I didn't even need a kleenex

Last Thursday was the last day of school. This is usually such a fun and festive day. And this year was no different. Emmie was SO excited that the last day was "Manager's Choice" day on the lunch menu. I overheard her excitedly telling Jack about how special that day is because the manager gets to choose the menu. I think she may have figured out the real secret of "manager's choice" when all she had for lunch was yogurt and a cheese stick. But she was all smiles anyway. I love this about her.

This year there was heightened emotional intensity on the last day since it was Tate's last day of elementary school. Ever. We are now parents of a middle schooler. Not that we are old enough for such a thing!

There was a promotion ceremony at the end of the day and I didn't even cry. Tate had told his teacher we were going to need a bowl for all my tears, but I proved him wrong. A wave of emotion flooded me as I realized we sat in that same room 6 years ago gathering for a Kindergarten Orientation, but still, no tears. I cheered for so many of these students that I have come to know and love over the years, namely the one who I gave birth to. I am notorious for not letting go of things. I am just so stinkin' sentimental. But this was a good day for me. I was able to celebrate the years he has had at this sweet school and look forward with anticipation to the next stage that awaits him. Even if it is a stage that involves him swatting my hand away when I try to hold his in public. He is becoming. And I don't want to miss out on it because I am too busy looking back on what used to be.

To celebrate, we had our annual School's Out party in the back yard to celebrate with some friends. The kids were in charge of decorations. Six rolls of crate paper later, we had a marginally festive back yard...

This time there was no elaborate menu planning. Just popsicles...

and ice cream sandwiches...


And for games, I went "all out". A palm tree pinata...

stuffed with leftover Halloween candy...

It was pretty low key as far as parties go, but the kids had a great time...

Consequently, so did the adults...

And now it's Monday. It's 10:00am and we're still in our jammies.

Ahhh...Summer is here at long last.