I feel like I'm wrapping up summer's loose ends.  The first day of school came and went, but it was missing the back to school buzz...that electric feeling, knowing you are a clean slate, capable of absolutely anything this school year! Even 20 years later, I still feel that way when I drop my babies off at the front door every year.  School doesn't start until 9:40 am  this year.  9:40 does not provide the warm morning light or the crisp clean air.  9:40 in late August is hot, and the only real feeling we kept having was "is it time yet?"  The girls were up and ready by 7:30am, but there was no parade of parents and kids walking past our door, talking excitedly, no school buses or minivans whizzing by our front door.  Our community school is only 2 blocks from our home, we have the best seat on the parade route.  And as the morning drug on, I had to close the windows because it was too HOT outside to keep them open  ((sigh.))   First day of school photos saved the day, in a big way.  All minor disappointments were forgotten once Autumn dutifully positioned herself in front of the "back to school" tree....and smiled an award winning first day of school smile for her momma.  

And not to be outdone...my baby girl did a number on my heart too.

Summer's loose ends...like a sick baby.  Liam has spent the entire summer sick or teething (I'll take sick over teething every time.)  I got to play hookie from work two days this week to cuddle with my baby boy.  Pink eye, sore throat, fever & molars. 

Even in the middle of that crap sandwich, we smiled.  He has a little smile on there.

Other summer loose ends...weekend fun with the best Aunt and Uncle ever.

Sooooo true.

And of course barefoot, walks to the park.

Double fisting the fruit bars!

Creative ways to water the dog.

And finally...the annual day at MOA, compliments of Sponge Bob Grammy Pants.

Traditionally, school doesn't start until after the holiday weekend.  This year they started the week before, which threw us off.  School felt like a cruel joke last week.  It was too hot and 9:40 isn't a school start time, it's brunch after church.  Coming out of this "holiday weekend" feels like coming out of an itchy sweater, the kind your mom  makes you wear for school photos in September.  This week is the real deal.  Even the weather is cooperating, highs in the mid 60s low 70s.   I'll keep the back to school photos from last week, but that is it.