Last Day of School

I haven't updated in a month...typical. We got into a good school routine in the latter part of April. It wasn't always easy but the boys pushed through and did well. I think we all liked having a routine and knowing what to expect every day. Under the surface though my anxiety was increasing with each day. I felt trapped, lonely, and still in disbelief. It's slowly getting better through prayer, self-help books, and podcasts. 

Yesterday was the official last day of school. I can't believe we have rising 7th, 5th, and 2nd graders! I don't know how the boys are growing up so quickly. Camden is proud of his first year in middle school, especially under the quarantine circumstances. He should be! He accepted responsibility for himself and his school work, both pre- and during the pandemic. He has enjoyed learning and takes school seriously. He's happy. His 6th grade year went so much better than I ever expected due in part to the amazing teachers he had who poured into him. Hudson has grown and shown his responsibility this year too. He came home every day and did homework without (too much) coaxing. He knew exactly what work he had to do at all times. He's smart and capable and I can't wait to see how he shines again next year. Rowan is our little mature man. He started in the GT program this year and just blows me away with everything his little brain can remember. He even knows things about other kids, like knowing which items belong to which kids that the teacher couldn't place. He loves learning, is an excellent reader, and is independent. We are so proud of all three of them! 

Now that it's summer break we are having to regroup and figure out our days again. This morning has been a whatever-you-want sort of morning filled with IPads and playtime. This afternoon we will go pick up Hudson and Rowan's school items. I was sad thinking about that last week but I think it's going to be so quick that I won't have time to feel anything. We picked up Camden's things on Monday and I didn't feel anything. Hudson is a little sad to be growing up (he'll be 10 next week!) and Rowan feels both proud and sad that 1st grade is over. I always get a little sad at the end of the school year but I think I felt all those feelings last week already. 

Things have started to open back up. Some things. I took them to Dollar Tree on Tuesday, just to get out and pick out some things for summer. Today I think I'm going to take them to Target for some groceries and birthday items. Of course we will wear face masks, only I will touch things, etc. I'm sure I'm not "supposed" to be taking them but they are going crazy staying home. We have done a lot of hiking on weekends, parks with trails during the week, have gotten ice cream, and played outside in our yard. We even went to our Blue Ridge cabin the first weekend in May. But these boys need some normalcy. I need some normalcy. So off to Target we go! With lots of hand sanitizer...