Goodbye Summer, Hello School Days

Summer vacation ended with a trip to the local zoo and a neighborhood pizza party. Brantley convinced her friend Sara that someday they would be zookeepers together. Scott was content on watching the animals from the safety of the other side of the fences.

The first day of school was upon us and I found myself anxious and unprepared. The kids however remained unphased. As Tim and I drove the kids to school, I pictured the perfect Hallmark moment. Long embraces, heartfelt goodbyes, tears welling up...after all it was Scott's first day of his school career. He said earlier that he felt nervous so I thought of the words of encouragement I would offer, my smile and the excitement it would make them feel about a new school year. But... it was not to be.
Brantley took off with a friend without saying much at all. Then Scott ran into the building like a trooper. The nerve! I stood there wondering why neither of them told me how much they would miss me or why they didn't stay to hold my hand and wait for my hugs and kisses. The moment came so quickly and now it was over. But wasn't this a big deal? And then I realized...school is way more fun than hangin' out with Mom!

The first few days have been great for them and don't worry about me, I'm staying strong.

My poor sunglasses

We just spent a lovely day at the Jersey Shore where the kids body surfed, jumped in the waves and collected seashells. Scott had the best comment ever..."Ah this is all I need Mom. My lunch, the sand, some waves, and fresh air."
Tim had a great time playing in the waves with the kids and trying a little boarding himself.
I had a marvelous time with a surprise tsunami that sucked me up and spit me out on the rocky shore, but not before ripping my new sunglasses off of my face and taking them out to sea. Some might ask why I was in the ocean wearing sunglasses and my reply would be that I didn't think wading out to mid-thigh height was considered "in the ocean" but apparently I was wrong. The sad part is that it was the first time I bit the bullet and spent a little dough on some nice shades.
Figures!
Although our tans never really stuck this summer, we are on our last week of summer vacation and that really stinks. The kids, however, are looking forward to school and I just hope I can survive without them.