Two more day’s till we run for the bell. Late night’s of summer reigned in with earlier bedtimes.
Farewell to long, amicable days at leisure round the house. Reading together. Learning together.
Creating crafts, food and music together.
Nurturing the fruit and vegetables growing in our garden. Savouring the sweet taste of summer on our lips. We’ve enjoyed eating together and taking time over our food. Such a relief not having to make packed lunches every day. Breakfasts have frequently involved more than one course; eating like Hobbits we’ve huddled around the kitchen, endless chatter and laughter.
Sisters delighting in a bond so precious, now to be torn apart Monday to Friday and head their separate ways. No more impromptu imaginary play in the garden. The fairies will miss the girls tinkering. I will miss their laughter as I play the piano and delight in the way they get along with such ease.
How I’ve marveled at the new depth of their relationship, having had so much time to spend with each other. Charli reading to Sophie and teaching her new games. Sophie amazing us all in her ability to keep up with Charli and stride out on her own. Charli’s patience with her sister and ability to listen, as well as lead, have made me so proud.
So many days we’ve simply stayed home, playing with neighbours and friends. Other days we’ve ventured out to museums, beaches, gardens and the zoo. Meeting Dan for lunch and after work at the beach, family time at its best.
Learning to read, write and draw, all coming so naturally when immersed in activities and interests to suit their passions. Often they would head out, notebooks and pens tucked in bags, ready to learn from the world around them. Leisurely afternoon’s at the zoo getting close to Weta and Kiwi. Talking to the Zoo keeper’s about the animals. Reading signs, drawing pictures, learning in their own time, at its best.
Ah well, we’ll soon be back to our routines and all the dramas they entail. I shall try to be positive, keep my chin up. Not let my own sadness through. Learn to savour one-on-one time with Sophie again. Settle Sophie into afternoon Kindi, three day’s a week. Maybe I’ll actually join a gym!
The Plan: Nurture knowledge and independence in the morning routine to save my vocal chords in nagging and save my children from having to listen to me nag!
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It sounds like you’ve had a wonderful summer, all of you, building bonds and exploring the world around. Try not to look on school with sadness, instead see it as a time when the girls expand their social horizons and learn how to get the best out of more stuructured environments. Think about all the new friends and ideas they will be exposed to that they can share when they get home. (It is possible that the girls may well pick up on your unhappiness and might start thinking of school as a poor option or something that makes you sad.)Instead relish the time you’ll have with Sophie and plan all those boring adult only tasks for when she’s at kindi. I love those visual timetables you have made for their morning routines. I know how stressful the before school routine can be but getting the girls to take some responsibility should make it easier. Come on, I know you’ll cope wonderfully.
Dear Ruta, Thank you so much and yes, you are right, I know that I must not allow my emotions to project on the girls. I am working harder on this aspect. I know, in time, it will get easier – I just wish I wasn’t so emotional at times! Such a softie I am! Your words have made me feel much brighter and more confident. I shall step forth on Wednesday with a smile on my face. It’s only a two day week, nice and gentle return, with Friday being a public holiday – Waitangi Day. Very many thanks again, Sarah
sarah –
yes, summer has seemed to whizz by this year –
wishing you and the girls many happy adventures this year and a wonderful peaceful time settling in over the next week or two.
mwah X
Thanks so much Katie – all the best to you too and hope the sun keeps smiling on us looonnnng time! x
The pictures tell it all what a wonderful summer you have had and the previous blogs of all you’ve done. Enjoy the excitement of the new term and sure all will be fine. Also enjoy some time to explore new things while you have some precious time to yourself. Sure all will be fine darling.
Thanks Mum, will do! x
Awww honey you need to not worry so much! (However that message I had today says otherwise). If school is really such a big issue you need to do something about it. Don’t sit there listening to other people saying it will be OK. You know best and if you think its not working then find other options. Sadly its the parent that only gets one chance to make this perfect, so make sure you feel 110% happy with all that is happening.
Good luck honey xxx
Thanks Marrisa, we’ll get there. The school is wonderful, it’s just Charli has always been happy in her own company and it will take her a while to find her feet – but I know she’ll get there (with plenty of emotional ups and downs for her and I!). All part of growing up – and for me, growing old alongside her! Thanks so much for your kind words and thoughts, you know they mean so much to me. Sarah x
Is summer over already – you guys seemed to have packed so much in. Love those collages too, they really bring movement and evoke the memories much more.
JT
Awww, thanks Julie! I could do with that jazzy software you’re using to do your layouts – your produce from the garden looks divine! Sarah x
That is one funky hot choc in the picture!!!
Hi Meg from Nelson (one of my most favourite places in NZ and somewhere I often dream about living). The hot choc is a favourite for my gals. I love my coffee and am often whipping up a latte whilst the girls sit around the breakfast bar enjoying their ‘fluffies’!