Late To Summer

Escaping the reality of school days with the freedom of Summer break really is one of the most bittersweet times of parenthood. Not only have I come to learn this about parenthood, but I've also realized it with the children I've grown to love over the course of the school year. When you're in a preschool class and have children for more than one year, your love for them grows beyond measure. With this year being my second year, I really learned once again how much I love children in general.

This school year literally kept me on my toes from keeping up with surgeries, to my Dad's illness, to the transition of fourth grade for Charli girl. But I could never be more thankful for a rewarding position that lets me be in the school with both of my children. 

Next year will be incredibly bitter sweet in all that we experience with this being Bryar's last year of preschool. I'm not sure how we'll survive school life of being separated, but of course it will be time for little bear to adventure into Kindergarten. 

As you can see there is never a dull moment with this little character. He's learned so much, and his speech has jumped leaps and bounds throughout this year. While we hope to make even more progress this summer while we're home making memories together, I'm loving being able to witness his first experiences with school. 

Boy, are we glad to have the transition of fourth grade past us. It was a lot of ugly, and a lot of great too. Charli Beth has really developed into her own little person but is still insanely passionate about the things she cares about - animals. 

While I don't see her as often as Bryar in the school building, it's pretty great to run into her. I'll always remember this year being the time she was not too old, or too cool to grab me and give me a kiss no matter who is around. She's multiplied friends, and found love in all new things. 

She may not have celebrated being Leader of the Month, or honor roll every nine weeks and that's okay. I'm actually more proud of Charli than I've ever been. Through the struggles, the let downs and the time spent trying her heart out she built character. I hope that I always remember how my parenting style isn't one of perfectionist moments, but one of making sure my children give their best in everything I do - someone remind me of this will I let them create art projects. 

Our Summer has been a slow go, and we are pretty empty on the bucket lists of items to do. But the most important thing I know we will accomplish is making memories with family.