Lighter

I felt much better after writing last night.  It wasn't an easy process and took longer than the length of the post reflects.  I kept editing myself and then finally just poured it all out.  I was sobbing to myself through most of it but by morning, I felt a little lighter.  It could be that a dose of catharsis isn't so bad after all.

The concerns are all still front and center but I feel a little less worked up about them.  I was thinking this morning, "Well, we've made it THIS far.  Surely we can keep pushing through, right?"  Sweet Baby Jesus, I really hope I'm right!

I began today with a bit of a headache which was threatening to enter migraine territory.  I had grocery shopping to do as well as back to school prep (forms!!) to get through and luckily the headache didn't escalate- it just kind of hovered for most of the day.  We had a BBQ to go to this afternoon and once we got there, the headache finally lifted and as of now (11pm), there are no headache symptoms.  Fingers crossed :)

The BBQ was at Mike's cousin's house and was so much fun.  Very, very kid friendly with lots of good food.  They really outdid themselves and if I ever have a big gathering like that, I will steal every idea they had.  Activities that made the party fun for all included:  one of those blow up water slide things, a bounce house, a jukebox, horseshoes, swing set/climber.  Then once it got dark, they had light up balloons, glow sticks, balls that flashed/lit up--- all just for fun and the kids LOVED it.

Tomorrow promises to be busy because Monday is the first day of school in our district!    So we will be filling up backpacks, making sure the uniforms are ready and charging camera batteries.  I will again be the crazy Mom who takes pictures of her kids getting on the bus and then frantically drives up to the school so I can get pictures of them getting off the bus.  This is especially important for Liam and his first day of Kindergarten!!  Although, to be fair, first grade is feeling like a big deal as well.

I like the idea of getting back into a routine.  But, oh Summer, I wish I could get you back!!

Riding a camel at the zoo.
Liam was a good sport about squeezing in with Chloe!

Kids riding "MAX" the camel

Beach fun in June!

Bumper boats at the beach (yes, the evenings were a little chilly!)

Mini Golf on an overcast day.

Beach pic with Mommy :)