First Day of Summer Vacation

Carter doesn't let a few raindrops ruin his hammock happiness. He just pulled it up off the grass onto the deck and made himself quite comfortable and dry under the canopy. Lemonade anyone?

Kinda Happy Kinda Sad

That's what Ronan said to me yesterday on his birthday. He was thrilled, of course, that it was FINALLY his 10th birthday and anticipating a certain DS game...which rules his life these days. But he said he is sad that school is ending because Mrs. Lydecker is "the best teacher I ever had". And boy I agree.

Teachers have personalities just like kids. And every kid needs something different from a teacher. In 4th grade with Mrs. Lydecker, Ronan learned how to be a student, take direction and know consequences. He learned how to quilt and what the inside of a geode looked like. He learned about the Pilgrims and the Mayflower and that Wyoming is home to the first national park in America, Yellowstone! And he told me that before he dies he wants to see the Aurora Borealis. (He's not dying).

So mister dog, enjoy this sweet calm. In just a few hours, it's game on for the next 2 1/2 months ; )

Go Forth Young Man

We made it through finals, graduation, prom and all that pomp and circumstance. He won both the Math Award and Band Award, prouda you, kid! Then the high school graduate headed off to his chosen school for course selection for a couple of days. For the first time he flew alone, navigated a transfer, found the Amtrak station, found the college bus and stayed alone in a hotel. I guess he's not a little boy anymore.

(actually I can still remember the absolute thrill two girlfriends and I had at 18 years old going to DisneyWorld for a week after high school - however when I think of where we stayed - right next to the Baskin-Robbins, not so great!)

So he leaves the Red&Black high school colors behind and jumps right in to Orange&Navy his new college colors. What a mom to do if Orange isn't her color? I will have to figure something out!