Hi all,
The end of the school year always bring such mixed feelings for me. One the one hand, I love to see the kids so excited about the summer just getting ready to unfold in front of them. On the other hand, there’s a whole summer to fill. Yikes. But it always ends up being lots of fun. And this summer we had a whole lot going on.
First up was a trip to Jville to visit Auntie Carson and family. We had a great time swimming in their pool, playing outside, fishing, going to the beach. Basically, I let the kids do whatever they felt like so I could soak up my time with my good friend. I’m pretty sure they lost some brain cells with the amount of Mine Craft they played and I know they drank every single juice box in the house. What evs. We all had fun. Wish we were closer and could do it more often.
The following weekend was the Cub Scout camp out- Rin’s first camping experience. He informed me that he ate 16 s'mores and didn’t sleep because he was scared of bears attacking his tent. Poor guy came home exhausted. I was sad that his first camping experience was without me (Peter took him) but that's alright because he had fun and he came home all smiles. And really, it was nice to be able to spend a night focusing only on Aibek. We hung out and ate dinner together and he didn't get interrupted by super talkative Rinat every two seconds so I got to hear everything going on in his little head. I snuggled in bed with him extra long because I didn't need to also tuck someone else in. But it was such a strange feeling when I came up to bed late at night and Rin’s room was empty with the door wide open. Soooo weird. Surreal almost. Like the Twilight Zone or Invasion of the Body Snatchers. I don’t know, it was just a weird flash forward to when he goes to college (I know, I’m being overly dramatic but I can’t help it) and it made me both sad for me and happy for him because I knew he was having fun and I know that it’s good that he’s comfortable without me. I have raised him to be independent and that’s what he is being. It’s good for him to not need me (I’ll keep reminding myself).
But then sometimes I see that little bit of him that still needs me. We had a talk about next year and he told me that he is nervous about second grade. He's heard 2nd grade is harder and he is scared that he gets too distracted to learn everything he’s going to need to learn. I however am glad that this very emotional and difficult year is done. I know he will be successful even if he doesn’t. And I know that he has a wonderful future ahead. He might not enjoy every second of his education but I do know that he loves to learn and that- by far- is the most important.
And also during that chat, Rinat told me about how I should come be a teacher at his school because one of the 2ndgrade teachers is leaving. And he would want to be in my class. It would be so awesome and I would be the best teacher ever. So sweet. I just love that kid. He and I butt heads A LOT but it warms my heart to know that he doesn’t hold it against me. And the other way around too of course. I tell him that every single night- even after we have gotten into a fight right before bed- that I come in and tuck in his covers so he doesn’t get cold and give him a kiss while he sleeps so that he can sleep soundly and have good dreams. I adore that sweet little sleeping boy of mine.
And it was the end of school for Bek too and his end of school party was so fun. There was a bouncy castle and face painting and arts&crafts and lots and lots of friends to play with. Everyone just loves my sweet little chunk. His teacher even offered to come babysit him anytime or meet for a playdate over the summer. It’s nice to know that I send him off every day to a place where he is loved.
And the end of Rin’s year meant the end of Beck the school patrol. We will be so sad when he is not there next year. In the mornings he is in the kiss&ride loop to help the kids get out of cars. I love to roll the window down so Aibek can yell "Hey Beck!" and wave fanatically as we drive past. It's so cute. I mean how many Bek's can there be in the world?
And here we are officially into summer. God do I hate the heat but I do have to admit that I love it means that it is pool season. Give me a pool and I am a happy camper. It makes this time of year bearable. Some people are beach people. They love the sand and the sound of the waves but I much prefer the calm of the lake or the clear coolness of the pool. Unfortunately ours is closed for the summer. Aaaahhhhkkkkk!!!!! Thank goodness for sprinklers.
Keep cool. Love to all, -m
