New Chapter

These days there is a shift in the air:  cooler breezes, a hint of orange in the trees, earlier sunsets. 

We have lived this Summer to the fullest:  late nights, breakfast outside, sprinklers, visits to the farm, fruit picking, Cape Cod, outdoor movie nights.  Still, it's sad it's coming to an end. 

Sometimes I just wish it could be enough:  long enough, rich enough, content. 

This upcoming Fall feels like a new chapter for our family.  The very first time in nine years that I will have an empty nest (sort of).  Both my littles will be in school and the house will be quiet and still. 

I anticipate a mad rush in the morning and debates about homework and one very tired kindergartener.  But in between it will be just me.  It hasn't been "just me" for over ten years now because even before Riley was born, I was expecting her and she was with me for nine months.  So now, I'm on my own again, sort of.

It feels: scary, sad and bittersweet.  I'm happy to see my girls as they enter their very 1st year at this school (Sydney will enter kindergarten) and very last year at this school (Riley will be in the 4th grade).  This will be the only time they will both attend the same school together.  I am glad they will have this special school year together.  I'm grateful Riley will hold her sister's hand and walk her to her classroom.  I'm happy to know that they will have one another to start their days off and maybe cross paths in the halls or see one another on the playground every once and a while.

I plan to be there as much as possible and will do what I can to support, guide and love them each and every.  single.  day.  I have to remember these are new chapters for them too and for our family unit. 

It's an exciting time and I'm so proud of my two beautiful daughters as they begin this new chapter.

Happy First Day of school ladies!  You have raised one proud Mama!