Today was my kids’ last day of school.  They went to class for all of two hours.  It’s day that marks the end of one routine and the beginning of another.  The end of alarm clocks and the beginning of pajama mornings.  The end of rushing and the beginning of lazy days.  The end of class time and the beginning of family time.  The end of someone else teaching my kids and the beginning of my time to teach them.  The end of school and the beginning of summer.

It is a good day.

We try to make it special because it’s a big deal to spend a year learning things.  And my kids did fantastic this year.  They made new friends, they became helpers, they learned how to communicate and solve problems, they loved people and did their best work and showed compassion.  They treated people with respect.  They excelled.   I am so proud of how they’ve grown.

First Day of School, September 2010

Last Day of School, June 2011

When Shiloh and I picked them up we brought them each those balloons they ask for whenever we check out at the grocery store.  You know, those tiny ones on a stick.  They said “Congrats”.  I wanted to find ones that said, “I’m so glad you’re mine again!  Let’s do crazy things all summer!”, but they didn’t have those.

Leaving school for the last time this year, report cards and autographs in hand

Our first and last day tradition has become a highlight for my kids.  We celebrate these big days with donuts.  Usually I pick some up and leave one on their seat in the car for them to enjoy on the way home.  But I wanted to spend time with my kids, so we went to a local donut shop and they got to pick from the yummy selection.

Apple Fritter

Glazed Cinnamon Twist

Glazed (Their raised donuts were egg free!! Yay!!)

I could not believe how Plain Jane my kids were.  I got a Coconut Creme powered sugar concoction.  I’m a daredevil.  And it was fabulous.  Then we walked to Tully’s and got a coffee for mommy so Ellie could use the potty and my kids reveled in the freedom of summer.  What a glorious morning with no commitments, nowhere to go, no clock to watch, no hurry.

Makes me feel all wrapped up and snuggled tight in a down blanket of grace.  I want to shout my gratitude today.  In a happy way, of course.

136. Kids working in the garden

137. Loud and joyful restaurant laughter

138. Fancy hotels pillows

139. Waking on vacation with sun spilling in the window

140. Imagining Paris

141.  Having no where to go and no time to mind

142. Powell’s Bookstore

143. Children who smell like graham crackers

144. Lightening of loads lifted

145. Running around a tree

146. A bright moon in the morning

147. Trees blown wild in the wind

148. The smell of lilac in bloom

149. They are home, we are together

150. Reveling in summer’s freedom

This is going to be one fun summer...