It's been a busy, eventful summer. One that I have not chronicled here. The daily activities of living in a house full of 5, along with work, have taken precedence over taking the time to write.
Gracie's 6th birthday came and went. She hosted a princess party here at our house, where all of the moms came in their best dresses and made up the girls' faces with makeup and nails with paint. My dad was in town so he was able to spend that day with her, although boys were not allowed for the first part of the festivities. It was good to see him and I know that it was important for him to be here, with her, on this day. Even though she might not think anything of it. Birthdays with family are always the best. Ange and the girl cousins drove down from Houston to make sure that was the case. I think she loved every minute of it.
Steph had her 20 year high school reunion, we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversay and I turned 1 more year older - that's 36. All in one week. We went to Houston to spend more time with the family, which, to me, was the highlight. There was so much going on in those few days that seeing and spending time with Steph's family made it feel right. There was always a home to come back to. I hope that is what our kids feel when they experience 20, 10, and 36. I can't believe those numbers. I am a lucky man to have been blessed with Stephanie, Gracie, Max and Nick, and our families for a good portion of those years. Time just flies and before you know it, you can see that the majority of your life is spent with people who make up a new family instead of the one you grew up with. Per se.
Gracie's meet the teacher night was interesting. Going from a private school that houses a couple of grades to a public school that houses 6 grades is a little overwhelming. Cox is a really nice school. The parents seem super-involved, based on the impression of the night, and best of all, Gracie has a REALLY good teacher. She's going to learn so much from Mrs. Christian throughout the year. I expect she'll grow in many more ways than we can imagine right now.
Which leads us to today, her first day of school. As with all milestones, it's welcomed with mixed emotions. It's quite a transition for us and our regimented schedule, which will inevitably need adjusting. Gracie is ready and excited for this new stage in her life. She loves school and when she puts her mind to it, really excels at it. She loves being around people, too. I hope that she makes friends, good choices, and memories that she'll remember when she's 36. I remember peeing in the classroom when I was in 1st grade. I was really embarassed. And I remember walking outside of our portable buildings in Plainview (I think), TX to all of our other classrooms. There was a little girl who I had a crush on, but I don't remember her name. And although I might have been older than 1st grade, I remember having these awesome Dallas Cowboys cleats.
There are two stories from today that I don't want to lose. Right now, they are both on Facebook, but who knows what that will be in the years to come. First is from me:
Experienced the child/parent psuedo-embarrasment this morning, dropping Gracie off for school. I wanted to take a picture and give her a talk, she wanted nothing of it. She gave me the, "daaad." So, I let her go.
And the second is from Steph:
Gotta share: Mike drives off with our first grader this morning. I promptly start crying while walking into the kitchen to pour round two of cereal for the boys. Nick says, "what is it momma?". I say as I look at Gracie's empty bowl and cup, "Gracie's going to be gone all day, what are we going to do without the biscuit?". Sob sob. Max says, " Here, I do this." He hugs me. Then he says, "I go get my tools and fix it."
It's a big day, for sure. We just take it as it comes, do what we can to savour the moment and make the best decisions possible. Try to remain strong.
And whenever we can, take pictures with our kids in the bushes. :-)
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