We are racing headlong into another summer break. The beginning of summer is intoxicating, lush greenery and delicious warmth, all that Vitamin D streaming into our bodies. The beginning of beach season, of sleep-in season, vacations on the horizon. This time of year is full of endings, too-- and all the emotions that come with the close of the school year. Especially this year, it seems, with our boy preparing for the move to middle school (!) and both kids so very grown up. The speed of time increases with their height, it seems. Didn't I have babies in my house not so long ago?
A recap of these past few busy-wonderful weeks:
A trip to the theater! We thoroughly enjoyed a production of Aladdin- tremendous staging, marvelous costumes, familiar characters and music. The kids were entranced. (so was I!)
They also loved getting snacks at the concession bar. I mean, who doesn't love a pretzel the size of their head?
Then, on Wednesday-- more exciting performances! First up: Ivy's final observation night of rec ballet. It is unbelievable that she is aging out of this sweet little program. It seems like only a moment ago she was not-yet-three, little round belly in her leotard and soft toddler hair in a bow.... I will miss our Wednesday nights, chatting with neighbors and running on the track and watching my girl love her hour with Miss Beth.
She's made some sweet friends in the program!
And Miss Beth really is the best! I love watching her bring out the best in each girl.
Then, off to Jack's final concert at Boulevard! Not only was he the sole trombone playing at the evening concert, but he surprised me with his participation in a quartet! So proud of my brave boy. He has come so far. It seems like only a moment ago HE was a round faced five year old, terrified to be left in kindergarten... now, confident and competent and so so tall! These years have just gone too fast.
Here's that big boy, chasing the girls on the playground after the concert. When did THAT happen?? It was a soft, warm spring night on Wednesday and we could have stood outside soaking up our neighborhood for hours...
..
...but we had celebratory ice cream to get! Picadilly in the slanting evening sun...
Some of our views over the past few weeks....
Chickens! These ladies are back to laying-- I think they are as grateful as we are for the warmer weather. The baby chicks have moved to an outside "mini-coop"-- they are fully feathered now and will be ready for their new homes soon...
Friday night campfires...
The end of spring swim team... and looking ahead to the start of summer season! The kids are excited to try their skills in a few meets. They are not so excited about the impending 8:15am start time for summer practice.
The beach! A few last "pre-season" days at Edgewater before the place gets crazy...
Ivy's much anticipated performance at Youth Sunday at Disciples. So sweet.
More beach! Technically still "pre-season" this weekend but you wouldn't know if from the crowds!
Also-- our puppy can swim! She doesn't seem to *prefer* swimming exactly-- but if deposited in deep water she will swim, smooth and easy, right back to shore!
Hikes in the Metroparks...
This is the moment when Jack, after dipping his head in the stream (its been a HOT weekend!) flung water back onto his sister. This is also the moment when a very long, sad hike back up the hill started. Ivy does not deal with the combination of heat, hunger and adversity very well...
Winter enjoyed herself very much, though.
And Ivy rallied with some sprinkler time back home.
Outdoor Sunday at church-- the much-anticipated snow-cone truck. Jack and Ivy have discovered that they are fans of root beer floats...
I love seeing them make new friends at this little church. Growing up, my little youth group at Trinity was such an important part of my life. A support system, a "third place" where I could be myself outside of school and away from parents. I hope that my kids can find that place here.
More beach! Rocky River this time. The water is high, and cold-- but other than that it could be July out here!
Dinners on the porch...
Race season! Jack and I ran in the University Heights Memorial Day run today. No PR's or awards for us in this heat, but at least we persevered. And lost some water weight.
Playdates in the backyard....
... and picnics with friends.
Our wonderful hosts for the afternoon. Thanks for letting our kids run wild in your yard, and for feeding us yummy grilled meat!
Happy Memorial Day! Next week, we say goodbye to 2nd grade, 5th grade, and this whole crazy 2017-2018 school year. In spite of everything, its been another good one, and I am sorry to see it end. Even as I cant WAIT for summer to begin!
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