Light Refreshments Served

We’re off to school, the schedule, and all of it, so it’s time to reflect on our fun summer.  I looked on the list we made at the beginning of the summer, and all things considered, I think we did a good job.  Like I predicted, there was a lot of “going to get ice cream” and we didn’t really ever “go hiking.”  I’m proud that we did “try to catch snakes,” but wish we would have “looked at the stars at night through a telescope.”  Since Topher’s been gone, the kids have been going to bed earlier and earlier in the name of getting ready for the earlier school schedule, but stars or no stars, self-preservation is self-preservation.

I’m glad my kids like school.  For the past two weeks, Phoebe has asked me, by tapping me on the arm and whispering in my ear, “Tell them I’m going to kindergarten soon!”  or “Tell them I’m going to school–a real school–for the first time!” to everyone from the bank tellers to the grocery checkers, to the random lady at Target today.  When I do, the strangers give an appropriate response that leaves her satisfied.  I thank them for that.  I pretend I’m just humoring my five year-old with a roll of the eyes and an apologetic “Oh, she’s just so excited for school!”  but I love it that she’s so excited and wants to tell everyone.  I can’t put my finger on it, but it reminds me of someone.

Back to School Night at the local elementary school signals the end of the season.  My kids go back to school on Monday, and it seems a bit early.  I’m having a hard time convincing Phoebe, a sparkling new kindergartner, that wearing wool tights, a long-sleeved black tee under a knit shift dress is probably not the best idea.  While I admire her commitment to fashion, I don’t think heat stroke is the best way to introduce her to the nurse’s office.  She should save that inaugural visit for something important:  a “headache” when there’s a substitute teacher, a “stomach ache” when the novelty of going to school wears off, or on “sloppy joe day.”  It should mean something.