The First day of School

Such a bittersweet day for me.

Two weeks ago, I was ready to ship the littles out of the house,

and back to school, without a second thought...

But, today my heart was nervous for them.

And the hardest part is trying to hide that.

Trying to be brave and remind them (and myself)

just how much we love school!

Because we do!

Until about 2:00pm.

Then I feel my hearts have been away too long and I am ready to have them back at home,

safely under my wing.

But we all braved forward and put on nervous smiles,

took the annual "back to school Picture"

And waited at the the bus stop with eager friends.

I thought this year would be a little easier, but it wasn't.

There were no tears, (at least not on their end).

But I managed to buck up and watch them jump up into the bus like little pros.

I watched them wave with cautious smiles through the window,

and wished them every ounce of goodness I possibly could,

and I waved back, smiling at how very proud I am

of the little people they have become and at the same time wishing they would just stay this way.

Such a bittersweet day, every first day of school.

My heart always hurts a little more when I watch their little worlds get bigger

and another day closer to becoming farther.

For them, the world on a string...



the farm.

One of my favorite places to go is to Tom's parents farm.

So many cool sights that we city kids don't often get the chance to enjoy.

You know, trees, fresh air, tractors...

It truly is simple pleasures.

And I know it sounds cheesey, but I love to watch them play.

Really play and explore and imagine.

(especially when they don't realize they are being watched)

It ALMOST makes we want to live out in the wilds somewhere.

(and then I come to my senses because where would the nearest Target be?)

We spent the whole day playing in the creek.

Bryn manages to find every possible deep hole and potential danger in the waters..

always wearing a smile too.

And this dog follows this girl. Everywhere.

Even the littlest one gets all excited about throwing things in the water.

And this girl finds remarkable details everywhere.

I love their desire to explore.

Fishing for minnows- "Bennett-style"

We walk aimlessly around the old barns.

They are almost ghostly old buildings that I think would have a lot to say if walls could talk.

And the kids walk around on their mission to find a barn cat or two.

(yes, even without their pants which happen to be getting dry from our swim at the creek)

Playing on the farm equipment is apparently much more fun than all the silly climbers we have in the city...

The whole motley crew, following their Dad like little ducklings.

That man can really keep their attention.

And it makes my heart all melty.

My boys.

The little and the big.

And after all the sticks and feathers and rocks that we bring back to their new home,

I always turn to find the proof of a good day.

One that will bring back memories when they are older.

Thank you farm.