Bittersweet

I've always had a love-hate relationship with this time of year. I LOVE summer. But I love fall, too. I always loved school, but was always terrified at the start of the year. This year, I'm so ready for my kids to be back in school and to have a break from each other, but I hate that I'm going to have to wake them up and rush them through mornings.

This summer was the best we've had in a while. Two years ago, my Dad died in early August. Last year was a great summer, but a stressful one, with our big move and all the transitions that brings. This year, we were settled, thankfully, since it was the first summer since 2009 that I was working full time. That took some doing, but all in all, it was a really good summer. The kids had a ton of fun and made so many good memories.

One of the awesome things about this summer was the multiple reminders of what rockingly awesome support system my Mom has around her. On her AHEM (milestone) birthday, August 8th, we threw her a party in Long Island, and a bunch of her friends came down for the weekend. These people, most of whom have been in our lives since around the time I was three, made the effort to travel to Long Island to celebrate my Mom, and they were all beyond happy to do it. They have embraced her, in the past two years, in ways we couldn't have anticipated, and I know I speak for my siblings as well as myself (and my Dad) when I say that I am grateful beyond words.

It was a summer of personal growth for me. In addition to working full time, I ran my first 7 mile race. It. Was. Awesome. Hard, really hot and humid, and awesome. I can't wait to do it again. Hopefully in less painfully slow fashion.

After finishing his MBA, E started a new job. It's a really big change (although within the same company) for him, and just the new challenge he needed, I think.

So, it's a bittersweet night around here, as we anticipate school starting tomorrow.