Summer draws to a close

I have heard that we appreciate things more when they are temporary, when we know that soon time will take them away.  If it was always summer, it would not be so exciting and special.... but it still seems hard to face the end.  Maybe one year we could have an experiment and see what happened if we let summer vacation last a bit longer?  Granted, I am tired.  Kids are exhausting!  But I find that I am dragging my feet more than any of the kids about going back to school and resuming "normal" life.  

Here are just a few beach shots from New York.  As often happens, I did not take many pictures and will have to rely on the photography of my mother for the summer.

Noella got some big news when we came back: She moved up to the 4 year old classroom.  An awful lot earlier than we expected.  She is, of course, very ready to move up and had no problem whatsoever with the transition.  She is already letting us know how very mature she is.  It seems like it could have some nice effects, as apparently "All Stars are ALWAYS helpful."

Mariel started 1st grade today, and is just as thrilled to be moving up in the world.  She is really looking forward to learning to read more and, of course, her favorite "subject" of recess.

The girls had fun last weekend posing in their matching dresses and new matching rain boots (which do require it to rain to become useful... but I am hoping).  Their disgruntled brother really was only interested in sweeping and kept trying to shove them out of the way.

And so the summer draws to a close... and back to work and school we go.  I will try to catch some of the enthusiasm of the kids!