Ahhhhhhh...Silence

  Here that sound? It's the absolute quiet of the first day of school! Yup another school year has begun and not a minute too soon. Both kids, though Alex would never admit it, were ready to go back. Not as ready as their mother was!

  I love my kids. Spending time with them is a privilege and joy. As long as it's in short bursts. And they are not together. Because like most brothers with a three year age gap, they don't particularly like each other. Even in the pool, which we thought would be the great peace maker, they argued over everything. Enough already.

  The nine weeks of summer break is seven weeks too long. I like the way they do it in some European countries where school is year round, with short breaks throughout the year. It would be horrible for daycare scheduling at first but we are a pretty adaptable group of people. Besides kids outgrow before and after school care quite quickly. Think of the benefits.

  Watching Alex leave this morning I was filled with nostalgia. I remember the four year old climbing up the stairs into the bus with a backpack that was bigger than he was. That same boy is six feet tall and in grade nine. How did that happen?

  Riley, who was in a stroller watching Alex's first day, is now in grade five and almost my height! He walked down to the bus stop with Dad this morning, excited and over joyed at seeing his friends again on a daily basis. The kid loves school and doesn't even try to hide it. I love that about him. Now if only he loved doing homework even just a little.

  I will enjoy the quiet tomorrow. With John home today we will relish a few hours spent without the kids. Tonight we will listen to all the stories and start to settle into a routine. Fingers crossed that will be easier than last year. 

  Enjoy your children. They grow so fast. Before you know it they are driving, getting jobs and moving out. But always, always, enjoy the first day of school for yourself. You made it through another summer break!

  Pop the champagne corks Deb, Kelly and Jen!

  Ang