past first grade…I’ll cry!
What a wonderful take on the end of summer. Mine I wrote this week was a flip of this. But I still have a little one home whom I am eager to savor.
This brought tears to my eyes!
Awww I’m sorry! Didn’t mean to make anyone sad, I’m just wishing we had more time. Isn’t that want everyone really wants though?
I am so right there with you. I am not ready for the next school year, the next steps and milestones. I want to continue status quo – and enjoy it!
What a sweet post! I get it though…we are so ready for them to grow up, but when they do we want to hang on as long as possible. There are waking moments we want to pass, but in those alone moments we miss them.
You’re a good mama. I feel the same way, though I don’t know if I did enough with mine this summer. I feel a bit of mommy guilt. We still have two weeks,,,,
I ached every step of the way through it. My oldest goes to preschool this year, my youngest next year. While I’m so excited for my little BIG girl, I realize this is the beginning of the end of having her home full-time and my heart breaks a bit. Your grade one girl is so sweet with her three missing teeth and sophisticated hair! I love how you’re savouring every last bit of summer even if it is 99 degrees <3
Pssst, I don’t want this summer to end….. This one above all will be a hard one. Each summer has rolled around and we have PACKED a life time of living outside into it. This summer is bitter sweet, as I saw all my friends kids start to go back… Next week my oldest goes onto her next phase in life… College….. 🙁
I am so excited for her, but boy is my heart breaking… I cry at the drop of a hat. We were driving the other day and laughing and a song came on and I took one look at her and the tears rolled.
So I am with you on this one. I don’t want summer to end either….
xoxoxo
Awe. This is such a sweet post. I’m really going to miss my oldest, who starts all day kindergarten this fall. I think I’m in denial about him being gone all day every day. I’ll still have my twins to keep me company, but it will be strange. We’re trying to squeeze everything in too.
They grow up way too fast so savor every day, even the harder ones. We home school our big crew, but I’m about to drop one off at college nine hours away. It seems like just yesterday that he and his older brother were just starting out in kindergarten and first grade at our dining room table. Enjoy the rest of summer!
My 2nd grader went back to school over two weeks ago!! Our summer came and went so fast but I’m chosing to be grateful that it felt so fast because it was so full of great experiences. We traveled and spent more time with family than I think we ever have so I’ll reluctantly take the trade off!! :o)
Wow that’s early!!
I am right there with you! Although, I know BIG changes are going to be happening for me come fall, so I want to hold on to all the time I have with my one little guy. I know what you mean about all the changes that happen over the summer. I’m amazed at how much my son has grown in such a short amount of time. Your little girls are just so precious!
No, I’m with you! I don’t want to the summer to end! Really, really didn’t. We started school in north Atlanta on the 6th! Can you believe that? And it’s till so hot, and I want more lazy time. It’s already crazy.
I’ll be in Atlanta Monday night for Hampton! Wish I had time to meet you!
I’m really with you.
The heat and the kids squabbling drives me nuts, but I’ll sob when summer ends. We still have a summer bucket list to complete, or nearly complete! I’m still working hard on it, even until the end.
Des changed a lot this summer too! Three-year-olds!
Totally brought tears to my eyes! My youngest is also starting preschool – had her first day today and I cried the whole way home. My oldest doesnt start 4th grade (FOURTH GRADE) until next week, so she was sitting next to me in the truck all like “mom, wth?”
I love, love, love that you are taking some time to savor what’s left of summer! I feel like it went by WAY too fast for me this year!
Oh, I definitely understand how you feel. Our summer went by way to quickly. So glad you got to embrace some of it at least, and best of luck to your girls on preschool and first grade!