Come and Go

Summer is over.

Whaaaat?

Dallas went back to school today- he'll be leaving each day at 6:15AM, and will be home for dinner and then head down to the dungeon to finish homework until bedtime.  Nothing quite like reality hitting you in the face!  I'm going to miss his help with the children, but most of all I'm going to miss hanging out with him in the evenings.  Seinfeld just isn't nearly as funny without my best friend by my side.

The nice part about him starting school this semester is that we can see light at the end of the tunnel and we know it isn't a train.  Only 3 more semesters and we'll have a college grad in the house!  I'm so proud of him.  He's such a hard worker and he does it all without a complaint.

Will has kindergarten testing on Friday and then he will start class the Tuesday after Labor Day.  He is so ready.  We've talked about school and he's shared a bit of his worries with us.  He's worried that his teacher won't like him, and he's nervous that he won't know anyone and won't have any friends.  We talked about how all of the kids feel the same way, and he seemed to do a bit better.  Will puts on a tough exterior sometimes, but really he's such a shy boy.  I think I'm just as nervous for him to start as he is!

My Annie.  Well, she's definitely three.  Lately she's all about telling us "No."

Me:  Annie, will you go put your toys in your toybox?
Annie:  No.
Me:  Will you come give Mommy a hug?
Annie: No.
Me:  You need to go use the bathroom!
Annie:  No!

You get the picture.  She has been pretty defiant lately.  She has been having an especially hard time with transitions (ie- leaving a friend's house to come home).  She usually starts screaming and telling me she doesn't like me and she doesn't want to come home with me, so that's fun.

At the same time, she is still a sweetie.  She loves to snuggle and sing songs.  She has the funniest little growl voice that she will use sometimes that gets everyone laughing.  She is excited about learning and I'm excited to have Mommy and Annie "School Time" when Will is in kindergarten.  Lots of fun things are in her future!

As for me- I've been really enjoying my porch swing and Pace bars.  Nothing beats watching my kids play in the afternoon while I swing away.  My current favorites include chips and salsa, cucumbers, the band Mumford & Sons, and preparing for the upcoming Red Rock Relay at the beginning of September.

You know what I'm looking forward to?

Cool nights.
Jackets.
Norah Jones on my iPod.
Sunday morning family bike rides.
Shakespeare.
Night running.
SCHEDULES.

I love to see summer come, but I also don't mind to see it go, either.