The First Day of School!

                                 The day started out with giant pancakes and too much maple syrup.

 It was the first day of school for everyone, and it was truly a time for feasting and celebrating a new season in life!

We had breakfast at The Original Pancake House

John and I mingled with all the other families waiting outside that first day of school. When the time came for them to line up and file into the school building, we waved to our kids as they marched into the building and out of our sight.
They waved back at us with their crooked backpacks and big, excited smiles.
 And then they were gone.

All smiles for 2nd grade!

"Bye Mom!"

All around us Moms dabbed at their red eyes with tissue.
John and I turned to each other, "High five." Our hands met in the air;  another parent cheered for us.

Love these guys

I have to admit that if I completely let my guard down I could have shed a tear in that moment.
I had just sent all my kids off to elementary school.
From now until they leave our home as adults, they will always be subject to a school routine and calendar.
 It's a big life change. But a necessary one.

It is certainly a milestone and this changes life for us.
However, I. am. ready. 

The last five years...seven years...have been A LOT.

Evie  3 year old preschool class

Three Kinders and a 2nd grader!

I think back to those long, unstructured days of surviving...trying to pass the time amongst bottles, and diapers and piles of toys that light up and make sounds.

We are all smiles here on the outside... Inside, I was a ball of anxiety. 

We've been through so much.

So many days and hours of being consumed by these little humans.

By the end of this summer, there was tension in the air.
 It was a tension of expansion; a tension of readiness for the next thing. I could feel it  building and pulling...there was nothing left to offer these growing, inquisitive children of mine.
 It was time for them to launch into school.
  Oh was it time.
We plodded  through those final days of summer with the viscosity of asphalt. 

As John and I drove away that first school day in a quiet car, he said that he felt like we were doing something bad.
I agreed.
 Logically, the feeling was ridiculous: We were leaving our school aged children at one of the best private, Christian schools in the area with loving teachers and friends. 
However, we couldn't shake the feeling.

Perhaps it was guilt that life suddenly felt too good and too easy. 
We came home to a quiet house. Yes, there was work to be done; but, without the constant demand and chaos of the kids, everything was simple.
I cleaned up the kitchen and did some laundry.
John had a break in his day with his business calls, and we went on a run together.
 I was energetic.
I told John that I felt like everyone who passed me in their cars was smiling at me.
It was so different from yesterday when I was in Fred Meyer and I felt like everyone looked on at me with pity.
 The world was full of sunshine.
 I was in an impenetrable bubble of joy.

However, the day went fast, and before I knew it I was picking up my four tired children from school.

That first post school afternoon was rough. The kids were exhausted and overwhelmed, whether they admitted it or not.
We passed the time until dinner and then an early bedtime.

 I believe that this next season is going to be the best season for our family. I feel like I am going to be in a better head space personally and have a better life balance.
As a Mom, I have offered them everything that I can give them, and it's time for them to move on.

I believe that John and I will enjoy a sweet season of reconnection together.
I know my kids will learn and thrive in their school environment and with their friendships.
My heart is so happy.