Goodbye Harbins!

It is with mixed emotions that we faced the last week of school this year.

Excitement: The school year is finally over. We didn't drop the parental ball too many times. Both of our kids passed with flying colors. The last day "lunch on the lawn" brought all of the anticipated joy that we have come to expect and enjoy. Class parties served the same melting icecream sundays as last year (I guess it's a little bit of an over statement to say we were excited about that part), but the energy was in the air non-the-less.

Savannah and Allison gettin' their groove on the lawn

Alyssa and Emmie have worn the same outfit on the last day of school for the past 3 years!

Anxiety: Savannah has just completed her final year of elementary school. I'm not sure I'm mature enough to be the mother of a middle schooler. I'm not sure she knows what she's in for. Middle school is a whole new ball game. Not to mention a whole new COUNTY!

Table decor for Savannah's Graduation Party!

Listfullness: (is that even a real word?) Watching Savannah cross the stage at the 5th grade graduation, seeing her kindergarten picture in the slide show, reading that her hopes and dreams are that she'll be a teacher after winning a gold medal in the olympics for gymnastics, remembering that my dreams were the exact same as hers.

Savannah's 5th grade class

Pride: being at the school during the last week of school privides lots of oportunities for teachers, other adults at the school and friends to tell each other what they think about our kids. It is at times hard for me to keep my emotions in check when those that I respect express to me how much they love and appreciate my girls.

Savannah with her Focus teacher Mrs. Newton

Shock: I am continually shocked at how cruel little people can be to each other. It's also shocking to see how fast kids catch on to who the mean ones are but continue to endure the behavior instead of moving on to new kind friends. It would be even more shocking to find out it was my own child that is the mean one. I hope that will never be the case.

Allison, Makenna, & Savannah

Audrey and Alyssa have been best buddies for 3 years

Gratitude: My kids have always been placed with REALLY great teachers. Mrs. Inglett loves both of my girls. She has learned that Alyssa is an honest, trustworthy little girl. When she's going to be gone for the day, she tells the sub to ask Alyssa if she has any questions. She told me at the class party how she admires Alyssa for sticking to what she believes in. Alyssa is not a blend in girl. She does what she wants to do even if she has to go it alone. Mrs. Inglett recognizes this as a very valuable trait. As long as she's making good choices and sticking to those, I agree. Ms. Headley has been very good for Savannah this year. Savannah needed to be away from all the girl drama of the past 3 years. Ms. Headley's class was the perfect place. When Savannah got her Herbts Ms. Headley was so understanding and compassionate toward my baby. I knew that if Savannah needed ANYTHING she could give Ms. Headley a nod and they'd be having a pow-wow about what she needed to be more comfortable.

Savannah and Ms. Headley

Anticipation: I love having my whole family at home. Sure, it's stressfull. Sure, it's busy. Sure, it's the way it should be. All of us working together to get the job done, love each other, and have a lot of fun in the process.

It's Summer!